Recovery and Restoration Grants (TAS)

This program aims to help meet the longer term needs of people in the Break O’Day local government area who, as a direct result of the bushfires, are unable to reside in their principal place of residence, have incurred substantial property damage and have incurred substantial loss of essential household items. It is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

There are three types of grants available:
- Temporary Living Expenses Grant: Up to $9,400 calculated over a maximum period of six months.
- Replacement of Household Items Grant: Up to $9,400 calculated on the value of items damaged or destroyed.
- Repair and Restoration Grant: Up to $9,400 calculated on the cost of restoration activities.

Applicants can receive one, two or all three grants if eligible. All applications will be assessed according to an income and asset test.

Applications for grant assistance can be lodged within three months after impact.

Applicants are advised to call Communities Tasmania prior to submitting an application.

Eligible applicants include:
- Temporary Living Expenses Grant: Individuals or households whose principal place of residence is uninhabitable as a result of the December 2019 Fingal Bushfire event.
- Replacement of Household Items Grant: Individuals or households whose principal place of residence is uninhabitable or severely damaged as a result of the December 2019 Fingal Bushfire event and have suffered loss or damage to household items.
- Repair and Restoration Grant: Individuals or households who own and occupy a property as their principal place of residence that has been made uninhabitable or is severely damaged as a result of the December 2019 Fingal Bushfire event.

Eligible costs include:
- Temporary Living Expenses Grant: Cost of temporary accommodation and other expenses.
- Replacement of Household Items Grant: Replacement and/or repair of essential household items destroyed or damaged.
- Repair and Restoration Grant: May be applied to repair, rebuild, clean up or re-establishment costs.

The main assessment criteria include:
- Age (16 years and over)
- Income
- Assets
- Proof of identity (must have)
- Residential status (within a declared area)
- Insurance status (no or inadequate insurance)

Please refer to the Fact Sheets for the Income and Asset Test thresholds.