The disaster relief payments you may be eligible for after western Queensland’s flooding and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Within just one month, Australia has faced a series of devastating weather events, from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred wreaking havoc in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland, to flooding in western Queensland. In response, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, alongside state governments, has announced several types of disaster relief assistance to support those affected. “At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character,” Albanese said in Longreach in western Queensland on Saturday. “My message to Queenslanders in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.” Here’s what we know about the support on offer. What did Albanese announce for western Queensland? Following heavy rainfall and flooding in western Queensland, which began on 21 March, Albanese announced the disaster recovery allowance would be available for 15 affected local government areas. They are: Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bulloo, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Flinders, Longreach, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Richmond and Winton. This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event. He also announced $105m, jointly funded with the Queensland government, to repair thousands of kilometres of exclusion fencing damaged by flood waters so far, to protect livestock from feral pigs and dogs. An additional $7m will also be spend on fodder for livestock. Who is eligible for the disaster recovery allowance? To be eligible you must be: Sixteen years or older. A worker or sole trader who has suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event. Able to prove your income has fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods. Living in one of the 15 LGAs affected by the Queensland floods or the 31 declared cyclone-affected areas in south-east Queensland and northern NSW. You can check your eligibility here. How much is the disaster recovery allowance? Money will be paid fortnightly at either the jobseeker or youth allowance rates, depending on your personal circumstances. The maximum amount available, equal to the maximum jobseeker payment, is $1,007 a fortnight. Is the allowance difference to the disaster recovery payment? Yes, the disaster recovery payment is a one-off lump sum payment while the disaster recovery allowance is a short-term, ongoing income support payment for those affected by a disaster. To be eligible for a disaster recovery payment you must have suffered the most extreme impacts including major damage to your home, serious injury or loss of a loved one as a result of either the western Queensland floods or ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. You can check your eligibility here. Eligible residents can receive $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. How do I apply for the disaster recovery payment? The easiest way to apply is online, through your myGov account. If you need further assistance with your claim, call the Australian government emergency information line on 180 22 66. And what about state government grants? Both the Queensland and NSW governments have also announced personal hardship financial assistance grants available for communities impacted by the weather events. Each has specific eligibility requirements, however, for people in Queensland, you must be: In one of the impacted areas listed here (for the western Queensland floods) or here (for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred). Aged 18 years or older – if you are under the age of 18, you can contact the community recovery hotline on 1800 173 349 to get advice on how to lodge an application. To check which grants you may be eligible for in Queensland, fill out the online form available here. Meanwhile, in NSW, a one-off payment of $180 for individuals and up to $900 is available for essential costs such as food, clothing, medicine and emergency accommodation. To be eligible you must be: In one of the impacted areas for the listed here. Aged 18 years or older. Have been subject to an evacuation order, with a category “red” emergency warning, or have experienced a power outage of more than 48 hours. You will need: A MyServiceNSW account with your details up to date. Proof of identity, such as a document that shows your full name and date of birth. You may also need details from two identity documents (such as Australian driver’s licence, Medicare card or passport). Your bank account details to receive the payment. Applications opened on 12 March and close on 8 April.