$1,000 Centrelink Disaster Recovery Payment 2025 — Check Eligibility & How to Apply

When disaster hits, it doesn’t just tear through homes — it tears through lives. That’s why, from 2025, the Australian Government has strengthened its disaster relief framework with the $1,000 Government Recovery Payment, a one-off, tax-free cash boost for those who’ve been directly impacted by declared national disasters like floods, bushfires, cyclones, or storms.

This isn’t a loan or an advance. It’s real, immediate money to help Australians cover urgent costs — replacing essentials, securing temporary shelter, or simply finding some breathing room while the dust settles.

The $1,000 Government Recovery Payment Explained

The official name for the payment is the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP). It’s jointly managed by Services Australia and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Here’s the basic structure:

Category	Amount	Type	Taxable?
Eligible Adult	$1,000	One-time	No
Child under 16	$400	One-time	No

The AGDRP is designed for immediate relief — it doesn’t replace insurance or long-term assistance programs like the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). Instead, it helps families bridge the gap between emergency response and recovery.

And unlike regular Centrelink payments, this one won’t affect your benefits or count as income for tax or social security purposes.

Who’s Eligible for the 2025 Disaster Recovery Payment

Eligibility is based on both location and impact. You can only apply once your area has been officially declared a disaster zone under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), confirmed through federal and state coordination.

To qualify, you must:

• Be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa
• Be 16 or older when the disaster occurred
• Live in or have been present in a declared disaster area
• Have experienced at least one of the following:
  • Serious injury as a direct result of the event
  • Loss of an immediate family member
  • Your primary residence was damaged or destroyed
  • You lost essential personal items or household possessions

If you’re claiming on behalf of children under 16, they must have been living with you at the time and be part of the affected household.

For reference, the full list of disaster-declared regions is published on www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster and updated as new events occur.

How and When Payments Are Made

The government doesn’t set a single nationwide payment date because timing depends on when disasters are officially declared. Once your area is listed as eligible, you can apply immediately.

Payments are usually made within days of approval via direct deposit to your nominated bank account.

If processing delays occur (for example, during major disasters with thousands of claims), payments may be staggered or temporarily split into two instalments to ensure quick access to funds.

How to Apply for the $1,000 Government Recovery Payment 2025

Applying is straightforward — you can do it all online through myGov.

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit the Services Australia Disaster Recovery page.
2. Log in to your myGov account.
3. Link your Centrelink account if you haven’t already.
4. Select Apply for Disaster Recovery Payment.
5. Fill in the claim form — include:
   • Your name, address, and date of birth
   • The date the disaster impacted you
   • Details of your loss or damage
6. Attach supporting documents (photos of property damage, insurance reports, or medical certificates if applicable).
7. Select $1,000 Government Recovery Payment 2025 from the options list.
8. Review and submit your claim.

Once submitted, you can track progress anytime under Payments and Claims → Disaster Recovery in your myGov dashboard.

If online access is unavailable, you can also call the Disaster Assistance Hotline at 180 22 66 or visit a Service Centre in your region.

How to Check Your Payment Status

If you’ve already applied and want to know where your payment stands:

1. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au.
2. Sign in to myGov.
3. Click Payments & Claims.
4. Choose Check Claim Status under Disaster Recovery Payment.
5. View your progress (Pending, Processing, Approved, or Paid).

You’ll also receive notifications through your myGov Inbox once the payment is finalised.

Key Facts and Quick Reminders

• The $1,000 Disaster Recovery Payment is non-taxable and doesn’t affect your regular Centrelink benefits.
• $400 per child under 16 is available for eligible households.
• You don’t have to pay it back — it’s not a loan.
• Each adult must lodge their own claim (parents can include dependent children in theirs).
• Applications close within six months of the disaster event being declared.

The AGDRP is about speed and simplicity. Its goal is to get money into the hands of people who need it most — fast.

Real-World Impact

From the bushfires that swept through NSW to the flash floods that battered northern Queensland, the AGDRP has provided immediate relief to thousands of Australians in crisis.

Emma, a small business owner from Lismore, recalls applying just 48 hours after the floods:

“It wasn’t about the amount — it was about feeling seen. That $1,000 covered a week’s worth of groceries and cleaning supplies when everything else was chaos.”

That’s exactly what the program is for: helping people stabilize after shock before longer-term recovery efforts kick in.

Fact Check: Official Government Confirmation

Yes — the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is an official, ongoing initiative managed under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

It’s administered by:

• Services Australia
• National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
• In collaboration with state and territory governments.

The policy is legislated under the Social Security Act 1991, ensuring permanent authority for federal disaster assistance payments.

FAQs