People need support both immediately and in the longer term.

Many grants are now open. People whose homes have been lost can receive cash payments of up to $20,000 from Red Cross.

Homeowners whose homes have been structurally damaged can receive $5000. Bereavement grants of $20,000 are being provided to senior next of kin.

People who have suffered injuries requiring hospitalisation from the fires can access a grant of $7500 from Red Cross.

To apply go to www.redcross.org.au/grants or ring 1800 733 276. The process is simple and, once processed, payment is made within days.

People who are experiencing financial hardship can also contact The Salvation Army at sal.disasters@salvationarmy.org.au or 1300 662 217 or St Vincent de Paul society on 13 18 12.

And for federal government disaster payments call 180 22 66. In NSW, contact Service NSW 13 77 88 for the bushfire customer care service.

Recovering is tough. Peoples' needs change with time and they often feel alone once the world's attention turns away.

We're staying in bushfire-affected communities for three years or more, supporting people each step of the way in their recovery journey. We want to ensure there are funds to meet these important needs.

Poppy Brown,

Director NSW & ACT,

Australian Red Cross