More financial help available to bushfire affected families

What this means is that in addition to the $1000 disaster recovery payment per person, via Centrelink, there is a further $1000 available per household via Vinnies or Salvos.

Christine Mabbott, regional president of St Vincent de Paul Far South Coast said immediate relief can be provided at centres in the Bega Valley.

Read also: Government Mobile Service Teams return to the area

"We are able to assist straight away and can provide $1000 per household. There is a small form to fill in and we need bank account details and then the money should be with you in a couple of days," Ms Mabbott said.

Vinnies is also able to provide additional money from their appeal funds for those in need.

Ms Mabbott explained that for anyone who had lost their home Vinnies could provide $1000 relief money and up to $3000 from their appeal funds. They can also assist with food packs, clothing vouchers and household goods.

This is in addition to the $1000 disaster recovery payment accessed via a Mobile Service Centre or Centrelink.

The Red Cross can also provide up to $20,000 for anyone who has lost their home.

Read also: Making a claim at a Mobile Service Centre

If you have loss of income due to the bushfires, Vinnies or the Salvos can also assist with a $1000 payment aimed to assist those suffering financial hardship.

Ms Mabbott said that the Vinnies appeal had raised $12.5m and $3.8m had been distributed nationally, so far.

"Vinnies aims to be there for the ongoing recovery. There will be an ongoing assessment of people who may be eligible to receive further allowances depending on their circumstances," Ms Mabbott said.

You can get immediate support if you live or work in a bushfire affected community at Vinnies Merimbula, Main St on Wednesday and Friday 9-11am, Vinnies Eden at Twofold Arcade Monday to Friday 10am-2pm or at the Bega Recovery Centre when both Salvos and Vinnies are represented.

Help can be received over the phone:

Salvation Army Disasters Assistance team on 1300 662 217

St Vincent de Paul bushfire assistance on 13 18 12

What's available via Mobile service Centres/Centrelink

Disaster recovery payment

$1000 per person and $800 per child living in a home that has been impacted directly or indirectly by fire. This can include fences burnt, smoke damage, water tanks affected. As a rough guide it's for homes within 5km of the fire front.

Disaster recovery allowance

There is also an allowance available for those whose ability to earn their usual income has been affected by the fires. This is available for up to 13 weeks and could apply to casual wait staff whose hours have been reduced or are no longer available or sole traders whose businesses have been impacted.

Visit the Department of Social Service's website for a full list of Commonwealth funded emergency relief services.

Accessing help can be confusing and if you don't know where to start visit the Bega Recovery Centre as many of the agencies are represented and you will be directed to those who can best assist.