Destroyed Homes Payment 

Rehousing and Recovery

Am I eligible?

June 2009 Update

1. Sole Residential Asset
If the destroyed residence was your sole residential asset at the time of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires and you are in need, you are now eligible for this payment. Please complete the Rehousing and Recovery Destroyed Homes Payment Application. Note: payment for destroyed contents will be made as applicable.

2. Other Dwellings
The Fund has become aware of a number of individuals who live in non-standard dwellings, such as sheds, caravans or granny flats. In most instances, these were not attached to a primary residence. In such examples, the Fund has agreed to a payment of $15,000 to assist these people to replace lost contents, and assist with the establishment of a new place of residence. Please complete the Rehousing & Recovery, Destroyed Homes Payment Application, and provide details of your circumstances.

As a general rule, where the 'other dwelling' was occupied by an immediate family member and was part of a property with a primary residence that was also destroyed, such people will be assisted via the family's Destroyed Homes payment.

__________________________________

You are eligible for the Rehousing and Recovery - Destroyed Homes Payment if you are the owner/occupier whose residence has been destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. The residence must have been your principal place of residence at the time of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

The Rehousing and Recovery - Destroyed Homes Payment is to assist those who have lost their homes to be rehoused and to assist in replacing household contents.

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund has been working with local government and the Victorian Bushfire Recovery & Reconstruction Authority to identify and confirm all destroyed properties.

This grant is available to semi-rural and rural properties, including farms, where it is the principle place of residence of the owner.

Tenants are not eligible for this Payment, but maybe eligible for Tenants Contents Payment.

Landlords and owners of holiday homes, weekenders and investment properties are not eligible for the payment.

Insurance payments will not affect your eligibility for this Payment. This grant is not intended to replace the need for insurance, and is not intended to provide compensation for losses.

What assistance is available?

There are 2 stages in the Rehousing and Recovery - Destroyed Homes Payment:

Stage 1

All owner/occupiers who lost their principle place of residence as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires are eligible to apply for Stage 1 of the payment which consists of:

• $35,000 to assist with rehousing; and
• $15,000 to assist with contents replacement.

Stage 2

Stage 2 is a needs based payment of up to $40,000 to assist with rehousing, which will depend on the owner/occupiers need.

Assessment for eligibility for Stage 2 will be undertaken based on the information provided on the application form for Stage 1.

How do I claim?

To claim the Rehousing and Recovery - Destroyed Homes Payment, you will need to complete the Destroyed Homes Payment application form (PDF, 119kb) and include all supporting documentation.

Based on the information provided, and following assessment, you will be written to and advised of the amount you are eligible to access for your rehousing needs (for both Stages 1 and 2).

Before the Stage 1 payment is released applicants will need to receive one-to-one financial information in one of two ways:

1. attending an information session coordinated by the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA); or
2. seeking the information from your financial adviser or bank.

In both cases, you are required to cover set financial information topics and jointly sign a form with the person delivering the information confirming that you have participated in the information session. Information on how to do this will be provided in your eligibility letter or view the Financial Information Sessions for Rehousing and Recovery page.

Set financial information topics:

• Major investment products available - designed to help people understand the best type of investment products available for different time horizons and situations.
• Using funds for appropriate purposes - designed to help people understand the objective of the payments.
• The prevalence of fraudulent investment schemes - designed to ensure people understand that there are a number of bogus investment schemes in the market and provide information on possible warning signs.
• Holistic financial advice - designed to explain different types of financial advice available, such as that for superannuation, income protection etc.
• Insurance - types of cover available.
• Personal budgeting information.

Before the stage 2 payment is released applicants will need to certify and provide evidence that the funds allocated will be applied to meet their rehousing needs. Rehousing includes - rebuilding (either on site or elsewhere); a new purchase (either in the community or elsewhere); or establishing a tenancy (either in the community or elsewhere). Evidence will include, amongst other things, building contracts, planning approvals, contracts for sale, or tenancy agreements.

What information do I need to provide?

The Government recognises the extraordinary circumstances that families are facing and will work with individuals to ensure that any necessary information can be obtained in a flexible and sensitive manner.

The Government will need to reasonably establish:

• proof of identity for all occupants on the application form
• proof that the fire affected address was the primary place of residence for all occupants on the application form
• that the applicants were the owner/occupants of the fire affected address
• that your home was destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

Proof of identity can include:

• passport
• drivers licence, Key Pass or other photographic identification
• marriage certificate
• birth certificate
• concession card.

Proof of primary address may include:

• drivers Licence with fire affected address
• rates notice
• bank statement
• utilities bill or statement.

Proof of owner/occupier may include:

• rates Notice which is sent to fire affected property address.

If any member of your family holds a Health Care Card and/or Concession Card a copy of this card will need to be provided.

Any applicant found to provide information of a fraudulent nature may be liable to prosecution and will be required to repay the grant. 

Who can witness a statutory declaration?

People authorised to witness statutory declarations include lawyers, police, pharmacists, school principals, ministers of religion, bank managers, doctors, vets and Housing Services Officers.

If you require assistance with getting your statutory declaration witnessed please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

How long do I have to claim?

You have until 30 December 2009 to lodge a claim for the Rehousing and Recovery - Destroyed Homes payment. Applications beyond this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For further information

For further information or advice on this payment, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213, or via e-mail on vicbushfireappealfund@dhs.vic.gov.au.

The Destroyed Homes Payment Fact Sheet (PDF, 70kb) is a printable version of the information on this page.