Financial assistance after a bushfire

Disaster Recovery Allowance

People who live or work in the Rural City of Ararat, Shire of Macedon Ranges, Shire of Northern Grampians and Shire of Southern Grampians may be eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).

Check which local government area you are in.

The allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced loss of income due to the recent bushfires.

It is available to people who work or live in a declared Local Government Area, who have lost some or all of their income as a direct result of the disaster, and will earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the 13 weeks following this income loss.

Members of the community are encouraged to seek information regarding eligibility and how to claim via Services Australia.

Personal Hardship Assistance Program

Emergency relief payments are available for residents in bushfire affected communities through the Personal Hardship Assistance Program. These payments are available to individuals and families with homes in evacuation warning areas or property damaged by bushfire.

Assistance under the program includes a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation.

If you think you may be eligible for a relief payment, please call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.

More information on the program is available from VicEmergency.