More than 20,000 People Receive $33 Million In Australian Government Food Disaster Payments

More than 20,000 people seriously affected by the New South Wales floods that started in September last year have received over $33 million in Australian Government disaster support.

Severe flooding across New South Wales impacted significant parts of the state causing damage to homes, properties, buildings, assets, infrastructure and businesses.

The Australian Government made disaster payments available to assist with the recovery of impacted people, but those assistance measures end Sunday, July 9.

As of 29 June 2023, one off, non means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments, (AGDRP) totalling $26.3 million have been provided to 21,715 eligible individuals in 26 local government areas.

The payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available to those people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.

As of 29 June 2023, Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) payments totalling $7.2 million have been provided to 1,857 eligible individuals in 76 local government areas.

The DRA payment assists employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster and is a taxable, fortnightly payment made payable for a maximum of 13 weeks.

National Emergency Management Agency Coordinator, General Brendan Moon said these payments complemented the significant recovery packages that the Australian and NSW Governments were delivering under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, right across disaster-impacted communities in the state.

“I encourage people who were impacted by the New South Wales floods to access the support made available to help people with their recovery needs,” General Moon said.

Services Australia’s General Manager, Hank Jongen said when Australians were in need, the Australian Government was there.

“Supporting communities through crisis is what Services Australia is geared to do, and they have a proud track record of being there to help when people need it most,” Mr Jongen said.

“Services Australia continues to work closely with local, state and federal government agencies in New South Wales to ensure people impacted can access the help they need, as quickly as possible.”

The simplest way for eligible people to claim is online through myGov, which is available 24 hours a day.

For information on eligibility and how to apply, via servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport.

For information on all assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive flooding, please visit nema.gov.au.

• Topics:

• Floods
• Grant / Funding
• Natural Disasters