Joint media release with The Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Australian Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance has been made available to eligible residents in 27 local government areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flooding impacting large areas of New South Wales in September and October.
The allowance will be available from 2pm tomorrow to eligible LGAs; Blayney, Bogan, Burke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Cowra, Dubbo, Edward River, Forbes, Gilgandra, Glen Innes Severn, Greater Hume, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Lithgow, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Mid-Western, Narrabri, Narromine, Tamworth, Upper Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Weddin.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance has been made available to assist employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster and is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a taxable, fortnightly payment.
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.
The fastest way for residents to claim support is online through myGov. If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
This line is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
People impacted can pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
More information about the payments, including all eligible local government areas is available at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the National Emergency Management Agency's website at www.nema.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP:
Services Australia's priority is helping people access essential disaster assistance as swiftly as possible.
People impacted can check their eligibility for the Disaster Recovery Allowance on the Services Australia website, before lodging a claim for assistance.
This is a modest safety net of financial assistance for our fellow Australians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:
It's clear that people who haven't been able to get to work have been financially impacted by this weather event.
While conditions have eased for now, we are still facing rising flood levels and it remains a serious situation for many residents.
The Albanese Government is keeping a very close eye on the current weather event and stands ready to support NSW residents if the situation worsens.
