Australians impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now access financial relief, with the federal government announcing up to $6,500 in Centrelink payments under the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). The scheme aims to provide 13 weeks of income support for individuals and sole traders who have experienced income loss due to the cyclone.
With the application process officially open, eligible Australians are encouraged to apply online via myGov or contact the government’s emergency helpline. Here’s everything you need to know about the payment, eligibility criteria, and how to claim your assistance.
Who Can Apply for the $6,500 Disaster Payment?
To qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be 16 years or older at the time of the disaster.
- Be an Australian resident or meet specific residency requirements.
- Live or work in one of the declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected by Cyclone Alfred.
- Have lost income as a direct result of the disaster.
- Earn less than the Australian weekly average income ($1,924.60 before tax) in the 13 weeks following the income loss.
Ineligible Individuals: Those who are already receiving certain income support payments from Centrelink, such as JobSeeker, Age Pension, or Youth Allowance, cannot apply for this benefit.
Declared Disaster Zones Eligible for Assistance
The Australian Government has designated several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Queensland as eligible for disaster relief. Residents and workers from the following areas can apply:
- Brisbane
- Fraser Coast
- Gold Coast
- Gympie
- Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley
- Logan
- Moreton Bay
- Noosa
- Redland
- Scenic Rim
- Somerset
- Southern Downs
- Sunshine Coast
How to Apply for the $6,500 Centrelink Payment
Australians who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for financial assistance through the following methods:
- Online: Log in to your myGov account and link it to Centrelink to submit an application.
- Phone: Call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66 for assistance.
- In-Person: Visit your nearest Centrelink office for face-to-face support with your claim.
For detailed application instructions, visit Services Australia’s website.
Additional Financial Assistance for Cyclone Alfred Victims
Beyond the $6,500 Disaster Recovery Allowance, the government is also offering a one-time lump sum payment under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP):
- $1,000 per eligible adult
- $400 per eligible child (under 16 years old)
This financial assistance is designed to help cover immediate costs for those affected by Cyclone Alfred’s destruction.
For AGDRP eligibility details and application procedures, visit Services Australia AGDRP.
Impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Australians
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and destructive winds across Queensland and parts of New South Wales, leaving thousands of homes damaged and businesses impacted. The government has declared the situation a natural disaster, triggering financial assistance measures to support affected communities.
The latest disaster relief initiative aims to provide financial stability to those facing job and income loss, helping individuals rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the cyclone.
When Will Payments Be Processed?
Once an application is submitted and approved, payments are typically processed within a few days. However, high demand may cause delays. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their financial aid.
For any payment-related updates, check Services Australia’s official page.
Final Thoughts: Apply Today to Get Your Financial Support
The $6,500 Centrelink disaster relief payments are a crucial lifeline for Australians affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. If you’ve suffered an income loss due to the cyclone, check your eligibility and apply now to ensure you receive the financial support you need.
For more information, visit Services Australia or contact Centrelink directly for assistance.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin