Disaster Recovery Allowance – Services Australia

Falls Creek Alpine Resort (FCAR) wishes to advise that a Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is now available to eligible people who have lost work as a result of the recent Victorian floods. The DRA provides income support to people and business who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the recent storms in Victoria.

Falls Creek is now recognised as an affected Local Government Area for the purpose of this allowance. We confirm that the nearby Alpine Shire is also recognised as an affected LGA.

What is it?
The DRA will provide fortnightly payments for up to 13 weeks to the equivalent of the Job Seeker or Youth Allowance payment, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.  If your income is more than the average Australian weekly income amount of $1,737.10, they will reduce your payment to zero.

Who is eligible?

You must meet all of the below criteria to be eligible:

• Were 16 or older at the time of the floods.
• Are an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa.
• Work or live in an affected Local Government Area (for the purposes of this allowance, Falls Creek is considered an eligible area).
• Lost income as a direct result of the floods.
• Earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the weeks after you had this income loss ($1,737.10 is considered the average weekly income).

If you’re part of a couple, you can both claim this payment. You and your partner will need to make separate claims. If you are aged between 16 and 21, you must be considered independent to receive the payment. They will assess:

• Your income
• Your personal circumstances
• If you’re dependent on anyone, such as an adult who has legal responsibility for your care and provides financial assistance.

Please be aware that if you currently receive other income support from Services Australia, you may not be eligible for this allowance.

How to claim?
Claims can be made through myGov. You will need to have a myGov account that is linked to Centrelink. You will be asked to provide evidence of your loss of income.

• Please follow the link here to make a claim and for further instructions: How to claim the Victorian Floods, October 2022 – Disaster Recovery Allowance – Victorian Floods, October 2022 – Disaster Recovery Allowance – Services Australia

If you do not currently have a myGov account, the link above will provide you with further guidance on how to create a myGov account and make a claim. Claims must be made before 27th April 2023.

Mental Health Support

We understand and recognise the severe strain that people may be under and advise that various support services are available to help you through these challenging times.
Free Emotional and Wellbeing Support Clinic – Albury Wodonga Health

Free and confidential mental health support is available to staff and locals via a specialist mental health clinic provided through Albury Wodonga Health. Darren will be on mountain next Wednesday 9th November and Thursday 10th November if you would like to meet with Darren in person.  Darren has visited the mountain since 2021 and is familiar with the impacts of the previous bushfires and COVID-19. Visits to the clinic are 100% free and no referral is required.

For a free confidential chat, please call Darren on 0408 110 739.

Other wellbeing support services

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 – crisis support available 24/7 via phone, text or online chat
• Parentline – 13 22 89 – support for parents and carers
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – support for kids, teens and young adults
• NURSE-ON-CALL – 1300 60 60 24 – expert health information and advice
• Australian Psychological Society Referral Service – 1800 333 497
• Safe Steps – 1800 015 188 – family violence specialists available 24/7
• Orange Door – access services for adults, children and young people who are experiencing family violence
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs – 1300 375 330 – book an in-person or telehealth appointment for anyone who feels overwhelmed or needs support with mental health concerns.

We will continue to provide further updates on potential funding and other support services made available to those affected by the impacts of the floods and BHP road closure.

Please share this information with community members that you believe may not receive it.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance or have any questions.