Essential Household Contents Grant

If you are uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help replace or repair essential household contents, such as beds, linen and whitegoods, that have been lost or damaged in a disaster.

Grants of up to $1765 for single adults and up to $5300 for couples/families are available. If you are also eligible for an Emergent Assistance Grant the amount you have received will be deducted from the Essential Household Contents Grant.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• live in a disaster declared area where this grant is activated
• be uninsured or unable to claim insurance to replace or repair your household contents
• qualify under the income and assets tests (below).

You can be a tenant or an owner-occupier.

Income test (how much you earn)

Your gross (before tax) weekly income must be less than:

• individual: $730 ($37,960 per year before tax) + $55 per dependant
• couple: $965 ($50,180 per year before tax) + $55 per dependant.

If you earn up to $40 per week more than these amounts, you may be eligible for a reduced grant.

Assets test (what you own)

The following items are not included in the calculation of this assets test:

• your home (primary place of residence)
• household contents
• one motor vehicle
• assets that produce income (e.g. superannuation).

The realisable value* of your assets, excluding the items listed above, must be less than:

• $6,355 or
• $26,005 for pensioners.

*Realisable value refers to the dollar value of the assets, minus the dollar value of ongoing loans.

How to apply

1. Complete and sign the Applicant Information Form.
2. Complete and sign the Essential Household Contents Grant Form.
3. Provide a driver licence, rates notice or electricity bill to confirm the property is your principal place of residence.
4. Meet the income and asset test requirements.

Application forms are available at your nearest Community Recovery Centre or by phoning the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.  

In most cases, a Queensland Government officer will visit your home to assess your application.

Grant payment

If your application is successful your grant will be paid by one of the following methods:

• cheque
• Community Recovery Debit Card
• electronic funds transfer (EFT)
• another approved method, depending on the specific disaster event.

You will not be able to choose the payment method.