Residents affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and northern New South Wales can now access the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a government support initiative confirmed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The application process for this assistance was made available starting at 2 pm today through the myGOV website. The recovery from this disaster is expected to be a long-term process, as stated by Albanese.
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The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) serves as a temporary financial aid for individuals who have suffered income loss directly due to a disaster. This allowance can provide up to 13 weeks of support for employees, small business owners, and farmers who have experienced a decline in their earnings.
To claim the disaster payment, applicants must have a myGOV login and a Centrelink account. By visiting the Centrelink website, individuals can navigate to the ‘Make a claim’ section, select ‘Help in an emergency,’ and proceed to ‘Apply for Disaster Recovery Allowance.’ Alternatively, assistance can be sought by contacting Centrelink through the Emergency information line.
Eligibility for the Disaster Recovery Allowance is open to Australian residents and specific visa holders aged 16 and above who can demonstrate the direct impact of the disaster on their income. Those residing in the 31 affected regions across southeast Queensland and northern NSW, including areas like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, and Tweed, qualify for this support.
The payment amount under the Disaster Recovery Allowance is determined based on individual circumstances, with rates equivalent to JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance. This support is provided fortnightly for a maximum of 13 weeks from the onset of income loss, rather than as a lump sum payment.
Additional financial aid options are available, such as lump sum income support, financial hardship payments, and a three-month hold on Centrelink debts. Queensland has introduced an Emergency Hardship Assistance (EHA) grant, offering up to $180 per person or $900 for families of five or more to address immediate needs like food, clothing, and temporary accommodation for those facing hardship.
Moreover, New South Wales is expected to roll out similar disaster grants in the near future to assist residents impacted by disasters. These initiatives aim to provide essential relief to individuals and families struggling in the aftermath of catastrophic events like Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
As communities strive to recover and rebuild following the devastation caused by the cyclone, these government support programs play a crucial role in assisting individuals and businesses in regaining stability and moving forward from the disaster’s impact.
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