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.

What are the eligibility criteria?

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.

How do you apply?

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at Disaster Recovery Allowance.