Victoria is currently battling devastating bushfires across the state, with a State of Disaster declared. Communities, farmers, and businesses are facing immense losses. However, help is on the way, with both the Victorian and Australian governments stepping up to provide essential support.
Personal Hardship Assistance Program
For those whose primary residence has been damaged or destroyed by the January 2026 bushfires, or who had to evacuate due to evacuation warnings, there is a Personal Hardship Assistance Program. This program offers a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, with a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family. These payments are designed to cover essential expenses like food, clothing, medication, and accommodation, and are not means-tested.
To apply, you can reach out to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) by calling the VicEmergency Hotline or visiting an Emergency Relief Centre. It's helpful to have personal identification with you, such as a driver's license, Medicare card, or a letter/bill with your name and address.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Additionally, those impacted by the bushfires may be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. This is a one-off, non-means tested lump sum of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. More details can be found on the Services Australia website.
Prolonged Power Outage Payments
If your residence has been without power for at least 7 days in a 2-week period, you are entitled to receive payments of up to $2,380. Electricity distributors are responsible for administering this scheme, and you can find your distributor on the Energy Vic website. This payment is only applicable to principal places of residence, and those whose homes have been destroyed are ineligible, but may be eligible for other payments like the Personal Hardship Assistance Program.
Emergency Accommodation
Short-term emergency accommodation is available for those unable to return home due to the bushfires. Before seeking this support, it's encouraged to explore options like contacting family or friends, or speaking to your insurance provider about policy coverage. If you don't have insurance or a place to stay, reach out to your local council.
Insurance Cover
Your insurance may cover temporary accommodation costs if you can't stay at home. Check your policy details or speak to your provider. There will be limits on this cover, which vary depending on your policy. It's advisable to ask your provider about any time limits or total budgets to help with planning. For instance, if you're staying in a high-cost accommodation like a hotel, you might quickly use up your budget. Consider discussing cheaper alternatives with your insurer, as a longer-term rental could be more cost-effective.
Emergency Recovery Support Program
Emergency recovery support is available for those directly impacted by the January 2026 fires. This support can range from advice on available services to connecting you with helpful programs. It can assist with finding local services, insurance and legal queries, money problems, health and wellbeing, and registering for government services. If you need extra support, a dedicated recovery support worker can help you access the services you need.
State Coordinated Clean-up Program
This program will fund key clean-up activities for eligible fire-affected homeowners, such as demolition and removal of hazardous materials. It will be available in the impacted LGAs for the principal place of residence for those who are uninsured or under-insured. More information can be found on the State of Disaster webpage.
Waste Disposal Fees Waived
People from the 18 LGAs impacted by the fire won't need to pay waste disposal fees for 120 days (until 13 May 2026) if they show proof of residence. This ensures impacted communities have enough time to clean up and start rebuilding.
Primary Producer Grants and Concessional Loans
Primary producers can access grants of $75,000 to cover clean-up costs and getting back to business, including safety inspections, equipment, wages for clean-up, and removing debris and deceased livestock. Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are also available for those with significant asset damage due to fires, and loans of up to $100,000 for those with significant income loss as a direct result of the fires. These loans are intended for restoring and replacing damaged assets, or for working capital expenses due to income loss.
Livestock Support
Landholders concerned about livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria. Farmers can access emergency fodder for livestock affected by the fires, with the Victorian Farmers Federation leading the supply, transport, and distribution. More details are available on their website.
Counselling and Social Recovery
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free, confidential wellbeing support, financial counselling, and business support to bushfire-affected primary producers. RFCS wellbeing counsellors can visit producers or offer phone support for mental health and wellbeing issues. The Look Over the Farm Gate (LOTFG) program, delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, is also available to farming communities experiencing stress, offering grants for events and activities to support mental health and wellbeing.
Financial Counselling
Individuals and small businesses impacted by the fires are eligible for financial counselling. Specialist counsellors can help with accessing recovery grants, managing insurance claims, replacing essential items, dealing with debts, and providing advocacy with insurers and creditors, as well as connecting people to legal support.
Council Support Fund
The Council Support Fund provides up to $750,000 to bushfire-affected councils to help with the clean-up and restoration of local public assets like parks, playgrounds, and community centres. Recovery Hubs serve as a central point for disaster-affected communities to access services and information, with 30 new Community Recovery Officers based in these hubs to provide local support.
Other Help
For help with insurance, you can get free advice before accepting a settlement offer from your insurer. The Financial Rights Legal Centre can assist with insurance issues, and Disaster Legal Help Victoria can answer legal questions. Emergency Recovery Victoria continues to work with emergency services, councils, and community groups to assess recovery needs and provide support.
Sign-up for Updates and Donate
You can sign up for updates via email and SMS to receive information about available support. Donations of money, goods, or services are also welcome, with information available on the VicEmergency website.
