Joint media release with the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and the Hon Katy Gallagher MP
The Albanese Government is expanding financial assistance for communities in the New South Wales Hunter and Mid North Coast regions impacted by the devastating floods - activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and extending the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for people in the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Maitland, Mid Coast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The AGDRP helps those who have suffered the most serious impacts, including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather. It's a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be extended to people living in more LGAs. These are: Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha.
This is in addition to those who can already claim in the Dungog, Kempsey, Mid-Coast, and Port Macquarie-Hastings LGAs.
DRA supports people who've lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
People can check their eligibility for AGDRP and DRA on the Services Australia website: Services Australia Natural disaster support
These supports are on top of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements that have been activated to help households, small business, primary producers, and councils.
The quickest way to claim is online through myGov.
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 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.
"The heroes of the SES and other community volunteers - and neighbours looking out for each other.
"We are standing with these communities during the disaster and recovery.
"We are expanding our direct financial assistance to communities affected by the floods.
"We will continue to supplement the response and early relief initiatives being led by the New South Wales and local governments."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:
"The financial assistance we are rolling out across impacted communities will help locals to focus on recovery efforts and ease some pressure during these incredibly distressing circumstances.
"Services Australia staff are working hard to ensure claims are processed as smoothly and as quickly as possible so that those impacted can access these essential supports.
"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:
"These flooding events has impacted communities across the region differently. We are working hand in hand with the New South Wales Government to roll out support for households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.
"Today's extension of the Disaster Recovery Allowance will help eligible workers who have had their employments impacted by these floods.
"We know that this is still early days for the recovery, but we are here for the long haul and will continue working with all levels of government."
