Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available to those worst-hit by the bushfires in the local government areas of East Gippsland and Towong.

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

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

“This is for people whose home has been severely damaged or destroyed, who've been seriously injured or who've lost a family member,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This will give dignity to those who have suffered the worst in the fires and help them through the next few days.

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

“It’ll take time for life to return to normal and we’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these communities until they’re back on their feet.

“I urge anyone in need of assistance to call the Department of Human Services to check their eligibility.”

Claims will be open from Thursday 2 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.