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Victorian Government Website (Victoria, the Place to Be)
Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

Household Repairs Payment

Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

Am I eligible?

Note: This eligibility information was updated on 25/03/09.

You are eligible for the Household Repairs Payment if your primary place of residence or investment rental property has been damaged but not destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

This payment is a short-term measure to help you make minor repairs to your property. It aims to assist you in meeting costs incurred through reconnecting essential services, repairing water or smoke damage, or other repairs.

You are not eligible for this payment if you have received the Initial Home Dislocation Payment or the DHS Re-establishment Grant.

What assistance is available?

If you are eligible for the Household Repairs you will receive a lump sum of $3,000. Only one payment will be made for each property.

Payments will be made to your nominated bank account. If you do not have an account or access to your account, please talk to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund about alternative arrangements. Payments made to investment rental property owners may be tax assessable and relevant recipients should contact the Australian Taxation Office to discuss this issue.

NB: Debit accounts cannot be credited, for example, Visa Cards.

How do I claim?

To claim the Household Repairs, you will need to complete the Household Repairs Payment Application Form (PDF, 86kb) OR the Household Repairs Payment Application Form for Landlords (PDF, 87kb) and include all supporting documents.

What information do I need to provide?

The Government recognises the extraordinary circumstances that people affected by the fires 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
  • proof of address
  • that damage is not superficial and requires repair
  • that you have not claimed or received the Initial Home Dislocation Payment or DHS Re-establishment Grant
  • proof of ownership eg: land rates, mortgage document, contract of purchase.

Proof of identity can include:

  • passport
  • drivers licence, Key Pass or other photographic identification
  • marriage certificate
  • birth certificate
  • concession card
  • Medicare card
  • utility bill or bank statement.

Proof of the repair to your property required could include:

  • insurance reports
  • photographs
  • quotes for repairs.

If you are a landlord, you will also need to sign a statement acknowledging the funds are being provided to repair your rental property, giving DHS permission to notify your tenants that funds are being provided for these repairs.

If you require assistance with providing required information please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

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 witnesses please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

How long do I have to claim?

You have until 30 June 2009 to lodge a claim for the Household Repairs. Applications beyond this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What if I need assistance with completing the form?

You can contact the Victorian Bushfires Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

 
The Household Repairs Payment Fact Sheet (PDF, 77kb) is a printable version of the information on this page.

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