Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund

This fund is designed to complement existing financial relief measures and ensure flexible, targeted support where it is most needed.

Who can apply?

This fund is available for households whose home has been seriously damaged by a natural disaster.

The payment is intended to help people recover when their home is unsafe, unlivable, or needs significant repairs.

Each eligible household can receive one payment. To help us process your application, please make sure only one person applies per household.

If you are a local business or community organisation, please go to WACOSS for support.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• have already received the Premier’s Relief Payment through DFES
• have lived in the affected home at the time of Tropical Cyclone Narelle (March 2026)
• be the primary occupant (owner or renter)
• be 18 years or older at the time of the disaster
• provide supporting evidence of damage

What type of damage is eligible?

The Fund supports households where the damage affects your ability to live safely in your home. This may include:

• structural damage inside your home (e.g. ceilings, walls, floors or roof)
• water damage that has affected the inside of the home
• damage that makes the home unsafe (e.g. electrical risks, unstable areas)
• loss of essential services due to damage (e.g. power, water or sanitation)
• damage that means key areas can’t be used (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms)

What damage is not eligible?

Some damage, particularly damage external to the home, such as:

• fences
• sheds
• garages and patios, if the main home is not affected
• gardens, driveways or landscaping

What about damaged belongings?

We understand that losing essential household items can have a big impact.

The Fund may consider damage to important items such as:

• fridges and freezers
• washing machines
• air conditioning units
• beds and mattresses
• couches and essential furniture

However, damage to belongings on its own is usually not enough to be eligible.

There must also be damage to your home that affects your ability to live in it.

Payment amounts

$20,000 for homes that are destroyed or severely damaged. This may apply where:

• your home cannot be lived in for an extended period of time
• your home is unsafe or structurally unsound

$10,000 for homes that have suffered major damage. This may apply where:

• you need to leave your home temporarily
• parts of your home need significant repair
• essential household items have been lost or destroyed

No payment for minor damage. This may apply where:

• your home is still safe to live in
• repairs are minor

You may still be eligible for the Premier’s Relief Fund through DFES.

Evidence you may need to provide

You may be asked to provide:

• photos of the damage
• insurance information or assessments, if available
• building or repair reports, if available
• information about whether you can safely live in your home

How to apply

Check the eligibility criteria above to make sure you qualify.

Gather the documents you'll need: identification, evidence of damage and a bank statement.

When you're ready, start here:

When you start your application, you’ll need to create an account. Watch the video below for a step‑by‑step guide.

Watch: How to create your account

The process

Assessment
After your application is submitted, it is reviewed against set criteria by Australian Red Cross to determine eligibility. Red Cross may contact you through the portal or by phone if more information is needed.

Receive outcome
Approved applicants will receive payment to their bank account to support their recovery. Applicants not approved will be notified by email.

Program evaluation
Applicants will be asked to provide feedback to demonstrate the impact and effectiveness of the fund.

Additional support and resources

WA Department of Communities Emergency relief and support services

Australian Red Cross Emergencies and disasters

EmergencyWA Recovering from an emergency

Contact us

For further details, you can email us at cva@redcross.org.au

We’ll process applications in order of receipt and call every applicant as we reach theirs. To help us support everyone as quickly as possible, we’re unable to provide progress updates. We appreciate your understanding.