Centrelink Disaster Payment Explained: Who Can Get It & How
- What Is the Centrelink Disaster Payment?
- Who Is Eligible for a Centrelink Disaster Payment?
- How Can I Apply for a Centrelink Disaster Payment?
- What Other Financial Support Is Available?
- Can I Get Centrelink Disaster Payment If Iâve Had Other Support?
- How to Rebuild My Home After a Disaster?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Natural disasters can strike with little warning â whether itâs floods, bushfires, storms, or cyclones, many Australians know the emotional and financial toll these events can take. In the aftermath, knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. One vital source of help is the federal governmentâs Centrelink Disaster Payment.
In this guide, weâll walk you through everything you need to know about this crucial supportâ from whoâs eligible and how much you could receive to the application process. If youâve recently been affected by the floods or storms, especially due to the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, read on and learn to claim the support!
What Is the Centrelink Disaster Payment?
The Centrelink Disaster Payment, officially known as the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), is a lump sum payment that helps if youâve been seriously affected by a declared natural disaster.
This payment is tax-free and is designed to offer immediate financial support after an emergency like a storm, flood, bushfire, cyclone, or monsoon.
In 2025, this payment has been activated for several major events, including:
North Queensland Floods (JanuaryâFebruary 2025)
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred (March 2025 â impacting parts of Queensland and New South Wales)
Western Queensland Heavy Rain and Flooding (March 2025)
If you were directly impacted, you might be able to claim:
$1,000 Centrelink payment per adult
$400 Centrelink payment per eligible child under 16
Who Is Eligible for a Centrelink Disaster Payment?
To qualify for the hardship payment Centrelink, you must meet the following criteria:
Residency: Be an Australian resident or meet specific residence rules.
Age: Be 16 years or older, or under 16 and receiving an eligible payment at the time of the disaster.
Location: Have been adversely affected in a declared disaster area.
âAdversely affectedâ means you or a child in your care experienced one or more of the following due to the disaster:
Major damage to your principal place of residence.
Major damage to essential assets at your residence.
Serious injury.
Loss or disappearance of an immediate family member who is an Australian citizen or resident.
You can only receive the AGDRP once for each declared disaster.
How Can I Apply for a Centrelink Disaster Payment?
Think youâre eligible? Follow these steps to apply for the disaster payment Centrelink:
Step 1: Prepare to Claim
Before starting your application, ensure you have:
A myGov account linked to your Centrelink online account.
Personal details, including your current address and contact information.
Information about how the disaster has impacted you (e.g., property damage, injury, or loss of a family member).
If you donât have a myGov account, you can create one at my.gov.au. Once set up, link your Centrelink account by selecting âServicesâ and then âLink Centrelinkâ.
Step 2: Start Your Claim
Sign in to your myGov account and select Centrelink.
On your Centrelink homepage, click on âMake a claim or view claim statusâ.
Choose âGet startedâ under the âHelp in an emergencyâ category.
Select âApply for Disaster Recovery Paymentâ.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Youâll be guided through a series of questions to determine your eligibility. These will cover:
Your residency status.
The specific disaster event youâre claiming for.
Details about how the disaster has affected you.
Ensure you read all information carefully and answer truthfully.
Step 4: Complete Your Claim
Personal Details: Confirm or update your personal information, including address and contact details.
Impact Details: Provide specifics on how the disaster has affected you or your family.
Banking Information: Enter your bank account details for payment. The account must be in your name or a joint account that includes your name.
After completing each section, click âNextâ to proceed.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Review all the information youâve provided to ensure accuracy.
Read and agree to the declaration and acknowledgment statements.
Submit your claim.
Once submitted, youâll receive confirmation that your claim has been lodged.
Step 6: After You Claim
You can track the progress of your claim by:
Signing into your myGov account and selecting âPayments & claimsâ.
Using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
Services Australia will notify you of the outcome via:
SMS.
Your myGov inbox.
Letter.
Claim Before the Deadline:
Each declared disaster has its own claim window. Most claims need to be lodged within six months of the disaster being declared â so donât leave it too late!
Here are the current claim deadlines for 2025 disasters:
Western Queensland Heavy Rain and Flooding (March 2025) â Claim by: 14 October 2025
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred â Queensland (March 2025) â Claim by: 18 September 2025
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred â New South Wales (March 2025) â Claim by: 13 September 2025
North Queensland Floods (JanâFeb 2025) â Claim the Centrelink flood payment by: 17 September 2025
For more detailed guidance, including screenshots and additional support, visit the Services Australia guide on claiming the Disaster Recovery Payment. If you need assistance at any point, you can call the Emergency information line at 180 22 66, available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
What Other Financial Support Is Available?
If youâve been impacted by recent disasters like the North Queensland Floods or Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, there are additional financial supports beyond the Centrelink Disaster Payment to help you recover.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short-term income support payment for individuals who have lost income due to a declared disaster. Itâs available for up to 13 weeks and is paid at the equivalent rate of JobSeeker or Youth Allowance, depending on your circumstances.
To be eligible, you must:
Be 16 years or older.
Be an Australian resident or meet residence rules.
Live or work in a declared disaster area.
Have lost income as a direct result of the disaster.
Earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the 13 weeks after the income loss.
DRA is taxable and needs to be included in your tax return.
