Port Stephens was one of 12 local government areas (LGA) declared a natural disaster zone by Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan and NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott on Wednesday, April 22, following Monday's severe storm.

Residents in the Port Stephens and Great Lakes could qualify for disaster assistance.

The disaster recovery payment provides a one-off payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children.

It is available for people who were seriously injured or are the immediate family members of those who died, or those whose home was destroyed or sustained severe damage as a result of the storms.

The disaster recovery allowance provides support to residents whose income has been directly affected by the disaster and is also designed to help with the longer term recovery process.

It provides payments for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance, for eligible Australian residents.

Service NSW centres in Mayfield, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Singleton would be open between noon and 4pm on on Saturday, April 25 and between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, April 26 to assist affected residents with claims for assistance.

Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin said the department’s mobile service centre would also be supporting residents in Dungog, one of the areas worst affected by the disaster.

“The vehicle will be on the ground in Dungog on Saturday before travelling to Paterson and Vacy on Sunday, road conditions permitting, to offer support to those communities," Mr Baldwin said.