When Australians are impacted by disasters there are payments available to assist them recover.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a one off, non-means tested lump sum.

It offers a payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who’ve been adversely affected by a major disaster either in Australia or overseas.

You may be eligible for the payment if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You’re an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa.
• You’re at least 16 years of age at the time of the disaster event.
• You’ve been adversely impacted by a major disaster.
• You are generally considered adversely affected if, as a direct result of the disaster:
• You’re seriously injured.
• You’re an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or resident who died or is missing.
• Your principal place of residence has been destroyed or sustained major damage.
• Your major asset or assets have been destroyed or suffered major damage as a direct result of the disaster.
• You’re the principal carer of a dependent child who has experienced any of the above.

The AGDRP is a non-taxable payment. If you’re part of a couple, you can both claim the payment. You’ll need to make separate claims.

An equivalent payment may be made available to New Zealand Special Category visa holders (subclass 444) who have been adversely affected by a major disaster.

Timing and level of payments

Each disaster is different and as a result the timing and nature of additional levels of assistance varies from disaster-to-disaster and community-to-community. AGDRP assists with the short-term recovery needs of the community.

How do I claim?

Once an event is declared a major disaster you’ll have six months to lodge your application.

The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If you need help to claim, you can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

Further information about eligibility and claiming is at the bottom of this page.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), is a short-term income support payment to assist eligible individuals who can show their income has been affected as a direct result of a disaster.

It’s payable for a maximum of 13 weeks from the date the loss of income happens as a direct result of a disaster.

You may be eligible for assistance if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You’re an Australian resident or the holder of an eligible visa and living in Australia for the period of time you receive the allowance,
• You’re at least 16 years of age, or older and not a dependent child,
• You earn, or receive an income by working in an affected area or reside in an affected area,
• You’ve experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the disaster,
• You’re not receiving another income support payment or pension (such as Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, service pension from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or Exceptional Circumstances Income Relief Payment) for the same period you are claiming DRA, and
• Your income is less than the average Australian weekly income in the weeks after you had this income loss.

The DRA is a taxable payment. If you’re part of a couple, you can both claim the payment. You will need to make separate claims.

An equivalent payment may be made available to New Zealand Special Category visa holders (subclass 444) who have been adversely affected by a major disaster.

Eligibility and claiming a payment

Find out more about eligibility and claiming processes on the Services Australia website.

You can also contact the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 for claims assistance.

Financial information for eligible disaster declared areas and individuals can be found on the Disaster Assist website.

More support to recover

There’s more government support for Australians impacted by disasters, including mental health, living arrangements, and health care support. Find and access this help on the Services Australia website.