Severe Injury Transition to Home Payment
Severely injured victims of the 2009 bushfires will receive up to $100,000 from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to assist with their transition from hospital to home.
A $50,000 lump sum payment will be provided to those who were severely injured and admitted to hospital for a sustained period.
A further payment of up to $50,000 will be made available to those who require specialised support.
Those whose homes or whose vehicles need to be modified as a result of their injury or who require any other additional support will be eligible for this payment.
How much money is available through the Severe Injury Transition to Home Payment?
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel has announced that a total of $2 million be available to the 20 bushfire survivors who have been identified as eligible to apply for this payment.
How much money will each person receive?
A lump sum of $50,000 is available to those who have suffered a severe physical injury requiring hospitalisation for a period longer than three weeks while requiring further on-going medical treatment such as further surgery or extended rehabilitation that would have a significant impact on their daily life.
A second payment of up to $50,000 is also available to those who need to have modifications made to their home and/or car as detailed by a medical professional looking after them. These details will need to include how the modifications will assist the injury sustained as a result of the bushfires.
What is the process for applying for funds?
Staff from the Department of Human Services will approach each hospital where there were admissions as a result of the bushfires. With the assistance of the hospital the department will identify and provide advice as to the specific needs of the patient. The payment will instead be determined on a case by case assessment.
Where can I get more information?
You can contact the Victorian Bushfires Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213 or e-mail vicbushfireappealfund@dhs.vic.gov.au.