Earthquake Commission announces hardship grant deadline
29 November 2010
Media Release
Canterbury
Earthquake Commission announces hardship grant deadline
New Zealand Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Commission has set a deadline for hardship grants of 4 December.
Commission Chairman Sir John Hansen said, “Hardship grants were set up to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the earthquake. Nearly three months after the disaster, applications for grants are declining. So it makes sense to set a deadline for the hardship grants.”
People can continue to apply for emergency and damaged home grants beyond this deadline, as there are likely to be eligible people who have not yet applied.
“The immediate hardship needs have been largely met, and we are now looking to transition into meeting the more long term needs of those suffering enduring financial hardship caused by the earthquake,” said Sir John.
People wishing to apply for the existing hardship grant must send their application forms to New Zealand Red Cross postmarked no later than 4 December.
As at 26 November, 4090 grant applications were being processed, with a response time of three to four weeks. About $7.7 million was expected to be paid out in grants accepted or being processed.
The commission expects to make an announcement regarding new grants next week. More information on the grants can be found at www.redcross.org.nz or from recovery assistance centres in Canterbury .
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