Disaster Assist
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On 30 September 2009 (AEST) an 8.1 magnitude earthquake occurred south-south-west of Apia, Samoa. An associated tsunami struck the south coast of Samoa approximately 25 minutes later.
The Australian Government is providing support to Australians adversely affected by the tsunami in Samoa, through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Funeral/Memorial Assistance.
For more information on eligibility or if you have any queries, please visit the Centrelink Website or contact the Australian Government Samoa Tsunami and Sumatra Earthquake Hotline 1800 040 226
Centrelink’s Family Liaison Officers are available to provide social work services to the families of those affected. Support includes crisis intervention, personal support, referral and practical assistance to affected individuals and families.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment provides a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child to assist Australians who have suffered serious injury, have witnessed the devastation of the disaster, or who are one of three immediate family members of an Australian victim of the tsunami in Samoa on 30 September 2009 (AEST).
Claims for this assistance can be lodged at Centrelink until 6 April 2010.
Funeral/memorial assistance is available to one immediate Australian family member of an Australian who has died as a result of the tsunami in Samoa on 30 September 2009. This assistance will provide $5,000 for the funeral or memorial and related costs.
Claims for this assistance can be lodged at Centrelink until 6 April 2010.
Joint Media Release between the Prime Minister and the minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs - Assistance for Australian Affected by Samoan Tsunami and Sumatra Earthquakes