Joint press release
Senator the Honorable Bridget McKenzie
Minister of Emergency Management, National Recovery and Resilience
Senator the Honorable Anne Ruston
Acting Minister of Government Services
Starting Tuesday, Queenslanders in communities affected by the current flooding can apply for financial support from the Liberal and National Government.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be available from 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 11, 2022 to support residents of the local government areas of Bundaberg, Gympie and Fraser Coast.
Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie said a number of communities have been severely affected by severe flooding and storms, with lives tragically lost.
“By making this financial support available, the Liberal and National government is helping people get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said Minister McKenzie.
“The disaster recovery payment is a one-time, means-tested payment of $ 1,000 for eligible adults and $ 400 for eligible children. This payment is available to anyone in affected local government areas who has suffered a significant loss, including a badly damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.
“The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income support payment to help people whose income has been affected as a result of this catastrophic event. The allowance is available for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of the jobseeker’s allowance or the youth allowance.
“The Liberal and National government continue to provide support in the hope of strengthening and uplifting communities as they overcome the significant damage caused by these events. “
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available for eligible New Zealand citizens (special category “unprotected” visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by storms and floods.
Acting Minister of Government Services, Senator the Honorable Anne Ruston encouraged residents affected by the flooding to apply for assistance.
“The easiest and fastest way to claim disaster recovery payment is online through myGov. People can prepare to claim by creating a myGov account if they don’t already have one, ”said Minister Ruston.
“For the Disaster Recovery Benefit, people will need to apply over the phone by calling the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66.
“To provide additional support, the Australian government is also suspending Centrelink debt lifting and new debt collection in affected locations.
“Services Australia staff are available to take calls between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm local time, Monday through Friday. “
Check your eligibility at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
