The Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance has been extended to eligible individuals in 12 additional local government areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flooding impacting large areas of New South Wales in September and October.
Eligible people in the 12 LGAs of Albury, Berrigan, Carrathool, Cobar, Federation, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and Wagga Wagga can now claim.
This brings the total number of LGAs in New South Wales receiving support from the Australian Government for this event to 43.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance assists employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster and is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a taxable, fortnightly payment.
Equivalent financial assistance is also available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.
People impacted by the floods can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
More information about the payments, including all eligible local government areas is available at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website at www.nema.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP
Services Australia is continuing to provide vital support to regional communities impacted by flooding across New South Wales.
I encourage people who have lost income because of the floods to check their eligibility for the Disaster Recovery Allowance at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents before lodging a claim.
The quickest and easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
We are continuing to extend federal disaster support to more areas as more damage reports become available and the ongoing impact of these widespread floods is recognised.
Small businesses can be hardest hit during these events and returning to work for many may not be possible at this time, so our priority is to help alleviate some of the financial pressure isolated communities are experiencing.
The government is monitoring weather systems closely and we are poised to respond accordingly as the situation develops across New South Wales and the rest of the country.