Joint media release with the Hon Katy Gallagher MP
The Albanese Government is activating financial assistance for Victorians impacted by the ongoing bushfires that have devastated communities.
From 2pm local time on Thursday, 15 January 2026, the Albanese Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be available for eligible people in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Alpine, Ararat, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong, Wellington, as well as the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
DRA supports people who have lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
People can check their eligibility for the DRA on the Services Australia website: Services Australia Natural disaster support
This support is in addition to the already announced Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) that is available in the most impacted locations in 5 LGAs. This is available from 2pm local time today, Wednesday 14 January 2026.
These Albanese Government payments are on top of several assistance measures that are jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.
The quickest way to claim AGDRP and DRA is online through myGov.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:
"Services Australia is stepping up to help those who have been impacted in these areas get back on their feet.
"Although conditions are easing, these fires will unfortunately continue to pose a challenge for firefighters on the ground and those waiting anxiously to return home.
"I encourage people who have lost work because of these bushfires to check their eligibility for disaster payments on the Services Australia website to ensure everyone has enough time, eligible individuals have 6 months to claim the DRA."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"The Albanese Government is working at full steam to deliver support for Victorians who have been impacted by these devastating bushfires.
"This allowance will help relieve some stress for those whose businesses and workplaces that are still inaccessible.
"Having recently met frontline responders and residents, it's clear to me that the impact of this event has been devastating. Our government will stand with Victorians for every step of the recovery."
