DISASTER RECOVERY ALLOWANCE NOW AVAILABLE

Riverina and Central West communities affected by recent storms and flooding can now apply for financial support from the Australian Government.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is available to support people whose income has been affected in the local government areas (LGAs) of Cowra, Forbes, Lockhart, Parkes and Weddin.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Federal Government continued to help those affected by the impact of severe flooding and storm damage.

“The bad weather has severely hampered harvest in many LGAs and I want farmers, businesses and individuals to know they are not alone during this tough time,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income payment to support individuals whose income has been affected because of this significant event. The Allowance is available for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance.”

“Submitting a claim by phone is the fastest way, this can be done by calling the Australian Government disaster recovery assistance hotline on 180 22 66.

“Staff from Services Australia are available to take calls between 8am to 5pm local time, Monday to Friday.”

If you’ve been affected by recent floods in New South Wales and are repaying a Centrelink debt, Services Australia is able to help. To provide immediate assistance, the Australian Government is pausing all Centrelink debt raising and new debt recovery in the affected Local Government Areas.

More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au