Claims close today in two communities
Claims for the Victoria bushfire disaster payment close today, 19 October 2026, for people affected by the January 2026 fires in Leslie Manor and Woodfield, Services Australia says. The deadline for every other declared area was 5 August 2026.
Leslie Manor is in the Corangamite local government area and Woodfield is in the Mansfield local government area. Late claims will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances, and to make one you need to call the Emergency information line.
Who can get the Victoria bushfire disaster payment
Living in one of the two communities is not enough on its own. You must meet all the eligibility rules for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), including being directly affected in a declared area. Services Australia says it is to help people who:
- had major damage to their home or to major assets they own at their home
- were seriously injured, or
- had an immediate family member die or go missing.
What you get
The Victoria bushfire disaster payment is $1,000 for each adult and $400 for each child under 16. You can choose to receive it in two parts. It is not taxable and does not need to go in your tax return.
Check your area and your options
Claims for the Victoria bushfire disaster payment are made through Services Australia, and its Victoria bushfires page has the full eligibility rules. You can check which local government area your address is in using the Victorian Government’s find your local council tool.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance, a separate payment for lost income, has its own closing dates listed by Services Australia, so check that page if you need it as well.
Related: Extra support nearly totals $100m for Victoria as crews work to reopen roads
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Services Australia, Victoria Bushfires, January 2026 Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
