The Australian Government has activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to support those most impacted by the storms and flooding in Victoria.
People in the Hepburn, Latrobe, Moorabool and Yarra Ranges local government areas can now access the support package.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the package provides payments to those who had suffered a significant loss due to the storms and floods.
"The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for children, who have suffered significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home," Minister Littleproud said.
"The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of income support to people whose income has been affected because of this awful event.
"By making these payments available, the Australian Government is helping people get back on their feet with dignity and respect."
Minister for Government Services Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Services Australia is mobilising staff to provide immediate support.
"Supporting communities through crisis is what Services Australia is geared to do," Minister Reynolds said.
"The agency's Mobile Service Centre (MSC) Golden Wattle is being swiftly deployed to Victoria to provide additional assistance to people on the ground. The MSC has social workers and staff on board who can offer support and referrals to local support services, as well as advice on how to claim disaster payments.
"The easiest and fastest way to claim disaster assistance is by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66. Our Service Centres and Agents and Access Points also remain open across the area, but I urge people to not travel unless it's safe to do so, and to manage their regular business online or over the phone where possible."
If you've been affected by recent storms and floods in Victoria and are repaying a Centrelink debt, Services Australia is able to help. If you're experiencing financial hardship and need to pause your repayments, please call the Centrelink Debt Recovery line on 1800 076 072.
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the storms and floods.
Services Australia's Disaster Assistance phone lines are open today, Friday 18 June. This line will be available local time from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday, and 9.30am to 1.30pm Sunday. For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
More information on Australian Government disaster assistance, including a full list of local government areas where the payment has been activated is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au
