For anyone impacted by the bushfires, the federal government's Mobile Services Disaster Assistance van or the various recovery centres are ways of accessing some fairly immediate financial help.
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There is $1000 per person available for those who have been affected by the bushfires. This can include those who may not have had fire go through their homes but have lost fencing, had water tanks impacted or had to replace items due to smoke damage.
It's a quick and easy process especially at the Mobile Services centres.
Applicants need proof of identity such as a drivers licence and credit card plus a Medicare card.
By providing your address, your proximity to the fire front can be established. As a rough guide affected homes that are within 5km of the fire front may be eligible for the $1000 per person payment from the federal government.
Mobile centre manager at Eden on Friday, Tricia Florent said plenty of people were making those claims.
She urged people to phone 180 22 66 and make a claim "rather than self-assessing" and maybe thinking they were ineligible.
Applicants should also have their BSB and bank account details on hand so that the payment can be made directly into their accounts. Payments are promised within days.
"We've also been able to replace Medicare cards and support veterans," Ms Florent said.
What is available?
Disaster recovery payment
$1000 per person and $800 per child living in a home that has been impacted directly or indirectly by fire. This can include fences burnt, smoke damage, water tanks affected. As a rough guide it's for homes within 5km of the fire front.
Disaster recovery allowance
There is also an allowance available for those whose ability to earn their usual income has been affected by the fires. This is available for up to 13 weeks and could apply to casual wait staff whose hours have been reduced or are no longer available or sole traders whose businesses have been impacted.
Visit the mobile centres
On Saturday 25 January
Bega, located at the Bega Valley Civic Centre on Zingel Place
Cobargo, located at the Cobargo Hall on Cobargo-Bermagui Road
Eden, located at the Log Cabin, 38-40 Bass Street
Merimbula, located near the Tourist Information Centre on Beach Street
On Sunday 26 January:
Bega, located at the Bega Valley Civic Centre on Zingel Place
Bermagui, located near the Dickinson Park off Lamont Street
Candelo, located near the Candelo Hall on William Street
On Monday 27 January
Bega, located at the Bega Valley Civic Centre on Zingel Place
These locations are subject to change at short notice. Stay up to date on the website: humanservices.gov.au/disaster
A social worker is also available to offer short-term counselling and referrals.
People can also claim disaster assistance over the phone by calling 180 22 66. You will need the same proof of identity which will need to be taken to a Centrelink office for verification.