Albanese told Today this morning that applications for the allowance would be available from 2pm tomorrow through the myGOV website.

“The recovery in this is going to take a long time,” he said.

What is the disaster payment?

​​​The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is a short-term income support payment to assist people who can prove they have lost income as a direct result of a disaster.

Up to 13 weeks payment could be available for employees, small business persons and farmers who have lost their living wage.

How to claim disaster payment?

From the Centrelink homepage, choose ‘Make a claim’ then ‘Help in an emergency’ then ‘Apply for Disaster Recovery Allowance’.

Australian residents and specified visa holders who are 16 years or older and can prove their income has been directly affected by a declared disaster.

You’ll be asked a series of eligibility questions when you apply.

How much is the disaster payment?

Is the Australian government disaster recovery payment a lump sum payment?

No. The Disaster Recovery Allowance is paid fortnightly for up to 13 weeks from the date you started losing income.

Other payments and relief is available, including lump sums of income support, other financial hardship payments and a three-month pause on any Centrelink debt.