The bushfires across Victoria in early 2026 have brought immense disruption for families, businesses, farmers and communities. Alongside emergency response efforts, both government and banks have put financial support measures in place to help people cope with immediate needs and start the recovery process. Here’s a clear guide to what’s available right now, so you understand your options and can act where needed.
Government Disaster Relief Payments and Allowances
Federal government assistance has been activated for those directly affected by the declared disaster following the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.
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Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) — A one-off lump sum payment for people who have experienced major damage to their home or other assets, or serious injury to themselves or a dependent as a result of the bushfires.
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Disaster Recovery Allowance — A short-term income support payment for eligible people who have lost income because of the bushfires, up to 13 weeks.
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Eligibility criteria and claiming details are provided on the Services Australia website, with both adult and child payments available depending on circumstances.
These funds are designed to help cover essentials like food, accommodation, clothing and medication while longer-term recovery plans are put in place.
Victorian Government Relief
The Victorian Government has also mobilised support through Emergency Recovery Victoria:
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Emergency Relief Payments — Immediate cash support for people whose principal residence was damaged or who were evacuated due to bushfires and who have unmet immediate relief needs.
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Clean-Up and Waste Assistance — Programs to help remove debris and hazardous materials from properties impacted by fire.
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Relief Drinking Water — Delivered to households that rely on tank water when supplies have been contaminated by fire or firefighting activities.
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Business Support Information — Resources through Business Victoria covering insurance claims, financial support and wellbeing services for impacted operators.
Those affected can also phone the VicEmergency Hotline or visit relief and recovery hubs for help navigating these programs.
Bank and Financial Support
Australian banks have activated disaster support measures to help customers who have been hit by the fires:
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Deferral of loan and credit card payments for impacted households and small businesses.
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Emergency credit limit increases or short-term access to additional working capital to help with cash-flow needs.
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Loan restructuring and fee waivers designed to ease pressure during the recovery period.
Leading banks are participating, and if you are a customer, your best first step is to contact your bank’s support team to discuss what specific options apply to you — don’t wait until bills are overdue.
Some banks, like NAB, have also introduced one-off Disaster Relief Grants (e.g. $1,000 for eligible customers with major damage) and hardship support tailored to local community needs.
Support for Farmers and Primary Producers
In addition to general banking support, assistance is available for farmers and rural businesses affected by bushfire:
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Many banks are offering tailored support for agricultural customers, including repayment holidays on business loans and access to emergency credit.
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Organisations like Rural Aid provide specialist assistance to farmers in crisis, including support for bushfire-affected agricultural properties.
How a Mortgage Broker Can Help
If you’ve had your home, investment property or farm impacted by the bushfires, or your business finances are under strain:
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A mortgage broker can talk you through bank hardship options, help negotiate repayment deferrals or restructuring, and link you to any government subsidies or allowances you may be eligible for.
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They can also help you understand how relief payments interact with your home loan or business finance, and whether any refinancing or bridging finance makes sense in your situation.
What to Do Next
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Check eligibility for government disaster payments via Services Australia if you’ve suffered damage or lost income.
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Phone (Disaster Assistance Line): 180 22 66
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Contact your bank early to discuss hardship support — this often needs to be arranged before payments become overdue. You can find relevant information and contacts for this via https://www.ausbanking.org.au/financial-assistance-hub/
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Visit relief hubs or ring the VicEmergency Hotline for local support information and practical recovery assistance.
- https://www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
- Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm or weekends and public holidays 9 am to 5 pm)
