Joint media release with the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) for communities in the New South Wales Hunter and Mid North Coast regions affected by recent flooding and heavy rainfall.
From 2:00pm local time on Monday 26 May, DRA will be available to people who live or work in the Kempsey, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Mid-Coast, and Dungog Local Government Areas (LGAs).
People who have lost income as a direct result of this event may be eligible for DRA, which offers up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
The Albanese Government is working closely with all levels of government and will continue to activate appropriate support for impacted communities.
This Allowance is in addition to support activated by the Albanese and Minns Governments across 16 Local Government Areas in the Hunter and Mid North Coast, under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
DRAF is administered by the NSW Government, with more information available at Recovering from a natural disaster.
People can check their eligibility for DRA on the Services Australia website.
The quickest way to claim is online through myGov, or via the myGov app.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, Katy Gallagher:
"This flood event is having a significant impact on regional NSW communities and our government is working hard to support them during this difficult time.
"Services Australia staff are well practiced in supporting those affected during times of emergency, and will be working hard to process claims as quickly as possible.
"Disaster Recovery Allowance will provide much-needed relief for workers who've lost income, and I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia's website."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"Many people across the Hunter and Mid North Coast region will have had their employment impacted by these floods, which is why the Albanese Government is activating this direct assistance - with up to 13 weeks of income support available to eligible workers.
"We're also working closely with the Minns Government to activate a range of payments to meet the different ways communities have been impacted - and will continue working with all levels of government during this event and into recovery.
"This flood event is causing widespread damage and isolation and with waters so high, it's important that people continue to keep up to date with the warnings and listen to the advice of emergency services."
