Australians affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now apply for financial support through Centrelink, with payments of up to $6,500 available for those who lost income due to the disaster.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is designed to help impacted workers and sole traders get back on their feet.
Government Launches Disaster Recovery Payments
From 2 PM AEDT today, Australians who have suffered income loss as a direct result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can apply for financial assistance via myGov. The government has activated this disaster relief measure to provide up to 13 weeks of income support to affected individuals.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured affected communities that support is available, stating:
“My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.”
Who Is Eligible for the $6,500 Payment?
To qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Live or work in one of the 31 disaster-affected areas across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales
- Be 16 years or older
- Have lost some or all of their income due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
- Have an income that has dropped below the average Australian weekly earnings
The allowance is available to individuals whose businesses were shut down, or whose workplaces were forced to close due to the cyclone’s impact.
Full List of Eligible Areas
Queensland:
- Brisbane
- Fraser Coast
- Gold Coast
- Gympie
- Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley
- Logan
- Moreton Bay
- Noosa
- Redland
- Scenic Rim
- Somerset
- Southern Downs
- Sunshine Coast
New South Wales:
- Armidale
- Ballina
- Bellingen
- Byron
- Clarence Valley
- Coffs Harbour
- Dungog
- Glen Innes Severn
- Kempsey
- Kyogle
- Lismore
- Mid-Coast
- Nambucca
- Port Macquarie-Hastings
- Richmond
- Tenterfield
- Tweed
- Lord Howe Island (including any islands within a 3-nautical-mile radius)
How Much Can Applicants Receive?
The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides payments at either the JobSeeker or Youth Allowance rate, depending on the applicant’s situation. The maximum amount available is $1,007 per fortnight, with payments distributed fortnightly for up to 13 weeks from the date income loss began.
How to Apply for the Payment
Eligible individuals can apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance through the Services Australia website via myGov.
Payments will be processed based on individual circumstances, and applicants are encouraged to submit their claims as soon as possible to receive assistance promptly.
This financial support aims to provide critical relief for those facing economic hardship following the cyclone, helping communities recover from the disaster’s impact.
