Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz has announced financial assistance is available to residents the Wright electorate, impacted by the flooding disaster that has unfolded across the state.
The Australian Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance to support communities in the local government areas of Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan and the Scenic Rim.
Mr Buchholz said those affected residents can claim the Disaster Recovery Payment now and claims for Disaster Recovery Allowance available from Tuesday 1 March 2022.
“I have been monitoring this situation very closely and so has the Government through the National Situation Room, we have been making supporting available and stepping up our support each day.
“This really was a flood emergency that hit our community hard, and I am thinking of those people whose lives are affected.
“Sadly, we know too well the impacts of these events in our region. I have been speaking with our local leaders and providing that feedback to the Prime Minister, Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Defence.
“The Commonwealth Government have made financial support available now because we know the economic and social impact of disasters like these are felt long after flood water recede and there will be some very tough, days weeks and months ahead,” Mr Buchholz said.
The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child, and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.
Disaster Recovery Allowance will also be provided in the same affected local government areas. DRA assists employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. DRA is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks and is taxable.
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the storms and floods.
The easiest and quickest way to claim the Disaster Recovery Payment or the Disaster Recovery Allowance is online through myGov. If people require support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66,
To provide further support the Australian Government is also pausing Centrelink debt raising and new debt recovery in the affected locations.
Online claiming via MyGov is available 24×7. The Australian Government Emergency Information Line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
More information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/south-east-queensland-floods-february-2022-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
