Victoria is facing severe bushfires throughout most of the state. A State of Disaster has been declared. Communities, farmers and businesses are facing heavy losses.
The Victorian and Australian Governments are providing essential support to communities hit by the January bushfires. This aid will help with both immediate and long-term recovery needs.
Help available now
Emergency accommodation
Short-term emergency accommodation can help for anyone who can’t go home because of the bushfires. This ensures everyone has a safe place to stay.
You may be eligible if you have no other place to go.
Before seeking this support, people are encouraged to consider options such as:
- contacting family or friends for support
- speaking to their insurance provider about what their policy will cover.
If you don’t have insurance or a place to stay, contact your local council.
Insurance cover
If you can’t stay at home, your insurance might cover temporary accommodation costs. Check your policy details or speak to your insurance provider to find out.
There will be limits on temporary accommodation cover. These are different depending on your policy.
Ask your insurance provider about any time limits or if you have a total budget. This can help you plan.
For example, if where you are staying has a high per night cost, like a hotel or short stay rental, you might use up your budget quickly. Talk to your insurer about staying in a cheaper place. A longer-term rental might be cheaper, which could let you stay longer.
Emergency relief payments
You may be eligible for an emergency relief payment if you have unmet immediate relief needs and:
- your principal place of residence is damaged or destroyed by the January 2026 bushfires, and you can’t live in it, or
- your principal place of residence was in an evacuation warning area, and you evacuated your property.
To apply for a payment:
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) can help you apply for this payment.
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226 (Press 0, then 1 to talk to someone)
- Visit an Emergency Relief Centre.
Have personal identification (ID) with you if you can. This could be a:
- driver licence
- Medicare card
- letter or bill with your name and home address.
Recovery help available soon
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
People who have been impacted by the bushfires may be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
This is a one off, non-means tested lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children.
More information will be available at 2:00 pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026 on the Services Australia website.
Emergency Recovery Hotline
The Emergency Recovery Hotline will be activated for people affected by the bushfires.
It will provide a single number for people to call to get information and access recovery programs.
Emergency Recovery Support Program
The Emergency Recovery Support Program will be available to help with things like:
- somewhere to stay
- health and wellbeing
- finances
- legal matters
- filling out forms.
You will be able to access recovery support through the Emergency Recovery Hotline.
Emergency fodder
Farmers will soon get access to emergency fodder for livestock affected by the fires.
The Victorian Farmers Federation will lead the supply, transport, and distribution of fodder.
Further details about the program will be made available on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Counselling and social recovery
Group counselling sessions and other tailored supports will be made available.
These will be delivered by highly trained professionals to support psychological and social recovery.
Other help
Help with insurance
You can get free advice before accepting a settlement offer from your insurer. Talk to a financial counsellor through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
The Financial Rights Legal Centre can help you with insurance issues. They have factsheets and sample letters you can send to your insurer.
You can contact Disaster Legal Help Victoria to ask about your legal questions.
General support
Emergency Recovery Victoria is still working alongside emergency services, councils, and community groups to assess recovery needs and provide support to affected communities.
Ongoing services can also help. For general support go to the Recovery services, wellbeing and support webpage.
Updated