Financial and insurance assistance
Financial support
The Personal Hardship Assistance Program
You may be eligible for an emergency payment if you have been affected by a house fire or natural disaster.
The Personal Hardship Assistance Program helps people experiencing financial hardship in emergencies. The program includes Emergency Relief Payments and Re-establishment Assistance. Find out more on the Victoria Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance Program page.
Rental assistance
ARC Justice
ARC Justice provides free legal and housing help to people who are on a low income or experiencing other types of disadvantage. If you are affected by the recent storms and floods and are living in a rental home or public housing and have a problem with your tenancy, ARC Justice can assist. Visit www.arcjustice.org.au.
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is Victoria’s consumer regulator who administers more than 30 legislative schemes in Victoria to ensure a fair, safe and competitive marketplace.
CAV provides information and assistance on your rights and responsibilities across renting, buying and selling property, and building and renovating.
CAV can answer all your questions about renting, from before you sign the lease until after you move out.
For helpful information and advice visit the CAV website or phone 1300 55 81 81.
Tenants Victoria
Tenants Victoria gives free advice to people that rent residential accommodation in Victoria. It also offers a renter advice line and email advice service.
The Tenants Victoria website has a lot of helpful information or contact the renter support line on 03 9416 2577.
Insurance assistance
Document your damage and contact your insurance company
We recommend you document the damage where possible to assist with any future insurance claims, ensure you contact your insurance company as soon as possible and if you have any concerns about the safety of a residential building, make sure to request emergency accommodation from your insurer.
If you do not have insurance and have concerns about the safety of your home please contact Council at mrm@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Insurance Council of Australia
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is the representative body for the general insurance industry of Australia. ICA is unable to offer direct consumer advice or services, but for information on how to make a complaint or raise a concern with your insurer. Visit the Insurance Council of Australia website.