Australians affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred<\/strong> can now apply for financial support through Centrelink<\/strong>, with payments of up to $6,500<\/strong> available for those who lost income due to the disaster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Disaster Recovery Allowance<\/strong>, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese<\/strong>, is designed to help impacted workers and sole traders get back on their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 2 PM AEDT today<\/strong>, Australians who have suffered income loss<\/strong> 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<\/strong> to affected individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese<\/strong> assured affected communities that support is available, stating:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cMy message to these communities in this difficult time is we\u2019ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Who Is Eligible for the $6,500 Payment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance<\/a><\/strong>, applicants must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Live or work in one of the 31 disaster-affected areas across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be 16 years or older<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have lost some or all of their income due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have an income that has dropped below the average Australian weekly earnings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The allowance is available to individuals whose businesses were shut down, or whose workplaces were forced to close due to the cyclone\u2019s impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Full List of Eligible Areas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Queensland:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Brisbane<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fraser Coast<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gold Coast<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gympie<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ipswich<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lockyer Valley<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Logan<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moreton Bay<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Noosa<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Redland<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Scenic Rim<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Somerset<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Southern Downs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sunshine Coast<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
New South Wales:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Armidale<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ballina<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bellingen<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Byron<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clarence Valley<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coffs Harbour<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dungog<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Glen Innes Severn<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kempsey<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kyogle<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lismore<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mid-Coast<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nambucca<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Port Macquarie-Hastings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Richmond<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tenterfield<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tweed<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lord Howe Island<\/strong> (including any islands within a 3-nautical-mile radius)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How Much Can Applicants Receive?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides payments at either the JobSeeker <\/strong>or Youth Allowance rate<\/strong>, depending on the applicant\u2019s situation. The maximum amount available is $1,007 per fortnight<\/strong>, with payments distributed fortnightly<\/strong> for up to 13 weeks<\/strong> from the date income loss began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Apply for the Payment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eligible individuals can apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance through the Services Australia website via myGov<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n