Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available to those worst-hit by the bushfires in the Break O’Day, Central Highlands and Southern Midlands council areas.

Up to 13 weeks income support is also available for those who have lost their income because of the fires.

Assistance is being provided through the Australia Government Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the support package would help give dignity for those who had suffered a catastrophic loss.

“The Disaster Recovery Payment is for people who have been badly injured, have lost a family member or if their home has been badly damaged or destroyed,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This is to help people with their immediate needs over the coming days.

“It could be used things like for emergency accommodation, food, clothing or medicine.

“The Disaster Recovery Allowance is also available if you can’t earn income because of the fires.

“This is on top of the assistance that has already been provided in the Break O’Day, Central Highlands and Southern Midlands council areas.

“We will make further assistance available to these communities if it is needed.

“People can call the Department of Human Services to check their eligibility.”

Claims will be open from Monday 13 January 2020. For more information or to make a claim visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 22 66.

More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au