The Department of Human Services has apologised for an error that led to bushfire victims being denied emergency payments.

Last week Nine News, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed residents near fire-ravaged Mogo, on the New South Wales South Coast had been refused a $1000 recovery payment because Centrelink told them the fire had not burnt their properties.

Residents said Centrelink staff had used maps showing the fires that were out of date.

"We sincerely apologise to anyone who has been given incorrect information," the Department of Human Services said on Facebook on Saturday. It said some of the staff who had volunteered to help with the effort to make the emergency payments were unfamiliar with local areas.