HIH Claims Support, the scheme set up to administer claims for consumers experiencing hardship as a result of the HIH collapse, has now distributed more than $3.5 million since policyholder cheques began to flow in August.

MD Dallas Booth said more than 3000 claims have come in since the claims scheme began two months ago, including individuals, small businesses and non-profit organisations.

Mr Booth said payments are made in as short a period of time as possible so that people in need “do not suffer any longer than necessary”. 

He said the efficient distribution of the payments is a testament to all involved, particularly those insurance companies associated with the scheme.