If you've been affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we're here to help you find the support you need. You may be eligible for financial assistance from both the Australian Government and your state government. Many services are still working through their support packages and we'll update this page as more information becomes available.
Food spoilage
We know how frustrating it is to lose food due to a power outage, especially in such a challenging time. Unfortunately energy retailers and distributors don't cover food loss from natural disasters. Some home insurance policies will allow you to claim for spoiled food – check your policy to see if you're covered.
Damage to electrical appliances
Your home and contents insurance may cover damage to your appliances or property caused by electricity issues. If your insurer needs proof of the power outage and its cause, you can request a letter from your electricity distributor online:
Australian Government assistance
Financial assistance is available if you're in one of the 31 eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) directly affected by the disaster. This includes:
Disaster Recovery Payment – a one-off payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child if you need immediate help due to major damage to your home
Disaster Recovery Allowance – up to 13 weeks of income support if you live or work in an affected LGA and you've lost income as a result of this disaster.
To check eligibility and apply online, log on to MyGov or Services Australia – you’ll need a myGov account with Centrelink linked to it. Follow the steps in the Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance guides. You can also use Centrelink's Express Plus mobile app.
To apply by phone, call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Also see additional help and support available.
Eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) |
Qld (14 LGAs): Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast. |
NSW (17 LGAs): Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Mid-Coast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield and Tweed as well as the locality of Lord Howe Island, including any islands within a 3 Nautical Mile radius. |
Queensland Government assistance
Community recovery support
To access support in your local area, call the 24/7 Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
If you need emergency housing, complete a request online or call 13 74 68.
If you're experiencing emotional stress, you can speak to a qualified disaster counsellor by calling the dedicated 24/7 Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline on 1800 116 671.
Gold Coast City, Logan City or Redland City
If you live in these three eligible LGAs, financial assistance is available with the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme. You may also be able to apply for the grants below. You can find more information, check your eligibility and apply online or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 177 349.
Emergency Hardship Assistance (EHA) Grant | $180 per person (up to $900 for a family of 5 or more) to purchase food, clothing and medical supplies or to secure temporary accommodation.
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Essential Services Hardship Assistance (ESHA) Grant | $150 per person (up to $750 for a family of five or more) if you’ve lost one or more essential services (electricity, gas, water, sewerage) at your home for more than 5 consecutive days. This grant doesn’t apply for loss of power or essential services to your home for 5 consecutive days or less.
You won’t need an insurance letter from Energex or Ergon Energy for this event. Customer outage data has already been provided to the Department of Communities for this grant for eligible LGAs.
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Essential Household Contents Grant (EHCG) | $1,765 for individuals (up to $5,300 for couples or families) to replace or repair essential lost household contents, such as bed linen & white goods. This grant applies if you're uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, and you meet an income test.
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Essential Services Safety & Reconnection Scheme (ESSRS) | $200 to help with safety inspections and $4,200 to help with repairs or replacement of essential services (electricity, gas, water, sewerage). This scheme applies to owner-occupiers if you're uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, and you meet an income test.
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Structural Assistance Grant | For help with structural repairs or contribution towards the replacement of the dwelling if your home has become structurally unsafe to live in. This grant applies to owner-occupiers if you're uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, and you meet an income test.
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New South Wales Government assistance
Community recovery support
To access support, call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Evacuation centres are open 24/7 to help with immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.
If you're experiencing emotional stress, you can speak to a specialist clinician by calling the 24/7 NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
Support available for affected areas
Support is available to those affected by the disaster in eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NE NSW.
Residents, business owners, primary producers and rural landholders can access Recovery Support Services for help with financial grants, services and loans.
Personal Hardship Assistance | $180 one-off payment for individuals and dependents, up to a maximum of 4 dependents for those who lived in a property impacted by the disaster. This payment is to help pay for food, medication, clothing, temporary accommodation, and other essential needs. |
Disaster Relief Grant (DRG) program | For those most in need and least able to return to a safe, basic and liveable home. Applies to low-income, uninsured residents who have lost essential household items or where the dwelling needs structural repairs.
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Natural disaster relief loans | Primary producers, small business operators, sporting and recreation clubs and associations and non-profit organisations in disaster declared LGAs may apply for a concessional loan to support rapid recovery.
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See also