The federal government is being urged to reconsider changes it made to the eligibility criteria for bushfire victims to receive emergency funds.
The Disaster Recovery Payment is now being made available to victims of the NSW bushfires who have been injured or had their homes damaged or destroyed.
But the government has been criticised for changing the funding arrangements so those isolated from their homes or experiencing power shortages can't access payments as quickly.
Assistant Minister for Social Services Mitch Fifield said the changes were designed to help ensure those most in need received assistance first.
"The decision that the government has taken is to initially provide assistance to those directly and immediately affected by way of home being damaged or destroyed," he told Sky News on Monday.
But the government will continue to assess the situation as it develops, he said.
Shadow assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh said it was traumatic for many families in the Blue Mountains forced to live in evacuation centres.
He urged the government to be "a little more generous" and reconsider its changes so those unable to access their homes could receive the assistance payment.
"I think that's an appropriate use of taxpayer funds," he said.
Joint disaster arrangements between the federal and state governments are also offering help in the form of food, clothing and accommodation.
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