Australians affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred will be able to claim Centrelink payments for lost income from today. Applications for the Disaster Recovery Allowance will be available from 2pm AEDT through myGov.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the government had activated the financial support for those directly affected by the disaster. The Disaster Recovery Allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders who have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster.

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

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What is the Disaster Recovery Allowance?

The Disaster Recovery Allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support.

It is available for people whose income has been impacted as a direct result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This could be the case if their business has been shut down where they work, or their workplace is closed.

Who is eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance?

To be eligible your income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the disaster.

It is available to individuals who live or work in 31 affected areas in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. You must be 16 years or older.

Eligible areas in Queensland are: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast.

Eligible areas in New South Wales are: 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.

You can check your eligibility via the Services Australia website.

How much is the Disaster Recovery Allowance?

The money is paid at either the JobSeeker or Youth Allowance rates, depending on your personal circumstances.

The maximum amount available, based on the current maximum JobSeeker payment, is $1,007 per fortnight.

The allowance is paid fortnightly from the date you started losing income as a direct result of the disaster, up to a maximum of 13 weeks.