When Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred struck, many people were left dealing with significant damage to their homes, livelihoods, and communities. Understanding the disaster support available can be overwhelming, especially with multiple types of financial aid coming from both federal and state governments.
A Joint Effort: Federal and State Government Support
The Australian Government works hand-in-hand with state and territory governments to provide relief to those impacted by natural disasters. This collaboration is part of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The DRFA ensures that both levels of government offer help to affected communities, but it’s the state or territory government that ultimately decides who gets the assistance and the type of help they are entitled to.
During major events like Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Australian Government steps in with specific financial support to help the affected populations get back on their feet.
Federal Support: Helping You Get Back on Your Feet
Two key forms of federal support are available:
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) provides income support for up to 13 weeks to people who have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. If you were unable to get to work or your business had to close because of flooding or damage caused by the cyclone, the DRA is there to help bridge the gap.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a one-off payment designed to assist people who have been significantly affected by the disaster.
The payment offers $1,000 per adult and $400 per child to those whose primary residence has been destroyed or heavily damaged due to the cyclone.
To check eligibility for these payments, you can visit the Services Australia website.
State Government Support: Tailored Assistance for Local Needs
While the federal government offers broad support, state governments provide assistance specific to the needs of their local populations. If you’re in Queensland (QLD) or New South Wales (NSW), there are various state-level grants available for those affected by the cyclone:
NSW & QLD Emergency/Personal Hardship Assistance Grants:
For individuals, a $180 grant is available to help cover essential needs like food, clothing, and medicine. Families may be eligible for up to $900 to assist with their basic living costs.
Queensland’s Essential Services Hardship Assistance (QLD):
If you’ve lost access to essential services such as electricity or water for more than five consecutive days, Queensland residents may receive up to $150 per person, with families of five or more being eligible for up to $750.
Queensland’s Essential Household Contents Grants (QLD):
To help replace destroyed essential household contents, Queensland offers grants of up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families. This can help people replace furniture, appliances, or personal items lost during the disaster.
Queensland’s Structural Assistance Grants (QLD):
For uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers, Queensland provides grants of up to $80,000 to help repair or rebuild disaster-damaged homes. This ensures that homes are restored to a safe and habitable condition.
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme (QLD):
If essential services like electricity or gas were disconnected, Queensland residents who are uninsured and low-income can access two forms of support under this scheme:
- Inspection: Up to $200 towards a safety inspection for each essential service needing reconnection (e.g., electricity, gas, or water).
- Repair: Up to $4,200 for repair work necessary to restore these services to a safe and operational state.
Eligibility and How to Apply
For those eligible for AGDRP and DRA, the quickest way to claim is online via myGov. If you need assistance with the process, the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66 is available to guide you through the steps.
It’s crucial to ensure you’re applying for the right form of support based on your personal situation. Don’t rush into claiming a payment if it’s not the right one for you – applying for the wrong support may leave you out of pocket.
For state-level assistance, you’ll need to visit the relevant state government websites to access the application forms. Each state government has its own process, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully for the support available in your area.
