The federal government of Australia has announced financial support for people affected by the disastrous floods currently ravaging south-east Queensland and Northern NSW. Outlined in the information below is what support is available to affected people and how to apply. As the extreme weather event is still unfolding, please refer to the links provided for the most up to date outline of which local government areas – LGAs – the payments apply to.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment can help if you’ve been significantly affected by the South East Queensland or Northern NSW floods starting in February 2022. It’s a lump sum payment to help you if you’re in a Local Government Area that’s been declared for a disaster.
- $1,000 per adult
- $400 for each child younger than 16.
- Available to Australian residents or eligible visa holders
- It’s not for minor damage or inconvenience.
- You can choose to get this payment in 2 installments.
- You have until 28 August 2022 to make a claim
You must meet eligibility rules to get the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment as outlined on the Services NSW website and live in one of the affected Local Government Areas listed in the links below:
Australian residents must claim the Disaster Recovery Payment online or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66. If you’re a protected visa holder, you’re considered to be an Australian resident and can claim online also. To claim online, you need a myGov account linked to Centrelink. Full steps on how to claim online are outlined here.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
The DRA assists employees, small business persons and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of the February 2022 floods in South East Queensland or Northern NSW. This allowance provides for a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you started losing income as a direct result of the floods in February 2022.
- You have until 28 August 2022 to make a claim
- Available to Australian residents or eligible visa holders
- If you’re eligible, you’ll get the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances.
- If your income is more than the average Australian weekly income amount of $1,737.10, we’ll reduce your payment to zero.
- If you’re part of a couple, you can both claim this payment. You and your partner will need to make separate claims.
- DRA is a taxable payment. You can ask us to withhold voluntary tax deductions from your payments.
- If you get DRA you might be able to get the Beneficiary Tax Offset. This may reduce the amount of tax you pay.
You must meet eligibility rules to get the Disaster Recovery Allowance as outlined on the Services NSW website and work or live in one of the affected Local Government Areas listed in the links below:
Australian residents must claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance online or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66. Full steps on how to claim online are outlined here.
Business support – Grants and Loans
January to March 2022 storm and flood financial support
The NSW and Australian governments will be offering financial support to businesses or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the NSW storms and floods of January to March 2022.
Get notified when financial support is available.
Disaster assistance for flood-affected farmers
Primary producers impacted by NSW storms and floods may be eligible for special disaster grants to help them return to business as soon as possible.
Primary producers affected by floods from February 2022 can apply for grants of up to $75,000. Visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
Disaster relief loans
A range of assistance is available to businesses affected by severe weather and flooding in NSW from 22 February 2022 onwards. Visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority or call 1800 678 593 for further details.
- Primary producers – may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 and transport subsidies up to $15,000.
- Small businesses – may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000.
- Not-for-profit organisations – may be eligible for concessional loans up to $25,000.
- Sporting clubs – may be eligible for concessional loans up to $10,000.
Disaster Relief Grant for Individuals
If your home or essential household contents were damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for the Disaster Relief Grant for individuals. Financial assistance is provided to help people to recover from the effects of a disaster and re-establish a basic standard of living. It is not provided to replace insurance or compensate for losses. Apply here.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this natural disaster. Stay safe x
UPDATE: NSW FLOOD SUPPORT EXTENDED
The NSW Government has announced $930 million of support for flood impacted areas of NSW. This is in addition to the almost $1 billion in emergency response and relief already provided.
The additional support measures for individuals and businesses.
Individuals
- Extra Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments of up to $2,000 for residents of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Tweed.
- $142 million for a Property Assistance and Demolition Program to assess properties and demolish those found to be uninhabitable across disaster declared LGAs.
Businesses
Small and Medium-sized Business Package in the Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Tweed, including:
- Grants up to $10,000 for eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organisations that have experienced a minimum 40 per cent decline in turnover in March 2022 due to the impacts of flooding. Not available to businesses that have received the $50,000 Disaster Recovery Grants.
- Grants of up to $200,000 for medium sized businesses, employing more than 20 and up to 200 employees that have been impacted by floods, to assist with clean-up, essential repairs and replacement not covered by insurance.
For more information about all available flood assistance visit nsw.gov.au.