State and Territory Assistance
In addition to federal support, state and territory governments offer various forms of assistance:
Queensland: Offers personal hardship assistance grants, loans for small businesses and non-profit organizations, and support from Community Recovery Officers.
New South Wales: Provides one-off payments up to $900 for essential needs like food, clothing, and emergency accommodation for those affected by disasters.
Eligibility criteria and application processes vary, so itâs essential to check with your local state or territory government for specific details. For more information on available supports and how to apply, visit the Services Australia Natural Disaster Support page.
Can I Get Centrelink Disaster Payment If Iâve Had Other Support?
Yes, you can still apply for the Centrelink Disaster Payment or AGDRP, even if youâve received other forms of assistance. However, eligibility depends on the specific types of support youâve already accessed.
Receiving Other Government Support: If youâve received state or territory government assistance, such as emergency grants or temporary accommodation support, this doesnât automatically disqualify you from the AGDRP.
Crisis Payment for Other Extreme Circumstances: If youâve already received a Crisis Payment for Other Extreme Circumstances for the same event, you may not be eligible for the AGDRP.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA): You can apply for bothDRA and AGDRP if you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Other Income Support Payments: If youâre already receiving income support payments like JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or Parenting Payment, you can still apply for the AGDRP.
How to Rebuild My Home After a Disaster?
Rebuilding after a natural disaster can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step can make the process more manageable. Hereâs a guide to help you navigate the journey:
Prioritise Safety
Before re-entering your property, ensure itâs safe to do so. Wait for clearance from emergency services or local authorities. Be cautious of hazards like unstable structures, electrical issues, or contaminated water. If your home contains asbestos, engage a licensed professional for removal.
Document the Damage
Take clear photos and videos of all damage before starting any clean-up. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and potential government assistance.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. They can guide you on necessary assessments and approved contractors. Keep records of all communications and receipts related to repairs.
Understand Local Regulations
Check with your local council about necessary permits and approvals for rebuilding. Some minor repairs may not require approval, but significant structural work typically does.
Engage Qualified Professionals
Hire licensed builders and tradespeople for repair and reconstruction work. Ensure they have the appropriate insurance and understand local building codes.
Consider Resilient Building Practices
When rebuilding, consider designs and materials that enhance resilience against future disasters, such as elevated structures in flood-prone areas or reinforced roofing in cyclone zones.
Invest in Backup Power
When extreme weather strikes, blackouts are often part of the fallout. To prepare for power outages during recovery, a reliable backup power source is key to keep your phones charged and essential appliances running.
Backup power options include:
Fuel generators: Common but noisy, require petrol/diesel, and emit fumes.
Battery portable power stations: Cleaner, quieter, rechargeable, and safe for indoor use.
Solar generators: Combine portable power stations with solar panels for renewable, off-grid energy.
Compared to traditional fuel generators, home battery backup solutions are safer, easier to maintain, and more sustainable â especially in remote or disaster-affected areas where petrol may be hard to come by.
If youâre looking for something dependable and ready to go, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station is a great option. It packs a 768Wh capacity and delivers 800W of power (or up to 1600W with X-Boost), which is more than enough to keep essentials like your fridge, lights, laptop, or small appliances running for a few hours.
Plus, it has a built-in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) feature that automatically takes over in just 30 ms if the mains power goes out. The battery unit is compact and weighs just 7.8 kg, making it ideal for both home use and evacuation scenarios.
You can charge it four different ways â via wall outlet AC, car, USB-C, or solar. And thanks to its ultra-fast AC charging, it goes from 0 to 100% in just 70 minutes. Pair it with the EcoFlowâs portable solar panels, and youâve got a home backup generator that produces up to 1.8kWh of off-grid solar energy daily during extended blackouts.
The RIVER 2 Pro uses a LiFePO4 battery, known for safety and long life â offering up to 10 years of reliable use â and has been certified by TĂV Rheinland for peace of mind. You can also monitor and control everything via the EcoFlow app over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Seek Additional Support
If you need architectural assistance, organizations like Architects Assist offer pro bono design services to disaster-affected individuals.
Conclusion
Navigating life after a natural disaster can feel overwhelming, but youâre not alone. The federal governmentâs Centrelink Disaster Payment is just one of several support options available to help you get back on your feet. Whether youâre eligible for a one-off payment or other types of financial assistance, itâs worth taking the time to understand your options and apply as soon as possible.
As you start to rebuild, keep in mind how you can make your home strongerâthink about using resilient designs and materials, reviewing your insurance coverage, and adding backup power options. A little preparation now can make a big difference when it matters most.
FAQ
How much money can I receive through a Centrelink Disaster Payment?
If youâre eligible for a Centrelink Disaster Payment, officially called the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), you can get $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child under 16 in your care. This is a one-off, non-taxable payment to help with immediate costs after a disaster like a flood, storm or cyclone.
How long does it take to get a disaster recovery payment?
The Disaster Recovery Payment processing time Centrelink can vary. But once youâve lodged a claim, most people receive the payment within a few days â often within 5 business days, depending on how busy the system is and if all your details are correct. You can track the progress of your claim through your myGov account or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
What is the $1000 payment from Centrelink Australia?
The Centrelink $1000 payment usually refers to the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP). Itâs a one-off, non-taxable payment of $1,000 given to adults who have been seriously affected by a declared natural disaster. If youâre eligible, you may also get $400 per dependent child.