Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available to those worst-hit by the bushfires in the local government areas of Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Singleton.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment would help to provide dignity for those who had suffered a catastrophic loss.

“This is for people whose home has been severely damaged or destroyed, who’ve been seriously injured or who’ve lost a family member,” Minister Littleproud said.

“It’s going to take time for life to return to normal and we’ll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these communities until they’re back on their feet.

“This will help to cover the immediate needs of those worst hit, and help them get through the coming days.

“We will make further assistance available to these communities if it is needed.

“Anyone who may meet the criteria should call the Department of Human Services to check their eligibility.”

The Australian Government assistance announced today is over and above the support already being provided for under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Claims will be open from Monday 23 December 2019. For more information or to make a claim visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 22 66. More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au.