Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) has been extended to the New South Wales local government areas (LGAs) of Bathurst, Edward River and Narrandera following the impacts of severe storms and flooding to large areas of the state. The one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child is available to eligible people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, or a serious injury. Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders). Applications are now open, and information about payment eligibility can be found on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents. The extension brings the total number of NSW LGAs where AGDRP is available to 19, with the payment already available to residents in the LGAs of Cabonne, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Gunnedah, Lachlan, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Murray River, Narrabri, Parkes, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga and Walgett. Residents in the Bathurst, Edward River and Narrandera LGAs were previously made eligible for the 13-week federal income support Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), along with joint Commonwealth-State support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The easiest way to claim AGDRP or DRA is online through myGov. If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
People impacted by the floods can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive recent flooding throughout Eastern Australia, visit nema.gov.au.
This release was originally published on the Ministers for the Department of Home Affairs' website.