Centrelink offers up to $6,548 assistance for Aussies tiding through hard times

Services Australia is a financial lifeline for Australians who have experienced disruptions in their livelihoods.

This time, it has deployed its much-needed services for Aussies in several regions hit by a disaster.


Devastating floods recently swept through Queensland, leaving many Australians isolated and in need of assistance.

The deluge has battered the Sunshine Coast's northern region since late January, with defence force helicopters delivering much-needed supplies to those affected.

Amidst this chaos, Centrelink offered a beacon of hope for affected Aussies: the Disaster Recovery Allowance.


compressed-pexels-flooded home.jpeg
Floods cause physical wreckage and emotional distress to its victims. Image Credit: Pexels/Helena Jankovičová Kováčová


A Services Australia spokesperson confirmed that the Disaster Recovery Allowance should now be available for residents affected by the flood.

This allowance offered a cash boost equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance.

Affected individuals may claim their Disaster Payment Allowance for up to 13 weeks.


This support is more than just money; it is also about helping Australians get back on their feet.

'A disaster can have a physical and emotional impact on you and your family,' Services Australia stated.

'If you're going through a difficult time, our social workers can provide short-term counselling, information and referrals to support services,' Services Australia added.

The allowance should vary depending on the individual's circumstances, including how much their work has been affected by the flooding.

However, based on Services Australia's payment rates, eligible recipients could receive anywhere between $2,666.95 to $6,548 over 13 weeks.

For seniors in the said area, here's a breakdown of what you could expect to receive on a fortnightly basis:

Fortnightly payments for Jobseeker beneficiaries.jpg
Source: Yahoo Finance


Residents in the following areas may apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance:
  • Burdekin
  • Cassowary Coast
  • Hinchinbrook
  • Townsville
  • Palm Island
Qualified residents may claim their payment through the myGov app or website.

However, residents who cannot access myGov through the mentioned means may call Services Australia's Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

Other than Centrelink's Disaster Recovery Allowance, more donations are underway.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged $8 million for relief efforts.

This pledge came after his visit to Townsville to see the damage firsthand.

'One of the things I know about North Queenslanders is that they're resilient, they're tough, and they will come through, and we'll make sure that they get every support that they need,' Prime Minister Albanese stated.


Australia's big three banks also pitched in to ease financial pressures for affected Australians.

National Australia Bank (NAB) announced several measures affected residents could benefit from, including a $1,000 cash boost, loan deferrals, and hardship options.

ANZ also announced short-term payment relief for their loans and credit cards.

Customers with ANZ Home and Contents Insurance may also be eligible for emergency funds and temporary housing.

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) also rolled out customised payment options for their loans and credit cards.

The bank also waived charges and offered emergency credit limit increases, among others.


If you or someone you know has been affected by the floods and has been struggling with financial burden, reach out to Centrelink to see if you qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

This support could be the helping hand you need to navigate through challenging times.

For seniors, navigating Centrelink online via myGov can get overwhelming.

If you need assistance or have questions about the Disaster Recovery Allowance, consider reaching out to a trusted family member, friend, or community service for help with the application process.
Key Takeaways

  • Services Australia activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance for Australians affected by the Queensland flooding.
  • Eligible individuals could claim the payment, equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance, for up to 13 weeks.
  • Payments vary depending on circumstances but could range between $2,666.95 to $6,548 for 13 weeks.
  • Affected residents in specified Sunshine Coast regions are encouraged to apply for this financial support.
Have you or someone you know applied for the Disaster Recovery Allowance recently? We would love to hear about your experience and any advice you have for others in the comments below. Together, we can weather any storm.
 

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Can you *please* put which states in the title of these cash things? I mean, I know everyone forgets about WA, but geeeze :(
 
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Reactions: Macarj
All good if this money actually materializes to those who need it most & hopefully get it soon, but apparently (YouTube ACA story recently)) the Batemans Bay area resis affected by fires 5yrs ago still haven't received any of the pledged $ - vote winning pledges by govt can be very cruel when they don't deliver!
 
All good if this money actually materializes to those who need it most & hopefully get it soon, but apparently (YouTube ACA story recently)) the Batemans Bay area resis affected by fires 5yrs ago still haven't received any of the pledged $ - vote winning pledges by govt can be very cruel when they don't deliver!
When it comes to natural disasters the government has been good in getting payments out to people who are affected by floods and fire.
 
Well said!
And what is it going to do to you by reading it ? Maybe you could donate to help these people 🤔
Maybe before making such a stupid comment you could check your facts.
maybe just maybe I have helped in some way.
But then again I am not answerable to you on how, when or what I have done to support these people.
When I make a donation to these causes I don’t do it for others to know about, I do it to help those in need.
 
Maybe before making such a stupid comment you could check your facts.
maybe just maybe I have helped in some way.
But then again I am not answerable to you on how, when or what I have done to support these people.
When I make a donation to these causes I don’t do it for others to know about, I do it to help those in need.
Then stop complaining about a post such as this.
This post is about towns in Dire need after a severe flood.

Remember it was you who made the nasty ,stupid comment
 
Then stop complaining about a post such as this.
This post is about towns in Dire need after a severe flood.

Remember it was you who made the nasty ,stupid comment
Maybe if you didn’t make a stupid comment then I wouldn’t call you stupid.
If you read my original comment you would see I have not complained about the story but the ridiculous headline.
All they had to say was: People in flood affected areas to receive compensation!
NOT : $6,548 cash boost for Aussies
Even a stupid person like you would think - we are getting a cash boost only to find out you had to be in Queensland and effected by the floods!
 
Maybe if you didn’t make a stupid comment then I wouldn’t call you stupid.
If you read my original comment you would see I have not complained about the story but the ridiculous headline.
All they had to say was: People in flood affected areas to receive compensation!
NOT : $6,548 cash boost for Aussies
Even a stupid person like you would think - we are getting a cash boost only to find out you had to be in Queensland and effected by the floods!
🖕 you are just a very negative and unappreciated dude !!
 
🖕 you are just a very negative and unappreciated dude !!
I’m very happy for you to have your opinion.
If you don’t like what I have to say the ignore it .
But I am also very happy for you to voice your opinion.
You are entitled to your opinion just as I am.
 
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Reactions: Milica
Government pledges $8 Million. What a farce, yet they can offer $600 million for a new NRL team in PNG. This as previously stated just an election event. Oh, and I am aware the footy team support is over 10 years, but that's still $60 million a year, nearly 7 times more than what they have offered here!
 
I hope they are keeping a good watch on this scheme as previously lots of shonky people took advantage of the handouts. Did not even live in the area that experienced flooding.
 

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