Cash flow after a disaster can be very unstable. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment exists to try to alleviate some of the stress of sudden and unexpected hardships. It is a one-time, non-taxable payment provided to declared disaster victims and assists with the payment of immediate and necessary buying to items like basic accommodation, repairs, and other vital possessions.
Who is AGDRP for?
AGDRP payment is assessed on a li mited number of guidelines. Applicants must be residents of Australia or on an accepted visa, must be 16 years of age or older, and must have suffered the consequences of a disaster in a personal and individual manner. The law says that one is “adversely affected” includes being seriously hurt, losing a home, losing a severe asset, or losing a loved one as a result of the disaster.
Having accurate documents pertaining to these effects have impacts on applications.
| Eligible Person Type | Payment Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Adult | $1,000 |
| Child (under 16) | $400 |
Disaster Recovery Payment Amounts
The structured payouts is straightforward and guarantees timely assistance to those impacted. Below are the figures pertaining to the payments. Payments in this category are not income tested. An applicant’s income and savings have nothing to do with eligibility. An applicant is assured there is a disaster-related hardship payment.
Application Submission Process
Initiate the process in myGov. If you do not have one, create a myGov account and link it with Centrelink. After a disaster is declared, there is a prompt to file a claim for the Disaster Recovery Payment. Add the eligibility questionnaire and submit your claim electronically. Within first 6 months of a disaster, claimants are able to submit their applications. Active claim status is communicated through SMS, email, and letter. You are able to see your progress at all times.
Recovery Support Beyond Payments
This first step is simply the beginning of the process. Recovery is a comprehensive process that includes the assessment and documentation of all property damage, the timely communication with your insurance company, and the collection of relevant financial documents for total loss assistance. Grants, housing, mental health services, and rebuilding assistance are provided by local programs, community organizations and government agencies which helps to ease the recovery period after a disaster.
Analyzing the emergency plan, outlining a modular ready-to-go kit, evaluating policy, deconceptualizing power needs, and purchasing backup power are all steps which can be taken in the present to increase resilience for the future. The increase in extreme weather conditions in recent years suggests that steps must be taken in advance to protect both the house and the family. Taking steps in the present to lessen the stress which a recovery crisis would cause in the future can be addressed immediately.
This report has an aim set on understanding the Disaster Recovery Payment system. It also breaks down the amounts to assess, eligibility, the claims process, associated support, and payment disbursement for the residents of Australia impacted by a significant disaster. The report also has a scope for future preparedness.
