Office of Emergency Management – Disaster Relief Grants

This program aims to provide disaster relief grants to eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household contents have been damaged or destroyed by a disaster.

There are two types of assistance available:
- Grants for replacing essential household contents: Essential items are those required for normal daily life, such as bedding and some electrical items (e.g. a fridge or washing machine).
- Grants for essential structural repairs: Assistance may be provided to make essential structural repairs if the applicant is a home owner.

The application process involves:
- Applicants must call Disaster Welfare on 1800018444. A disaster welfare officer will provide information about the grants, application process and eligibility criteria.
- Home visit: A disaster welfare officer will need to visit the applicant's home to inspect the damage before an assessment can be made.
- Decision: Once the application including supporting documents is complete and a home visit has occurred, RAA will make an assessment as quickly as possible. RAA will write to the applicant to tell them the outcome of their application.

Eligible applicants must:
- Be a low-income earner and meet an income assets test.
- Demonstrate that the affected home is the principal place of residence.
- Not be covered by insurance.
- Demonstrate that the damage was caused by the disaster.
- Lodge the application within four months of the disaster occurring.

Assistance is not provided for repairs to other areas of the property, such as damage to fences, painting, pools, sheds or garages.