The Department of Human Services will open its 180 22 66 phone line this weekend so people can continue to claim financial assistance for the Far North Queensland floods.
The phone line will be open from 10am to 2pm, Saturday 9 February and Sunday 10 February.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said the fastest way to claim is over the phone.
“We’ve extended our phone lines so people can keep applying for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) over the phone this weekend,” Mr Jongen said.
“We know people need urgent assistance, so our staff are on standby to help – most claims made over the phone are processed immediately.
“Our staff granted more than 14,000 claims worth over $17 million in the first three days of this support being activated.
“We handled more than 20,000 calls in those few days, and we’re ready for more this weekend.”
The AGDRP and DRA is for eligible people living in Burdekin, Cook, Douglas, Townsville or Wujal Wujal local government areas.
To claim disaster assistance payments call 180 22 66 or visit humanservices.gov.au/disaster for more information.