Those worst-hit by the Yorketown bushfires can now access $280 per adult up to $700 for a family with hardship payments now available.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said this support would put cash in the pockets of those most in need.

“These hardship payments are to help meet immediate needs such as food, clothing and medicine,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This is to help give dignity to people in hardship because of the fires.

“Further assistance will be made available once we get a clearer picture of damages on the ground.”

The South Australian Premier, the Hon Steven Marshall MP, urged South Australians directly affected by the Yorketown fire to apply for the one-off emergency government grants to assist with immediate, temporary relief.

“In difficult and trying times like these, the community needs assistance quickly and efficiently – and we are here to help,” said Premier Marshall.

“The emergency relief grants are intended to provide immediate financial help for essentials, such as toiletries, medication and clothing and I urge affected South Australians to apply for this relief.

“The State and Federal Governments are standing shoulder to the shoulder with the community at this tough time and more assistance will be provide after a detailed assessment has been completed.”

For information about personal hardship and distress assistance people can contact the Recovery Hotline on 1800 302 787.

For information about personal and financial counselling people can call the Financial Counselling Helpline on 1800 007 007 and the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 836 211.

Further information is available at disasterassist.gov.au and the SA emergency information and response website at sa.gov.au.