Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) has been extended to the additional local government areas (LGAs) of Cowra and Lachlan in New South Wales as severe flooding continue to impact large parts of the state.
The one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child is available to eligible people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, or a serious injury.
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
The extension brings the total number of New South Wales LGAs to 16, with the payment already available to residents in the LGAs of Cabonne, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Gunnedah, Lachlan, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Murray River, Narrabri, Parkes, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan, Walgett and Wagga Wagga.
The Cowra and Lachlan areas were already eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) - a 13-week federal income support for employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.
The Australian and New South Wales government also previously activated the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for these regions, providing a range of primary producer and small business grants, hardship grants, as well as support to help councils to clean up and repair essential infrastructure.
Information about payment eligibility for both AGDRP and DRA and how to apply can be found on the Services Australia website.
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
People impacted by the floods can also 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.
For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive recent flooding throughout Eastern Australia, visit National Emergency Management Agency.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:
We are continuing to extend assistance to more regions as the full extent of the damage is realised.
Having visited the Central West personally and talked to people on the ground, I know this extra support will help communities with immediate needs like food and clothing. It will complement other assistance the federal government is providing like 13-week income support, clean up assistance, and grants for primary producers, landholders and small businesses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten:
This Commonwealth financial support is designed to help people access essential assistance during this ongoing disaster.
Services Australia staff are working hard to make payments available as soon as possible, to help people meet their immediate needs.
If you've been impacted by these floods, I encourage you to check your eligibility for these payments and where to find Services Australia staff in your community.
