Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
Federal government assistance has now been extended to more Victorian local government areas (LGA) which have been affected by recent severe storms and flooding.
The flood impacted areas of Casey, Latrobe, Maroondah and Wellington can now apply for Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) - up to 13 weeks of federal income support for employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.
This brings the total number of areas receiving federal disaster assistance to 60.
Maroondah and the Mornington Peninsula are also eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), making the one-off, non-means tested support available to a total of 28 Victorian LGAs.
The payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available to 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 2 assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
Claims for both payments can be made online through myGov, 24 hours a day. Information about payment eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Services Australia website.
If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Assistance is also being provided to each area under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) which provides a range of hardship grants, Council clean up assistance and support for primary producers like freight subsidies and concessional loans.
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.
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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:
This is a constantly evolving situation with more communities now facing the clean up and re-build. We will continue to add and extend support as the full extent of the damage is reported.
This assistance will help individuals with their immediate needs like food and clothing and pay their bills, as they get back on their feet.
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.
