The deadline is approaching to claim assistance payments for the Northern NSW bushfires.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said eligible people in NSW have until 20 August 2019 to make a claim.
“If you were affected by the Northern NSW bushfires, you still have time to make a claim for payment to help you get back on your feet,” Mr Jongen said.
Since February this year, the Department of Human Services has granted over 100,000 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance – worth more than $120 million – for natural disasters in Tasmania, NSW and Queensland.
The department trialled the use of the New Payments Platform (NPP), developed by the Reserve Bank in partnership with major financial institutions.
“The NPP meant people could get their payments instantly, rather than waiting 24 to 48 hours,” Mr Jongen said.
“We know how difficult it can be for life to get back to normal after events like bushfires, and this assistance is available to help people during a very challenging time.”
More information on the payments and how to claim is available at humanservices.gov.au/disaster or by calling 180 22 66.