Financial crisis support

People may experience significant loss or financial difficulties due to the damage or loss of property caused by an emergency such as fire or flood. In such financial crisis, welfare organisations and support services may provide emergency relief in the form of food, clothing and household goods such as second-hand furniture to help people manage finances in the aftermath of an emergency.

People that have experienced significant loss will need to consider a broad range of financial issues in the days and weeks following.

MoneySmart

MoneySmart is an initiative of the Australian Securities & Investments Commission to help people with their financial matters. Their guide to managing insurance issues after an emergency covers: key tips for handling your insurance claim after an emergency; tips for buying the right insurance, and looks at the risk of under-insuring.

Victorian Government assistance

The following resources provide information about what assistance is available from the department.

Dealing with financial matters after an emergency
This fact sheet outlines some of the support services available and things to consider when you are managing your finances after an emergency.
Personal Hardship Assistance Program
The Personal Hardship Assistance Program (PHAP) provides financial assistance to alleviate the personal hardship and distress suffered by eligible Victorians, as a result of an emergency.
Personal Hardship Assistance Program Prepaid Card
Financial assistance entitlements can be paid to recipients by prepaid debit card, this card can be used to make purchases or withdraw cash up to the card value.