Emergency Prepared

Money help after a flood

DRAFT: This guide is waiting for review. Figures and wording may change before launch.

  • Money and documents
  • Water

After a flood, start with your insurer: call them as soon as it is safe, take photos and keep receipts. Some help only exists after a serious flood, when the government switches on flood recovery support. Then councils may offer grants and council tax relief to flooded homes, so check your council’s website. If you find home insurance hard to get because of flood risk, Flood Re helps many homes get affordable cover. If money runs out, your council or nation’s crisis fund may be able to help.

What you need

Grants and council tax relief

After some serious floods, the government asks councils to help flooded homes. This can include a grant towards recovery costs and a break from council tax while you cannot live at home. This help is not available all the time. It only exists once the government switches it on for a particular flood.

To find out if it applies to you:

  • Check your council’s website in the days after the flood. Councils post what help they are giving.
  • Phone your council and ask whether flood recovery help has been switched on.
  • Follow local news, which usually reports when help is announced.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

  • Flood recovery grants and council tax relief. After some serious floods, government asks councils to give grants and council tax relief to flooded homes. Read the flood recovery framework on GOV.UK . Last checked 29 October 2026 (DRAFT).

In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, ask your council what help there is. Read about flooding help on mygov.scot. Read about flooding help on nidirect.

Insurance claims: the basics

  1. Call your insurer as soon as it is safe. Ask what to do next and whether they can arrange a place to stay.
  2. Take photos and videos of the damage and the water level before you clean up.
  3. Keep receipts for anything you buy, like cleaning things or a place to stay.
  4. Do not throw away damaged items until your insurer says you can. Food that floodwater has touched is the exception: throw it away.
  5. Write down every call: the date, who you spoke to and what they said.

If you rent, your landlord usually insures the building. Your contents insurance covers your own things.

Affordable insurance in flood-risk areas

If money runs out

Your nation’s crisis fund may be able to help with essentials:

For free advice on money after a flood, contact Citizens Advice.

What you probably already own

  • Your insurance documents, or the insurer’s name and policy number. Keep a copy in your grab bag.
  • A phone camera, for photos of the damage.
  • A pen and paper, to note calls and costs.

Keep copies of important papers in a waterproof bag before any flood. Our flood grab bag guide shows what to pack. Check flood warnings and get local numbers for your postcode on our area page.

What to buy, if anything

Nothing, to get help. Grants, advice and Flood Re are free to ask about. Be careful of anyone who knocks on your door after a flood offering to do repairs for cash. Check with your insurer first.

Free tools and kit picks for this guide

Check flood and weather warnings and local numbers for my postcode

Flood and weather warnings near you, your power network and water company.

Find help with costs I may be able to get

5 private questions, then a printable list of schemes to check, like help with bills and free safety visits.

Common questions

Is there always a flood grant?

No. Flood recovery grants and council tax relief only exist after some serious floods, when the government switches them on. Your council will say on its website if it is giving this help.

Should I throw away damaged things straight away?

Not before your insurer agrees. Take photos first and ask your insurer what to keep. Throw away food that floodwater has touched.

I rent my home. Who claims?

Your landlord usually insures the building. Your own contents insurance covers your belongings. Tell your landlord about the flood straight away.

Local numbers

  • Power cut in England, Scotland or Wales: call 105. It is free and connects you to your local network.
  • Power cut in Northern Ireland: call NIE Networks on 03457 643643.
  • Flood warnings in England, Wales or Scotland: call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
  • Flooding in Northern Ireland: call the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.
  • Urgent medical help that is not an emergency: call NHS 111.
  • If someone is in danger: call 999.

Find the power network, water company and live warnings for your postcode.

Printable version

Sources

Last reviewed: . This page is a draft and has not yet been approved.