Residents of Western Queensland who have been affected by the recent severe rainfall and flooding are now eligible to claim a one-off payment from Centrelink.
The catastrophic rainfall has caused substantial damage across the region, forcing evacuations and resulting in the death of thousands of livestock. In response, the government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment to assist affected individuals.
Key Details of the Disaster Recovery Payment
The Australian government has approved this lump-sum payment to help residents recover from the significant damages caused by the disaster. The payment amount is as follows:
- $1,000 for each adult.
- $400 for each child.
These funds are intended to provide immediate financial relief for those whose homes or major assets have been severely impacted.
Additional eligibility exists for individuals who have sustained serious injuries or are immediate family members of someone who is deceased or missing due to the disaster.
Areas Eligible for the Recovery Payment
The Disaster Recovery Payment is available for residents in the following six local government areas that have been hit hardest by the flooding:
- Barcoo
- Bulloo
- Longreach
- Paroo
- Quilpie
- Winton
How to Claim the Payment
Affected residents have until September 29, 2025, to submit their claims. The claims can be made online via the Services Australia website.
Additional Government Support Programs
Apart from the Disaster Recovery Payment, there are several other forms of assistance available for those in need:
- Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 for farmers.
- Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 to assist with business continuity.
- Freight subsidies up to $5,000 for farmers to manage transport costs.
- Personal Hardship Assistance is available for impacted residents.
These programs are designed to help individuals and businesses recover financially from the flood’s devastating effects.
Banks Offer Financial Relief
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has also expressed its commitment to assisting customers facing financial difficulties due to the floods. Banks are offering a variety of support options, including:
- Repayment deferrals for loans.
- Loan restructuring to ease financial burdens.
- Temporary overdrafts and waived fees.
How Banks Are Supporting Flood Victims
Commonwealth Bank is providing its Emergency Assistance to affected customers. This includes:
- Tailored payment arrangements for loans.
- Waiving of fees and charges.
- Temporary overdrafts for those in need.
- Emergency accommodation for customers with home insurance policies.
In the wake of the severe flooding and rainfall across Western Queensland, the Australian government, alongside banking institutions, is stepping in to provide crucial financial relief. The $1,000 Disaster Recovery Payment offers essential assistance to adults, with $400 allocated for children.
Additional loan programs, hardship assistance, and banking support ensure that residents and businesses have the resources they need to recover and rebuild. The Australian government remains committed to helping affected individuals through various financial relief initiatives.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $1,000 Disaster Recovery Payment?
The payment is available to individuals in the affected areas: Barcoo, Bulloo, Longreach, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton. Eligibility extends to those whose homes and assets have been significantly damaged, as well as individuals who have suffered serious injuries or are immediate family members of someone missing or deceased.
What is the deadline to apply for the payment?
Claims for the Disaster Recovery Payment must be submitted by September 29, 2025.
How can I apply for the recovery payment?
You can apply online via the Services Australia website.
Are there other forms of financial support available?
Yes, additional support includes Disaster Assistance Loans, Essential Working Capital Loans, and freight subsidies for farmers, as well as Personal Hardship Assistance.