Millions of Australians impacted by recent floods, bushfires, and severe storms will be able to access the new $1,000 Disaster Relief Payment in 2025. The government says the support is aimed at helping families recover from immediate losses and costs linked to natural disasters.
What Is the $1,000 Disaster Relief Payment?
The Disaster Relief Payment (DRP) is a one-off, tax-free support payment for Australians who have suffered serious damage to their home or other essential property during declared disaster events. In 2025, the rate has been updated to $1,000 per adult and $400 per child under 16.
This payment is quick-access emergency funding intended to help with:
- Temporary accommodation costs
- Replacement of essential household items
- Urgent food, clothing, or transport expenses
Who Can Get the Payment in 2025?
Eligibility in 2025 has been clarified to ensure the payment goes to those directly affected. You may qualify if:
- You are an Australian resident in a disaster-declared area.
- Your home has been significantly damaged or destroyed.
- You have suffered a serious injury from the disaster.
- You meet the income and residency requirements set by Services Australia.
The payment is available to:
- Homeowners and renters
- Families with children
- Individuals who rely on government income support
There is no requirement to be a Centrelink customer before the disaster, but having a MyGov account speeds up processing.
How to Apply
If your location has been officially declared a disaster zone by state or federal authorities, you can claim through:
- MyGov linking to Centrelink and selecting “Disaster Recovery Payment”
- Calling the Disaster Assistance hotline
- Visiting a local Services Australia office in person
Claim windows generally remain open for six months after the disaster start date, but applying early ensures faster payment. Supporting evidence such as insurance claims, council damage reports, or photos may be required.
Payment Dates and Processing Time
For events declared in early 2025, the $1,000 payment rollout will begin:
- Within 5 business days for online applications with complete documents
- Up to 2 weeks for manual or in-person claims
Families with multiple children will receive the extra $400 per child component in the same deposit. Payments go directly into the claimant’s nominated bank account.
Link to Ongoing Recovery Assistance
Alongside the Disaster Relief Payment, other long-term disaster recovery programs will be available in 2025:
- Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) – Fortnightly income support for up to 13 weeks for those who lose work due to a disaster.
- Small business grants for recovery costs.
- Concessional loans for rebuilding homes and replacing assets.
- State-based housing repair grants.
The $1,000 DRP is intended as initial recovery help, with these programs covering longer rebuild and livelihood needs.
Why Families Should Act Fast
Government reminders stress that many eligible Australians miss out simply because they don’t claim in time or don’t realise they qualify. Even renters who lost belongings due to floods or storms can access the payment.
The 2025 update also streamlines approval, cutting wait times compared to previous years. This means damaged households can put the funds toward urgent needs faster.
Key Takeaways
- Payment is $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for residents in disaster-declared areas.
- Available whether you are a Centrelink recipient or not.
- Claims are open for six months after the disaster announcement.
- Processing for complete online claims takes about 5 business days.
- Linked to broader recovery support like income allowances and housing repair grants.
With extreme weather events predicted to continue into late 2025, checking disaster declarations in your area and applying quickly can ensure your family gets the help it needs.