Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available to those worst-hit by the bushfires in the NSW local government area of Mid-Western.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment would help to provide dignity for 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 help to cover the immediate needs of those worst hit, and help them get through the coming days.

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

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

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

Claims will be open from Monday 30 December 2019. For more information or to make a claim visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 22 66.