Many Australians are feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise, but there’s some welcome financial relief available. Eligible Centrelink recipients could receive up to $6,548 in extra support, offering a much-needed boost to those struggling in this difficult time.
Here’s what you need to know about this financial assistance and how you can check if you’re entitled to claim it.
In the wake of the devastating floods that have swept through Queensland, homes have been flooded, livelihoods disrupted, and communities left reeling from the impact of the relentless downpour. But amidst the chaos, there is a glimmer of hope for those struggling to cope with the aftermath: Centrelink has stepped in to offer a financial lifeline.
Services Australia has announced that residents affected by the brutal flooding can access emergency funds through Centrelink’s Disaster Recovery Allowance. This support is designed to help individuals who are unable to work due to the wild weather event, providing a much-needed cash boost to get through these tough times.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is equivalent to the maximum rate of the JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance. This means that depending on your circumstances and how the flooding has impacted your ability to work, you could receive anywhere from $2,666.95 to $6,548 for the 13 weeks.
Fortnightly payments for Jobseeker beneficiaries
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to receive on a fortnightly basis based on Services Australia’s payment amounts.
| Category | Payment |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $778.00 |
| Single, with a dependent child or children | $833.20 |
| Single, 55 or older, after 9 continuous months on an income support payment | $833.20 |
| Single, assessed as having a partial capacity to work of less than 15 hours a week | $833.20 |
| Partnered | $712.30 |
| Single principal carer granted an exemption from mutual obligation requirements for any of the following: foster caring, non-parent relative caring under a court order, homeschooling, distance education, and large family | $1,007.50 |
| Source: Services Australia |
The areas approved for the Disaster Recovery Allowance
If you’re a resident in these regions, you can apply for the allowance through myGov, which is accessible via phone or the Internet.
- Burdekin
- Cassowary Coast
- Hinchinbrook
- Townsville
- Palm Island
For those without access to these technologies, Services Australia’s Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66 is available for assistance.
In addition to the Disaster Recovery Allowance, joint state and federal funding arrangements are in place to provide other forms of support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed $8 million to aid the recovery efforts, and from 2pm Thursday local time, individuals who have suffered serious damage or injury can access payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child.
The financial assistance extends beyond Centrelink, with banks like NAB, ANZ, and Commonwealth Bank offering relief measures such as grants, loan deferrals, reduced repayment arrangements, and hardship options.
These measures are designed to ease the burden on those affected by the floods, providing a cushion as they work to rebuild their lives.
As the community bands together in the face of adversity, it’s clear that the Australian spirit of resilience shines brightest during the darkest of times.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Queensland floods, reach out to Services Australia to explore the financial support options available.
Have you experienced applying for the Disaster Recovery Allowance or received support from your bank? Share your stories and experiences with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments section.
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WHILE ALL PENSIONERS WANT AND NEED EXTRA FINANCIALSUPPORT THE WAY ITIS WORKED OUT IS A JOkE
IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN a joke AS IT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE TRUE COST OF LIVING
ITS ALWAYS AT LEAST %1 minimun as the true cost of living
at the moment the supposed cost of living is above %3.2 so i expect what we get will be lower than that
surely if politicians get a %3.8 increase then if they need $2o thousand then surely we deserve an extra $100 to start to catch up to what we deserve