Quick and practical information about the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) – who it’s for, how much you get, what’s covered, and how to claim. $1,020 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child—out to those most affected and in need of short-term help to recover from Disaster Relief like bushfires, floods, or storms.

What is the AGDRP?

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a straightforward, one-off financial boost provided by the Australian Government for people facing hardship after a major disaster. Unlike many payments, it doesn’t test your income or savings.

Who Can Get the AGDRP?

To get the AGDRP, you need to meet each of these simple points:

• Be at least 16 years old (or under 16 and getting an eligible payment at the time of the disaster).

• Be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa, including NZ Special Category visa holders in relevant cases.

• Be directly and seriously affected by a major disaster declared by the government.

What Does “Seriously Affected” Mean?

You usually qualify if, as a direct result of the disaster:

• You were seriously injured

• An immediate family member died or is missing

• Your main home was destroyed or seriously damaged

• Your major property/assets suffered major damage

• You’re the main carer of a child who experienced any of the above.

Each disaster may have extra circumstances. Always check specific events for details.

How Much is the AGDRP?

• $1,020 for each eligible adult

• $400 for each eligible child (under 16)

The funds are non-taxable and not counted towards your income for other payments—you don’t report them in your tax return. They’re meant to help you with urgent expenses, temporary living costs, or simply to give you a financial cushion when you’re rebuilding your life.

How and When Can I Claim?

Once a disaster is declared, you usually have six months to claim. There’s no complicated paperwork or waiting for weeks to know if you’re eligible.

• Online: Use your MyGov account for the fastest process

• Phone: Call the Emergency Information Line (180 22 66)

• In-person: Visit your local Centrelink or Medicare office

• By Post or Fax: Applications can be sent to the Emergency Processing Centre if you prefer paperwork.

You and your partner (if both affected) must make separate claims.

What About New Zealanders?

If you’re a New Zealand Special Category visa holder (subclass 444) and have been caught up in a declared disaster, you may also qualify for the AGDRP, if the government announces eligibility for your group for that event.

What If My Child Is Under 16?

Children under 16 can’t claim for themselves, but if you’re the carer of a child affected by the disaster, you claim for their payment amount on their behalf. Only one carer can claim for each child.

What About Repeat Claims?

You can only get the AGDRP once per declared disaster, but you may be able to claim again if there is another, different declared event in the future.

Is There a Disaster Recovery Allowance?

Yes! There’s another financial support option for those whose income is affected by a disaster: the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). It helps those who can’t work or lost income due to the disaster and:

• Are over 16 years old

• Are not already receiving another income support payment

• Meet residency and area requirements

• Can prove the loss of income happened because of the disaster

• Earn less than the average Australian weekly income after the loss

The DRA is a taxable income-support payment, available for up to 13 weeks after your income drops.

Helping You Understand: AGDRP and DRA Table

Quick Tips

• You don’t need to have lost everything to qualify—serious injury, missing family, or a destroyed/damaged home counts.

• The payment is about helping people quickly after disaster, not replacing everything you’ve lost.

• You can apply online, over the phone, or in person—pick what’s easiest for you.

• No need to worry about your savings or income: everyone equally affected can access help

FAQs

Who should I contact if I need help with my AGDRP claim?

Call the Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66 or visit your nearest Centrelink or Medicare Service Centre.

Can my partner and I both get the payment?

Yes. If both of you are eligible, you can each claim $1,020 separately.

Is this payment the same as insurance or other government grants?

No. The AGDRP is separate. You can apply for it even if you’re getting insurance, but always check for event-specific rules

Everything here is based on the most up-to-date guidelines from official Australian Government disaster recovery resources, so you know you can rely on it if disaster strikes. For event-specific claiming details and up-to-the-minute updates, always check government sites, Services Australia, or Disaster Assist.