The Australian government has activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to help those most affected by storms and floods in Victoria.
Residents of the local government areas of Hepburn, Latrobe, Moorabool and Yarra Ranges can now access the support package.
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the package provides for payments to those who have suffered a significant loss due to storms and floods.
“The AGDRP is a one-time payment of $ 1,000 for eligible adults and $ 400 for children who have suffered significant losses, including a severely damaged or destroyed home,” said Minister Littleproud.
“The DRA is offering up to 13 weeks of income support to people whose income has been affected as a result of this horrific event.
“By making these payments available, the Australian government is helping people get back on their feet with dignity and respect. ”
Government Services Minister Senator Linda Reynolds CSC said Services Australia was mobilizing staff to provide immediate support.
“Supporting communities during crisis is what Services Australia is designed to do,” said Minister Reynolds.
“The agency’s mobile service center (MSC), Golden Wattle, is rapidly deployed to Victoria to provide additional assistance to people on the ground. The MSC has social workers and staff on board who can offer support and referrals to local support services, as well as advice on how to claim payments in the event of a disaster.
“The easiest and fastest way to request disaster assistance is to call Services Australia on 180 22 66. Our service centers, agents and access points also remain open throughout the world. region, but I urge people not to travel unless it is safe, and to conduct their usual business online or over the phone whenever possible.
If you’ve been affected by recent storms and floods in Victoria and are paying off Centrelink debt, Services Australia can help. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and need to withhold your repayments, please call the Centrelink Debt Recovery line at 1 800 076 072.
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available for eligible New Zealand citizens (special category “unprotected” visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by storms and floods.
The Services Australia disaster hotlines are open today, Friday 18th June. This line will be available local time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on the support available, visit
servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
More information on Australian Government Disaster Assistance including a full list of local government areas where payment has been enabled is available at
www.disasterassist.gov.au
