Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred: Grants and Financial Assistance

The recent devastation caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left many in Queensland and New South Wales grappling with the aftermath. For those affected by this natural disaster, several grants and financial assistance programs are available to help ease the burden.

Available Grants and Financial Assistance

QLD: If you have experienced a loss of essential services (such as electricity, gas, water or sewage) for more than 5 consecutive days as a result of the cyclone, you may be eligible for the Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant (ESHA). This grant provides:

• $150 per person

• Up to $750 for families of 5 or more

Click here for further information.

NSW: Residents in NSW who lost power for 48 hours or more, or who were subject to an Evacuation Order due to the cyclone, may be eligible for the Personal Hardship Assistance. This assistance includes:

• A one-off payment of $180 per individual

• A $180 payment per dependent (up to 4 dependents)

Click here for further information.

Federal Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)

In addition to state-level support, the federal Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is available to those whose income was directly affected by the cyclone in March 2025. This allowance provides short-term payments for up to 13 weeks, calculated at the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your situation.

To learn more about the DRA in your state, follow the links below:

• QLD – Click here for further information on DRA.

• NSW – Click here for further information on DRA.

Additional Support for Individuals and Sole Traders

Please note, that the current disaster assistance schemes are available only to individuals or sole traders and not to business entities. As such, it’s crucial to review your insurance policies to determine if they cover any loss or damage resulting from the effects of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. If you are eligible for coverage, we strongly recommend lodging a claim with your insurer as soon as possible.

ATO Lodgement Concessions

For those individuals and businesses with a Tax Agent in cyclone affected areas, the ATO have recently announced lodgement concessions specifically for the February 2025 monthly BAS and income tax returns due 31 March 2025 allowing automatic deferred lodgement until 11 April 2025.

If you have any questions or need guidance on tax assistance please contact us on 07 3446 5906 or via email: admin@transcendaccounting.com.au.