People affected by the storms and floods on the East Coast of New South Wales in June 2016 have until 27 December 2016 to lodge claims for assistance.
Disaster Recovery Allowance is available for employees, primary producers and sole traders in 43 declared Local Government Areas who experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the disaster.
The allowance provides short term income support for up to 13 weeks for people affected, and payments can be backdated for those who have not yet made a claim.
The maximum rate of payment is equivalent to the Newstart or Youth Allowance rates (less the clean energy supplement). This will vary depending on a person’s age and circumstances. Claims can be made in person at a service centre, over the phone, or by post or fax.
Department of Human Services General Manager, Hank Jongen, encouraged people to get their claim in as soon as possible.
“With much of the NSW East Coast affected by the severe weather event, there may be eligible people who haven’t made a claim,” Mr Jongen said.
“Government support provided in these difficult times helps families, who’ve lost their income, focus on the recovery process.”
To lodge a claim, or for more information, phone the Australian Government Emergency Information line on 180 22 66 or visit humanservices.gov.au/disaster.