Those areas worst hit by bushfires in February and March this year in Victoria will now have access to 13 weeks income support to help get them back on their feet.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance is now available in the Alpine, Baw Baw, Benalla, Campaspe, Cardinia, East Gippsland, Indigo, Latrobe, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, South Gippsland, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Yarra Ranges council areas.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the allowance would help people stay in their homes while their communities recovered.

“This helps those who can’t earn an income because of the fires,” Minister Littleproud said.

“It will take time to get back to normal and these payments will make sure those affected can recover with dignity.

“This is in addition to the financial support already being provided by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

“We will make further recovery assistance available to these communities as it is needed and stick with them until they’re back on their feet.”

Claims will be open from Monday 9 December 2019. 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.