Senator The Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Emergency Management
The Australian Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance has been extended to eligible individuals in 12 additional local government areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flooding impacting large areas of New South Wales in September and October.
Eligible people in the 12 LGAs of Albury, Berrigan, Carrathool, Cobar, Federation, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and Wagga Wagga can now claim.
This brings the total number of LGAs in New South Wales receiving support from the Australian Government for this event to 43.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance assists employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster and is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a taxable, fortnightly payment.
Equivalent financial assistance is also available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.
People impacted by the floods can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
