Short-term allowance for people affected by a major disaster

The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides people whose income has been reduced because of a declared major disaster with a short-term allowance for up to 13 weeks.

Overview

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is a short term payment that is available to assist individuals whose income has been directly impacted by a declared major or widespread disaster.

A declared major or widespread disaster can be a natural or man-made disaster that occurs either in Australia or offshore.

An allowance paid for a maximum of 13 weeks is available to eligible individuals, including employees, sole traders and primary producers.

Check if you can apply

To be eligible, you must:

• be at least 16 years of age
• be an Australian citizen or be the holder of an eligible visa and living in Australia for the period of time you receive the allowance
• live in, or earn or receive an income in an area that has been adversely affected by a declared major disaster
• have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the disaster
• earn less than the average weekly income in the weeks after you had this income loss.