Elsie Lange
Macedon Ranges residents who were affected by the storms in June 2021 have until the end of May to lodge a claim with the federal government for a Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) and/or an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
Employees, primary producers and sole traders who can demonstrate they experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the storms and floods are eligible for DRA income support payments.
Through the DRA, successful applicants can receive up to 13 weeks of fortnightly payments up to the rate of the JobSeeker payment or Youth Allowance, depending on the person’s circumstances. It is available to Australian residents 16 years and older.
According to a statement from Macedon Ranges council, the DRA is not available to people already receiving income support from the federal government.
The AGDRP gives one-off financial assistance for eligible applicants affected by storms and floods, providing $1000 pre eligible adult and $400 per eligible child, according to council.
“AGDRP is available for people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, whose major assets have been directly damaged or are the immediate family members of a person who has died as a direct result of the storms and floods,” council said.
To find out more, head to: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au or contact the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 for claims for assistance.
For more information about what support and assistance is available for residents of the Macedon Ranges, go to: mrsc.vic.gov.au/storm-recovery
