FINANCIAL support for flood-affected people has been extended in Victoria to encompass the Benalla, Boroondara, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Moonee Valley, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi and Yarra local government areas.

In Victoria, the payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available from 2pm today to people who live in the LGAs.

The assistance is already available to those in the Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Maribyrnong, Mitchell and Strathbogie LGAs.

The one-off, non-means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is now available for individuals across an additional 12 local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria and Tasmania.

In Tasmania, payment is available from 2pm today to people in the LGAs of Launceston, Latrobe and Devonport. The assistance is already available to people in the LGAs of Central Coast, Kentish and Meander Valley, who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.

Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.

People can claim from 2pm, Tuesday 18 October. Claims can be made online through myGov, 24 hours a day. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Services Australia website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents

For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective State governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive flooding, visit www.nema.gov.au

Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt.

said the flooding is a very serious situation across multiple states.

“We know that there may be more communities impacted by these flooding events over the coming days.

“People are doing it really tough at the moment and that’s why we’ve acted really quickly to try to get flood payments out the door to people to try to help them get back on their feet,” he said.

“As the full extent of the damage starts to become more apparent, we will keep working to provide assistance as it’s needed.”

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten said the modest payment will ensure those impacted can meet their immediate needs.

“Services Australia staff are working hard to deliver rapid payments and provide on-the-ground support.

“People affected by the flooding can check their eligibility for Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance on the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents before lodging a claim for assistance.

The easiest way to claim is online through my.gov.au. Online claiming is available 24×7.

If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.