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Who is eligible for River Murray flood grants and how much are the payments?

As flooding continues to impact communities along the River Murray, the state and federal governments have announced a raft of grants to help with relief and recovery. 

Here's a look at what payments are on offer and who is eligible.

How much is on offer?

The South Australian and federal governments will fund a $126 million support package for households, councils, businesses and primary producers.

In announcing the funding on Tuesday, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas described it as the "biggest funding package for any disaster to our understanding in the state's history".

The package includes $60 million to clean up hazardous waste, $10 million to assess properties and reconnect their services, and grants of $50,000 for flood-affected businesses and $75,000 for flood-affected primary producers.

That joint funding is in addition to a state government funded $51.6 million assistance package announced last November, which included grants to assist with purchasing generators.

But some Riverland businesses have raised concerns over the eligibility criteria for various grants, and the time it is taking for payments to be made.

Mannum publican Peter Raison's business was closed on New Years Eve, after the cellar became inundated with water as a result of seepage under a levee.

Mr Raison said he applied for a generator grant a week ago, but was yet to see any money.

"At the moment we haven't got a cent," he said.

He welcomed the announcement of further funding for affected businesses, but said the process was taking too long.

"Our turnover at the moment is zilch, it's costing me money to be there ... they need to get things moving a bit quicker for people on the ground," he said.

Which grant am I eligible for? 

Businesses who have experienced inundation may be eligible for a grant of up to $50,000 to assist with clean up and repair.

Businesses who have experienced a downturn of 30 per cent as a result of the floods can apply for a $10,000 grant.

Businesses who were forced to close before flooding can receive up to $20,000. 

"There are three different grant lines available to small businesses," Mr Malinauskas said.

"There's a grant line if you close, there's a grant line if you demonstrate a 30 per cent downturn in business.

"With those you can have one or the other, you can't get both.

"Then there is a separate $50,000 grant available to those who experience inundation that is orientated towards recovery.

"So, you can have one of the first cohort and the $50,000 grant, but you can't have both of the first two."

Meanwhile, flood-affected primary producers may be eligible for a grant of up to $75,000.

What about staff members?

The grants don't apply to staff whose workplaces have shut because of flooding.

They may be eligible for the federal government's Disaster Recovery Payment, which is the equivalent amount to JobSeeker or Youth Allowance and is only available for up to 13 weeks.

Some Riverland business owners have raised concerns about their staff being forced to look elsewhere for work and a resulting staff shortage when they eventually reopen.

Mr Malinauskas acknowledged it was a "challenge".

"Staff retention is a problem through the South Australian economy at the moment," he said.

But he said he hoped staff would be able to return to work as quickly as possible.

He said a lack of calls to the grant lines currently indicated that the "majority of businesses continue to trade".

He said some Riverland businesses were experiencing "high levels of visitation".

"People looking at the majesty of the Murray in full flow at record levels is something that is drawing a lot of economic activity," he said.

"... Some businesses will benefit and others will get hurt, our focus is on supporting those ones that are getting hurt."

What about individuals?

One-off grants are available to people who have been displaced from their homes, ranging from $400 to $1,000.

Rental assistance of up to $5,000 is also available for those who have been displaced and require emergency accommodation, but are not insured.

Individuals whose homes have been disconnected from the power network can also access a grant to help purchase a generator.

How can I apply for a grant?

Mr Malinauskas said the best way for people to apply or find out more information was via the state government website or in-person at a flood relief centre at Berri, Mannum or Murray Bridge.

People can also call the government information line on 1800 302 787.

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