Victoria is facing an unprecedented challenge with widespread bushfires across the state, leading to a declared State of Disaster. This disaster has caused immense hardship for communities, farmers, and businesses, resulting in significant losses. However, there is hope, as both the Victorian and Australian governments are stepping up to provide essential support for those affected by the January 2026 bushfires.
Personal Hardship Assistance Program
For those whose primary residence has been damaged or destroyed by the fires, 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. This payment is designed to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medication, and accommodation, and is not means-tested, ensuring everyone receives the same fixed amount.
To apply, you can contact the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) via the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 (press 0, then 1 to speak to someone) or visit an Emergency Relief Centre. Remember to bring personal identification, 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 not eligible, but can access other payments like the Personal Hardship Assistance Program.
Emergency Accommodation and Insurance
For those unable to return home due to the bushfires, emergency accommodation is available to ensure everyone has a safe place to stay. Before seeking this support, consider reaching out to family or friends, or speaking to your insurance provider about what your policy covers. If you don't have insurance or a place to stay, contact your local council.
Your insurance may cover temporary accommodation costs, so check your policy or speak to your provider. There will be limits on this cover, so plan accordingly. Ask your insurer about time limits or total budgets to help you make informed decisions.
Emergency Recovery Support Program
The Emergency Recovery Support Program is available for those directly impacted by the January 2026 fires. This program offers a range of support tailored to your needs, from guidance on available services to connecting you with helpful programs. It can assist with finding local services, insurance and legal questions, financial problems, health and wellbeing, and registering for government services.
If you require additional support, a dedicated recovery support worker can work with you to access the services you need. For those impacted by other emergencies unrelated to the January 2026 fires, contact your local council to find supports in your area.
State Coordinated Clean-up Program and Waste Disposal Fees
The State Coordinated Clean-up Program will fund key clean-up activities for eligible fire-affected homeowners, such as demolition and hazardous material removal. This is available for uninsured and under-insured residents in the impacted LGAs. Waste disposal fees are waived for residents of these LGAs for 120 days, until 13 May 2026, to ensure communities have time to clean up and recover.
Primary Producer Grants and Concessional Loans
Primary producers can access grants of $75,000 to cover clean-up costs and get 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 primary producers 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 to cover essential costs like repairing or replacing equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, replacing livestock, and meeting working capital expenses. To be eligible, primary producers must be in a declared LGA, have an ABN, and derive at least 50% of gross income from primary production in an average year, or over $75,000 gross income from primary production.
Livestock and Counselling Support
Landholders concerned about livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226. Farmers can access emergency fodder for livestock affected by the fires, with the Victorian Farmers Federation leading the supply, transport, and distribution. The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free, confidential wellbeing support, financial counselling, and business support for bushfire-affected primary producers.
The Look Over the Farm Gate (LOTFG) program, delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, will open on 16 January 2026, providing grants of up to $5,000 for events and activities to support mental health and wellbeing in farming communities experiencing stress.
Financial Counselling and Council Support Fund
Financial counselling is available for individuals and small businesses impacted by the fires. Specialist counsellors will help with recovery grants, insurance claims, replacing essential items, dealing with debts, and providing advocacy with insurers and creditors, as well as connecting people to legal support.
The Council Support Fund will provide up to $750,000 to bushfire-affected councils to start cleaning up and restoring local public assets like parks, playgrounds, and community centres. Recovery Hubs are one-stop-shops 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 and Support
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 your legal questions. Emergency Recovery Victoria continues to work with emergency services, councils, and community groups to assess recovery needs and provide support.
Ongoing services are also available for general support. Sign up for updates via email and SMS to receive information and updates about available support. Donations of money, goods, or services can be made through the VicEmergency website.
Remember, while this disaster has caused immense hardship, there is support available to help you through this difficult time. Stay strong, and don't hesitate to reach out for the help you need.
