How to manage your payment

If you get New Zealand Disaster Recovery Allowance (NZ DRA), you’ll need to tell us if your circumstances change within 14 days.

You’ll need to tell us if any of your weekly income before tax is more than or the same as the average Australian weekly income. The average weekly income before tax is:

• $1,924.60 before 1 January 2026
• $2,011.40 from 1 January 2026.

You’ll also need to tell us if you separate or become partnered while getting this payment.

If a child under 16 enters or leaves your care or you intend to leave Australia for any period of time you need to tell us.

If you’re under 22 years tell us if:

• you start or stop living with your parent or guardian
• your current financial year’s income decreases to less than $6,403.

You’re still eligible to get DRA if the disaster has reduced your weekly income before tax to less than the average weekly income.

The quickest way to report these changes is to call the Emergency information line.

You should also tell us if your address or bank details change.

If you have children

You’ll need to update your income estimate if any of the following apply:

• you get Family Tax Benefit
• you get Child Care Subsidy
• you have a current Child Support assessment.

Use our online guide to update your family income estimate and payment choice using your Centrelink online account through myGov.

When your payment ends

You can get NZ DRA for up to 13 weeks. If your payment is ending and you still need support, check what payments and support you may be eligible for.