The Disaster Recovery Payment (DRP) is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who’ve been adversely affected by the bushfires.
The Federal Government has also established a new National Bushfire Recovery Agency with an initial $2 billion for a national bushfire recovery fund to coordinate a national response to rebuild communities and livelihoods after the devastating bushfires.
The $2 billion investment will be on top of the existing disaster recovery payments and allowances which have so far seen more than $100 million worth of assistance flowing to families, small businesses and farmers.
“Our initial $2 billion investment will help to get communities back on their feet by assisting with restocking and replenishing, rebuilding roads and telecommunications infrastructure, mental health support, attracting tourists back to the regions and helping restore the local environment and impacted wildlife,” said Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
Funding for the agency is in addition to the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements that have been activated in all bushfire affected areas already with $25 million in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance flowing to communities.
The Commonwealth and NSW Governments have already committed $86 million for the recovery effort in that state and Category C assistance between the Commonwealth and Victoria is also expected to flow shortly. The funding is in addition to the Australian Government’s support for Volunteer firefighters who are eligible for up to $6,000 per person to provide for lost income.
The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children who’ve been affected by the bushfires.
People can claim disaster payments by calling Services Australia (Centrelink) on 180 22 66; find more information at www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster. As soon as it is safe to do so, Mobile Service Centres will head into affected regions to assist with all Government payment services, including disaster payments.
The Disaster Recovery Payment is activated anytime the impact of a disaster on individuals and families requires Australian Government assistance, in addition to that provided under standard recovery assistance.
For more information, please visit the GrantConnect website.
For further information regarding DRP and eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Human Services website.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available in NSW if your business has been directly affected by bushfire. Applications can be made to the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-grants for eligibility criteria.
