The Australian Government has activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to support an additional 18 local government areas affected by the storms and flooding across New South Wales.

Support through the AGDRP and DRA is now available to the local government areas of Camden and Wollondilly, along with other LGA’s across Sydney.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said assistance is also being extended to Camden and Wollondilly local government areas through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

“Assistance through the AGDRP, DRA and the DRFA will ensure support is available for those who experience damage to their property or business as a result of the heavy rainfall we are seeing and will assist Camden and Wollondilly councils in covering the clean-up and infrastructure repair costs associated with the storms and flooding,” Mr Taylor said.

“I encourage everyone in these areas to take care and follow the instructions of local authorities. The Government is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to provide additional assistance as required.”

The AGDRP provides a one-off, non-means-tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, who have been seriously injured, lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or the immediate family members of a person who has lost their life, as a direct result of the storms and floods.

The DRA provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected by storms and floods.

People eligible for DRA can access income assistance for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance. 

Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens 
 (‘non-protected Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by storms and floods.

Services Australia Disaster Assistance phone lines are open now. The fastest and easiest way to claim disaster assistance is over the phone by calling 180 22 66. Phone lines are open from 8am to 8pm local time, seven days a week. 

The Australian Government will also lift mutual obligation requirements for job seekers in the Local Government Areas impacted by the NSW floods and storms from Friday 19 March until Tuesday 6 April 2021.

No job seeker in the affected areas will face payment suspension or financial penalties for failing to meet their mutual obligation requirements, such as not being able to attend appointments or activities.

For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster.

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