Federal Government

You can get it for a maximum of 13 weeks paid from the date you started losing income as a direct result of the disaster.

You may be eligible if you:

• were 16 or older at the time of the disaster (there are additional conditions if you are aged between 16 and 21.
• are an Australian resident or meet other residence rules
• work or live in a declared Local Government Area
• lost some or all of your income as a direct result of the disaster- You don’t need to have lost all your income to be eligible for this payment.
• earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the 13 weeks after this income loss – this is $1,924.60 per week before tax as per ABS.

You can’t get DRA if you are already receiving Federal income support payments during your claim period including age pension, JobSeeker, Austudy, Carer payment, disability support payment, parenting payment, youth allowance etc. or allowances such as ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Parental Leave Pay or Self Employment Allowance.

If you are eligible you will receive maximum equivalent rate of Jobseeker or Youth Allowance depending on your circumstances.

The payments will be taxable.

This can be claimed online using your MyGov account.

For more information Qld Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Mar 2025 – Disaster Recovery Allowance – Services Australia

 

 

QLD government

In wake of Cyclone Alfred, the Qld government has released the following support packages for those most impacted.

Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant

For help with essential needs, food, medication, clothing and temporary accommodation.

You may be eligible if you:

• live in or are stranded in the affected area
• have experienced personal hardship and can’t meet your immediate essential needs.

Grant amount:

• $180 for individuals
• up to $900 for families of 5 or more.

More information about the Emergency Hardship Assistance grant.

 

Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant

For help with essential services such as, power, gas, water, and sewage.

You may be eligible if you:

• you live in the affected area
• you have lost 1 or more essential services for more than 5 days and are experiencing personal hardship as a result
• your utility service provider/s confirm that you lost these essential services.

Grant amount:

• $150 for individuals
• up to $750 for families of 5 or more.

More information about the Essential Services Hardship Assistance grant.

 

Essential Household Contents Grant

To replace essential lost household contents, such as bed linen and white goods. This grant may be available if you:

• live in the affected area
• own the items that have been lost
• own or rent the affected residence
• are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
• meet the income limits.

This will require an inspection of the home to assess the damage and photographic evidence if items must be disposed of.

Grant amount:

• $1,765 for individuals
• up to $5,300 for couples or families.

More information about the Essential Household Contents Grant.

 

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme (ESSRS)

To help with safety inspections and repairs to reconnect essential services, e.g. gas, water, electricity and sewage.

You may be eligible if you:

• live in the affected area
• have had your essential services disconnected
• own and live in the affected residence
• are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
• meet the income limits.

This will require an inspection of the home to assess the damage.

Grant amount:

• Inspection costs—$200 for safety inspection for water, electricity, gas and sewage.
• $4,200 for repairs or replacement of these services.

More information about the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme.

 

Structural Assistance Grant

To help with structural repairs or contribution towards replacement of dwelling.

This grant may be available if:

• you live in the affected area
• you own and live in the affected residence
• your home has become structurally unsafe to live in
• you are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
• you meet the income limits.

This will require an inspection of the home to assess the damage.

Grant amount:

Uninsured, low income, owner-occupiers may receive up to a maximum of $80,000 to help repair your home to make it safe, secure and habitable.

More information about the Structural Assistance Grant.

 

 

NSW government

NSW government also has similar support options for Northern NSW Residents impacted

Disaster Relief Grant

Disaster Relief Grants | NSW Government

 

Banks

Most major banks have release relief packages for their customers who are affected:

 

NAB has a $1000 Disaster Relief Grants to customers severely impacted

Check if you’re eligible for a Disaster Relief Grant – NAB

CBA-  Emergency Assistance – CommBank

ANZ – Natural Disaster Support | ANZ

Westpac- Disaster Support | Westpac

BOQ – Natural disaster