Bushfire-affected Individuals Encouraged to Apply for Financial Relief

With the closing date for most of the individual payments available through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund fast approaching, people directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires who have not applied for any or some of the available payments are being encouraged to do so immediately.

More than $388 million, including interest, was donated by people from across Australia and the world to the Appeal Fund to support individuals, families and communities in the wake of this countrys worst natural disaster.

Applications for most of the Appeal Funds 26 financial support packages for individuals close on 31 December, 2009. People who are unable to apply by that date, or who require additional time, will have their applications considered on compassionate grounds on a case-by-case basis.

More than 20,000 payments to individuals have been made during the last nine months and to date in excess of $230 million spent.

The balance of the remaining money has been allocated. Of the $126 million unspent allocation there is funding for long-term projects such as Psychological Support, Bereaved Children, Scholarships and School Holiday programs where money will be spent when required over a number of years.

Applications for the Compassionate Financial Support and Safe Removal of Hazardous Trees will remain open until February 28, 2010. Applications for the scholarship program for Year 12 students close on January 22, 2010, although scholarships will continue to be available in the future for students currently in Years 10 and 11.

The Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, Mr Pat McNamara, said there may be a small number of people who are still in need and are eligible for the support payments who are yet to apply.

There could be many reasons for this, including that many eligible recipients are still in distress and are unable to apply for payments at this time or they feel they have not suffered as much as others affected by the bushfires and dont think they are worthy of financial support, Mr McNamara said.

But anyone directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires who is still in need may be eligible for support that's what these funds are there for, Mr McNamara said.

There are payments for destroyed and damaged homes, household repairs, rural properties, home dislocation, lost tools of trade and support for renters and boarders. Anyone severely injured in the bushfires, or who lost family members, can also receive financial assistance.

All bushfire-affected individuals still in need of support and wishing to apply for gifts can call the Appeal Fund information line 1800 180 213, where they can also seek access to a case manager who will assess their needs, put them in touch with support networks and services and advise them of their eligibility.