The Albanese Government is activating financial support for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.

It will be available in: 

• 14 Local Government Areas in Queensland - Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast;
• 17 Local Government Areas in 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 as well as the locality of Lord Howe Island, including any islands within a 3 Nautical Mile radius.

It is available to individuals who live or work in these declared areas and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster.

To be eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.

Applications will open at 2pm local time, Tuesday 11 March.

Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at: Natural disaster support (Services Australia).

The easiest way to claim is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character.

“That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the past week in Queensland and New South Wales.

“My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:

“The past week has been tough for many people in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales and while the rain will continue to fall, it's essential that we support communities who have lost income due to this weather event.

“The Government is focused on helping communities get back on their feet – we will provide up to 13 weeks of income support through the Disaster Recovery Allowance to people who have lost work.

“If you live in an impacted area and your employment has been affected, please visit the Services Australia website to check if you are eligible.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“It’s been a really challenging time for communities with heavy rainfall, severe wind damaging roads, isolating communities and making it difficult for people to get to work.

“The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides eligible workers whose income has been disrupted with up to 13 weeks of income support, while they move into recovery from this event.

“We’re acting quickly to make financial assistance for impacted individuals and families available.

“Whether you live in New South Wales or Queensland, the Albanese Government is working with all levels of governments to support communities when they need it most. We are here for the long haul.”