Communities in Glenelg and Southern Grampians shires impacted by recent bushfires can access up to $1960 per family to help relieve personal hardship and distress, the state government revealed in a media statement on Thursday.

Only people who can show they have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires and who earn less than the income threshold amount are eligible for the payments for a maximum of 13 weeks.

Those claiming other payments such as a pension, parental leave pay or the farm household allowance cannot claim the fire relief fund.

The maximum payment rate is the equivalent of Newstart or Youth Allowance, based on individual circumstances.

Natural Disaster and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the payments were to help communities to return to normal life sooner.

"This gives payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child - to a maximum of $1,960 per family," Minister Littleproud said.

"The payments are to help meet immediate needs of those wort-hit through over next few days.

"This could be used for expenses such as such as food, emergency shelter, medicine and clothing.

"We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with impacted individuals and communities and provide further assistance as it is needed."

The package also includes personal and financial counselling through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Anyone who has been affected by the bushfires and is suffering personal hardship and distress should visit an Emergency Relief Centre or call the Payment Assistance Helpline on 1800 961 054 for advice and support.

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