Residents of Southwest Queensland and northeastern New South Wales continue to endure severe weather conditions following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
In response, the Australian government has introduced a one-time $1,000 payment to support those facing hardships due to the disaster.
Government Announces Financial Assistance
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that disaster relief payments would be available from Tuesday, 11 March at 2 PM AEDT. He emphasized the government’s commitment to swiftly distributing financial aid to those in need.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) offers a one-time payment to individuals who have been significantly affected by the cyclone. The breakdown of the payment is as follows:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adults | $1,000 |
| Children (under 16) | $400 |
To qualify, applicants must be Australian residents or eligible visa holders aged 16 years or older, who have suffered substantial personal or financial loss due to the cyclone. Eligibility extends to those who:
- Have sustained serious injuries.
- Are an immediate family member of someone who is missing or has died due to the disaster.
- Have experienced significant property damage or home destruction.
Disaster Recovery Allowance for Lost Income
For individuals unable to work due to the cyclone’s impact, the government has introduced the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). This temporary payment provides financial relief for up to 13 weeks.
Who Qualifies for the Disaster Recovery Allowance?
Applicants are eligible if they:
- Have lost their primary source of income due to the disaster.
- Own a business that has been shut down or operate in a workplace that has ceased operations.
- Are unable to resume work due to hazardous conditions or structural damage.
How to Apply for Disaster Payments
Those affected can verify their eligibility and submit claims via myGov from Tuesday, 11 March at 2 PM AEDT.
Additional support is available through Services Australia, which provides updates on claim procedures and state-based assistance. Queensland residents may also apply for the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant, which offers:
| Assistance Type | Amount |
| Individuals | $180 |
| Families (5 or more) | Up to $900 |
This grant helps cover essential expenses such as food, medication, clothing, and temporary accommodation.
NAB and Other Banks Offer Financial Aid
In addition to government assistance, NAB (National Australia Bank) is offering $1,000 emergency grants to impacted customers.
Eligibility for NAB Grants
To qualify for the NAB disaster relief grant, applicants must:
- Reside in a cyclone-affected region.
- Have sustained damage to their home or business that requires major or minor repairs.
- Be unable to stay in their residence due to severe damage or health risks.
Other major banks, including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ, have introduced financial relief measures such as payment deferrals and fee waivers for affected customers.
The Centrelink $1,000 disaster payment, Disaster Recovery Allowance, and bank assistance programs aim to provide urgent financial relief to those struggling after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
If you or your family have been impacted, ensure you check your eligibility and apply for assistance through the myGov portal and relevant financial institutions.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Centrelink $1,000 disaster payment?
Eligible applicants include Australian residents or eligible visa holders aged 16 and over who have suffered injuries, property damage, or loss of income due to the cyclone.
How can I apply for the disaster recovery payments?
You can check your eligibility and submit an application via myGov starting from Tuesday, 11 March at 2 PM AEDT.
What financial aid do banks provide for disaster victims?
Banks like NAB, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ are offering grants, fee waivers, and payment deferrals to affected customers.
