The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a one-off, non-means-tested payment that helps people directly affected by a declared disaster such as floods, storms, bushfires, or cyclones.
Eligible adults receive A$1,000, and an additional A$400 can be claimed for each eligible child under 16. The payment is tax-free, meaning you do not include it in your tax return.
It’s designed to provide immediate relief while you deal with urgent costs and start recovery.
Who Is Eligible In 2025
You may qualify for AGDRP in 2025 if all of the following apply:
- You live in (or were present in) a Local Government Area (LGA) that has been formally declared for the specific disaster.
- You meet residence rules (e.g., Australian resident or other eligible status).
- You are 16 or older (or under 16 and receiving an eligible payment at the time).
- You experienced at least one qualifying impact, such as:
- Serious injury due to the disaster, or
- Major damage to your primary residence or major assets, or
- You are an immediate family member of a person who died or is missing because of the disaster.
Important: Each disaster activation specifies the eligible LGAs, claim opening/closing dates, and any additional criteria.
Always check the details that apply to your event before you claim.
How To Claim (Step-By-Step)
- Confirm Eligibility: Check that your LGA is on the declared list for the disaster that affected you and that you meet the impact criteria.
- Sign In To myGov: Log in to myGov and link Centrelink (if not already linked).
- Start Your Claim: Go to Centrelink → Payments → Disaster payments → Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and complete the online form.
- Provide Evidence (If Asked): You may be asked for proof of injury, photos or reports of major damage, insurance assessments, or official notices.
- Submit & Track: Submit your claim and monitor messages in myGov for updates or requests for more information.
Payment Dates & Processing Time
There is no single national “pay day.” AGDRP opens when a disaster is activated, and each event has its own claim window (generally open for several months, often up to six months).
Once your claim is approved, the money is paid directly to your bank account.
Actual processing times vary based on claim volumes, completeness of evidence, and whether follow-up information is required.
Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) |
| Amount | A$1,000 per eligible adult; A$400 per eligible child (<16) |
| Purpose | Immediate financial relief after a declared disaster |
| Key Eligibility | In a declared LGA, meet residence rules, and have a qualifying impact (serious injury, major home/asset damage, or immediate family death/missing) |
| How To Claim | myGov → Centrelink → Disaster payments → AGDRP (online application) |
| Evidence | May include injury documentation, damage photos/reports, insurance or official notices |
| Tax Status | Not taxable; not included in your tax return |
| Timing | Event-specific; payments issued after approval; claim windows generally open for months |
Tips To Avoid Delays
- Apply early once your LGA appears on the declared list.
- Double-check details (bank, address, contact) in myGov/Centrelink.
- Upload clear evidence promptly if requested.
- Respond quickly to any myGov messages asking for more information.
The A$1,000 Australian Recovery Payment (AGDRP) gives fast, targeted support when disasters strike.
If you suffered a serious injury, your home or major assets were badly damaged, or you lost an immediate family member, confirm that your LGA is declared and apply via myGov as soon as possible.
Because timelines and eligible LGAs vary by event—and payments are approved on a case-by-case basis—acting quickly, preparing clear evidence, and keeping your Centrelink details up to date will help you receive tax-free assistance when you need it most.
FAQs
Can I Claim AGDRP If I Also Lost Income?
Yes. AGDRP is separate from income support like the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). If you lost income, you may apply for both—provided you meet each program’s rules.
Is There A Fixed National Pay Date?
No. Pay dates depend on when your event is activated, when you apply, and how quickly your claim is assessed. Payments are made after approval to your bank account.
Do I Need To Include AGDRP In My Tax Return?
No. The AGDRP is tax-free and does not need to be included in your tax return.
