Emergency recovery support for people impacted by emergencies

8 April 2026
emergency recovery support pic
For people impacted by the January 2026 fires, it can be hard to know what to do next.

A range of support is available, based on each individual and their family’s needs.

Recovery support officers can guide those impacted on their journey.

Emergency recovery support can be as simple as advice on what services are available or connection with programs that can help.

Emergency recovery support can help with things like:

  • paperwork

  • finding local services 

  • insurance and legal questions

  • money problems

  • health and wellbeing

  • registering for government services.

Impacted people who need extra support may get help from a dedicated recovery support worker. They will work with impacted people to find and access services they need.

People impacted by another emergency unrelated to the January 2026 fires should contact their local council to find supports in their area.

Free emergency recovery support can be accessed via:

The Emergency Recovery Hotline, Monday to Friday on 1800 560 760. Press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpretation Service (TIS) on 131 450.

To find out more about emergency relief and recovery support from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, visit https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/january-2026-fires.

emergencymanagement, emergency