How to get the flood disaster recovery payment as Centrelink prepares to send out $1,000 in assistance as half a million Australians apply
- Flood-affected Australians can now apply for government disaster payments
- Half-a-million people have already applied for assistance in the past 11 days
- Those claims equate to $565million, with that number expected to quickly rise
- Those impacted by the floods can apply for payments here: Services Australia
Australians impacted by the floods that have devastated NSW and Queensland can now apply for government disaster payments, with half-a-million affected residents already applying for assistance.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a lump sum payment that will be paid out to flood victims in Local Government Areas that have been declared a disaster zone.
A form for the payment can be lodged through the Services Australia website and will be issued to flood victims in two instalments. Adults will receive $1000 and children over 16 will be eligible for $400.
Almost half-a-million Australians (490,000) affected by the floods have applied for disaster relief payments in the past 11 days.
Australians impacted by the floods that have wrecked havoc in NSW and Queensland can now apply for government disaster payments, with half-a-million affected residents already applying for assistance
Those 490,000 claims equate to a total of $565million, with that number expected to quickly rise in the coming days
Out of the claims made to the government, 323,000 have been lodged from NSW residents and 167,000 have been made from Queenslanders.
Three LGAs in northern NSW including Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Clarence Valley will be entitled to two extra payments due to the extensive damage in those areas.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a lump sum payment that will be paid out to flood victims in Local Government Areas that have been declared a disaster zone. Pictured: Prime Minister Scott Morrison inspects flood damage at an ice cream factory in Lismore, NSW
Almost half-a-million Australians (490,000) affected by the floods have applied for disaster relief payments in the past 11 days
A number of insurance claims have also been lodged in the aftermath of the disaster.
The Insurance Council of Australia reports more than 118,000 claims have been made due to the floods so far – 81 per cent for damaged property and 16 per cent for motor vehicles.
In contrast to the government’s disaster payments, the majority of insurance claims have actually come from Queensland (73,823) compared to NSW (44,193).
The Insurance Council of Australia reports more than 118,000 claims have been made due to the floods so far – 81 per cent for damaged property and 16 per cent for motor vehicles. Pictured: A street in Lismore
Those wishing to file for the government’s disaster payment can make a claim on the Services Australia site by linking Centrelink to their myGov account.
Applicants will need to follow through to Centrelink on their myGov account, select ‘make a claim’ and follow the prompts.
To be eligible for a claim, applicants need to be an Australian resident or hold an appropriate visa, live in a Local Government Area that’s been declared a disaster zone, and be seriously affected by the weather or floods.
To be deemed seriously affected you have to have been injured during the floods, experienced major damage to your property or be an immediate family member of someone who has died or is missing.
Flood-affected Australians can click here to apply for the disaster payment: Services Australia
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