The Northern Territory Government has moved quickly to support residents impacted by Cyclone Fina with $250 disaster payments available from tomorrow.
The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements will be activated immediately to support residents impacted for more than 72 hours without power.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the payments will not be means tested and will be available to any resident without power since Cyclone Fina hit on the weekend.
"This payment will ensure that Territorians have a one-off payment to replace food in order to compensate families as the recovery continues" Mrs Finocchiaro said.
From tomorrow residents can access payments at the Welfare Recovery Centre at the Marrara International Indoor Stadium on Abala Road, Darwin.
The Centre will provide a single point of contact where residents can access a support payment, practical assistance, verified information and referral services.
The process is as follows:
Applicants will be interviewed by recovery staff as part of the assessment process.Residents must provide:Valid IDProof of addressConfirmation that power has been out at that addressPower and Water Corporation will validate whether an applicant's home has been without electricity for the required 72+ hours.Once validated, residents will be issued a payment card on the spot.
The payment will be delivered via a standard debit card loaded with the approved amount.
The card will be credited to the value of $250 which can be spent on food and essentials only.
It cannot be used to purchase alcohol or gambling products.
Additional financial assistance as part of the National Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements between the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.
Further categories of support include:
Means-tested assistance for low-Income residents based off assessments using existing Centrelink income thresholds to ensure support is delivered to Territorians who need it most.Temporary accommodation support for residents who must leave their homes because they are deemed uninhabitable. For example, where toilets are inoperable, roofs have been destroyed, or the home is otherwise unsafe. This category is also means-tested to assist people who may not have the financial capacity to support themselves during displacement.
Application forms for broader recovery payments will be available online in the coming days. Right now, the priority is supporting those eligible for immediate hardship assistance.
Territorians seeking support or information are encouraged to visit the Welfare Recovery Centre or call 1800 888 901.
