Severe bushfires in Victoria have left behind a trail of destruction—thousands of hectares burned, hundreds of homes damaged, and communities uprooted. As families flee with little more than essentials, emergency financial assistance is now critical for survival and stability.
In response, the Australian Government has officially activated Centrelink’s Disaster Recovery Payment, offering $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. This immediate relief aims to help affected households manage urgent costs during the crisis.
What Is the $1,000 Centrelink Disaster Payment?
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a one-off financial payment designed to support individuals who:
- Suffered serious injury
- Had their property damaged or destroyed
- Were forced to evacuate
- Lost income due to the fires
Each eligible adult will receive $1,000, and each eligible child will receive $400. The payment is non-taxable, does not affect existing Centrelink benefits, and does not need to be repaid.
Who Can Apply and When?
Applications for the disaster relief payment opened at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14, for residents in officially declared disaster zones.
As of now, the following locations are eligible:
- Barkers Creek
- Harcourt
- Harcourt North
- Longwood
- Longwood East
- Natimuk
- Ravenswood South
- Ruffy
- Sutton Grange
More areas may be added as the fire situation evolves. Services Australia staff are available to assist with eligibility checks and application processing.
How Can the $1,000 Disaster Payment Be Used?
The disaster payment is intended to meet urgent and essential needs during displacement or recovery, including:
- Purchasing clothing and food
- Replacing essential household items
- Paying for medications
- Covering short-term accommodation
This financial support ensures that evacuated residents and those who cannot return home can stabilise quickly and regain basic necessities without delay.
Additional Help Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
Beyond Centrelink’s AGDRP, extra financial and practical support is available through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
DRFA assistance is currently active in:
- Strathbogie Shire
- Towong Shire
- Mansfield Shire
- Murrindindi Shire
This additional funding covers:
- Debris removal from damaged homes
- Emergency relief centres and shelters
- Financial and personal counselling
- Restoration of public infrastructure
Emergency Relief Payments for Families in Evacuation Zones
For families in areas under evacuation orders or whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, emergency relief payments offer further assistance:
- $680 per adult
- $340 per child
- Up to $2,380 per household
These payments help cover immediate expenses like food, clothing, medication, and temporary shelter.
How to Apply for Centrelink Disaster Assistance
The fastest way to apply is via your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
Steps to follow:
- Log in at my.gov.au
- Navigate to Centrelink services
- Select “Apply for Disaster Assistance”
- Follow prompts to complete the application
Need help?
You can also call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 1800 226 226. Trained support staff are available to guide you through the process and explain all eligible supports.
State Support and Emergency Information Access
Residents should also connect with local emergency services and relief centres for state-specific support.
Useful resources:
- VicEmergency: Real-time updates on bushfires, evacuation orders, and community support
- Local councils: Information about temporary shelters, recovery hubs, and clean-up assistance
- Emergency Relief Centres: On-ground help with accommodation, food, and essentials
What About Ongoing Centrelink Obligations?
For those already receiving Centrelink payments or dealing with existing Centrelink debts, the government is offering temporary pauses or adjustments during the bushfire emergency.
You can:
- Request help online via the Centrelink mobile app
- Log in to your myGov account
- Call 1800 076 072 for personalised assistance
This ensures that no one faces unnecessary financial stress due to missed payments or obligations during a natural disaster.
Staying Informed as the Situation Evolves
As bushfire conditions remain unpredictable, the eligibility zones for disaster payments may expand. Affected residents are encouraged to:
- Monitor VicEmergency alerts
- Check the Services Australia website
- Stay connected with local council announcements
- Follow verified government social media updates
This will ensure that newly eligible residents don’t miss out on critical support as situations change.