Flood-affected residents across the Sunshine Coast are now able to access emergency financial assistance as the Federal Government continues its swift and targeted response to communities impacted by the Southeast Queensland Flood emergency.
Through the Disaster Recovery Payment, eligible adults may be able to claim up to $1,000, as well as $400 for each eligible child under the age of 16 if they have been seriously affected as a result of the floods. This includes instances where homes have been damaged or destroyed, or where serious injury has occurred.
Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Assistance package, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Government, eligible residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of the floods will be able to access up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 per household.
Through the Disaster Recovery Allowance, employees, small businesspersons and in particular, farmers who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the flooding may be eligible for payments at the rate of JobSeeker for up to 13 weeks.
At the same time, the Federal Government is pausing Centrelink debt recovery in affected locations in Queensland. Eligible residents can nominate to pause repayments through their Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink app. The Australian Defence Force has also stepped in to assist, including the Royal Australian Army who are conducting search and rescue operations.
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP said that these immediate assistance measures will help affected families and their businesses to get back on their feet after an unprecedented week of inundation.
“It has been a tragic week for families across Southeast Queensland, and it is important to remember that the disaster is not over yet,” Mr Wallace said.
“I pay tribute to the defence force personnel and frontline emergency responders who have shown the very best of us through their continued courage and service.”
“With destruction and loss such as we have seen, it is essential that we work together across all levels of government to deliver the emergency response and disaster recovery assistance our community needs. The Federal Government continues to demonstrate that we are committed to doing just that.”
Since 2019-20 the Federal Government has provided $17 billion in disaster relief.
For more information on Federal Government support available through Services Australia, check out: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/have-you-been-affected-queensland-floods-starting-february-2022
Services Australia’s Disaster Assistance phone line (180 22 66) is available for those who are unable to claim online. For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
