Eligible people affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred will be able to access the government's Disaster Recovery Allowance, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed.
Albanese told Today this morning that applications for the allowance would be available from 2pm today through the myGOV website.
"The recovery in this is going to take a long time," he said.
What is the disaster payment?
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is a short-term income support payment to assist people who can prove they have lost income as a direct result of a disaster.
Up to 13 weeks payment could be available for employees, small business persons and farmers who have lost their living wage.
How to claim disaster payment?
From the Centrelink homepage, choose 'Make a claim' then 'Help in an emergency' then 'Apply for Disaster Recovery Allowance'.
Who is eligible?
Australian residents and specified visa holders who are 16 years or older and can prove their income has been directly affected by a declared disaster.
You'll be asked a series of eligibility questions when you apply.
Workers in 31 regions impacted in south-east Queensland and northern NSW will be eligibe.
Queensland: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast.
New South Wales: Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Mid-Coast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield and Tweed .
People living on islands within a three nautical mile radius of Lord Howe Island are also eligible.
How much is the disaster payment?
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is paid at the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances.
The amount you receive will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Is the Australian government disaster recovery payment a lump sum payment?
No. The Disaster Recovery Allowance is paid fortnightly for up to 13 weeks from the date you started losing income.
What other payments are available?
Other payments and relief is available, including lump sums of income support, other financial hardship payments and a three-month pause on any Centrelink debt.
Queensland has announced an Emergency Hardship Assistance (EHA) grant of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of 5 or more, to help purchase food, clothing and medical supplies or secure temporary accommodation.
The grant is for people living in an eligible area, who suffered hardship and is unable to meet their immediate essential needs.
New South Wales will also likely have disaster grants available soon.
