The Albanese Government today activated its latest support for communities affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its aftermath, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

This event has impacted on people in different ways.

The Albanese Government is working closely with the Minns government to ensure that supports are available in response to the different challenges that people have experienced.

Joint Commonwealth-State support

• If a person has been impacted by power outages in effect for 48 hours or more, or were subject to Evacuation Orders (category red emergency warning) caused by the disaster event, they may be eligible for Personal Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $180 - $900 depending on household size. This payment is administered by the NSW Government and people can check their eligibility on the ServiceNSW website at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/northern-nsw-storm-relief-grant-individuals-march-2025

Commonwealth supports

• If a person has suffered a loss of income as a direct result, they may also be eligible for the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), which offers up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances. This payment is administered by the Australian Government and people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport.

• If a person has suffered the most extreme impacts, including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, they may be eligible for the AGDRP, which offers residents $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. This payment is administered by the Australian Government, and people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport.

The payment will be made available in the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Kyogle and Richmond Valley.

The AGDRP has already been activated for Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Tweed, as well as the two locations of Yamba in the Clarence Valley LGA and Lillian Rock in the Kyogle LGA.

As additional information about impacts becomes available, the Government will consider other locations.

Claims opened for DRA and AGDRP at 2pm yesterday (Monday, 17 March 2025). 

The easiest way to claim Australian Government support is online through myGov or through the myGov app. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call 1800 076 072.

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher said, “The Government remains focussed on those who have been impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. We know recovery will take time, and this is one of the many Commonwealth and jointly funded payments available to support impacted communities.”

“If you live in one of the areas listed, I’d encourage you to get on the Services Australia website to learn more and begin the claim process.”

“Supporting people during emergencies and natural disasters is Services Australia’s core work. Staff will be working hard to process these claims as soon as possible.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said, “The recent tropical cyclone and its aftermath has caused destruction in NSW, and the Albanese Government is ready to support local communities.

“Support through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is just part of the support that we are providing to help those affected rebuild their lives.

“As we assess the full impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we are mobilising swiftly to ensure that affected areas receive the necessary support.

“Recovery is a long process, and we are committed to standing by the people of NSW throughout their journey to rebuild.”