Financial assistance is now available in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Marcus.
An Immediate Relief Payment valued at $250 is available to households which have been without mains power for more than 72 hours. This payment is not means tested.
The criteria to receive the immediate relief payment for those affected by power loss for 72 hours or more has been based on cyclone preparedness guidelines which describe the ability to be self-sufficient (including non-perishable food items) for a 72 hour period.
Funds will be deposited directly into bank accounts, which will transfer within 3-5 business days.
To access the Immediate Relief Payment a form must be completed at a Welfare Recovery Centre. Once approved at the Welfare Recovery Centre, cash payments in cases of high need will be authorised within 24 hours and available for collection at a nominated National Australia Bank branch at Casuarina, Darwin or Palmerston (you do not need to be a member of the bank to collect the payment).
The Welfare Recovery Centres are located at:
· Darwin Library – Civic Centre, Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin
· Casuarina Library – 17 Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina
· Salvation Army centre, Anula – Corner of Lee Point Road and Yanyula Drive, Anula
· Coolalinga Central – 445 Stuart Highway, Coolalinga
· Rum Jungle Tavern – 5 Nurndina St, Batchelor
The Centres are open in the Darwin area from 9am – 5 pm week days and then 10am to 3pm on the weekend. The Batchelor Centre will operate from 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday (more days may be added if required).
Proof of identity and a Power and Water/Jacana bill will be required to process the payment as well as provision of banking details to enable the deposit.
Proof of identity includes photo ID such as drivers licence, proof of age card or passport). Where an applicant is unable to provide a Power and Water or Jacana bill the Welfare Recovery staff will work with the applicant to determining power supply interruption and eligibility.
Other forms of Financial Assistance are available to eligible households, which will be means tested. Eligibility can be discussed at one of the Welfare Recovery Centres to support households with the Replacement Household Goods and Emergency Accommodation Allowance and a Structural Assistance Payment.
Means testing will require households to meet eligibility guidelines for these additional payments, including provision of further documentation, which will vary depending on the type of assistance required.
Cash payments will be authorised as soon as eligibility has been verified by Territory Families and the recipient will need to attend a nominated National Australia Bank branch to receive payment with photo identification.
If you need any assistance with the above please call the Recovery Assistance Hotline 1800 700 250 (option 4). The Hotline will operate from 8am to 8pm every day.
Territory Families media contact:
Hayley Palazzi
08 8999 2940