Cranbourne Information and Support Service manager Leanne Petrides said there had been a surge in people seeking help, many of them people who saw themselves as middle class.

Up to 30 families are seeking emergency help such as food vouchers, counselling and shelter from the service.

"There are people who were previously employed and have lost their jobs, such as those in casual positions or those who are let go in the economic downturn," Ms Petrides said.

The newly unemployed faced a six-to-eight-week delay in receiving Centrelink payments, she said.

The service has to support many people with little or no money and waiting for Centrelink assistance.

"We're running out of [food] vouchers one hour after we open each day. We're finding a new professional level needing help, people who see themselves as middle class."

The Federal Government's increased emergency relief funding had been timely but would not make a discernible difference, she said.

"With the increase of funding, we've been able to maintain the same level of support [to a greater number of people].

''From July 1, they're doubling the funding nationally. It's wonderful - I cried when I heard the announcement."

Salvation Army welfare worker Kerry Jose, based in Cranbourne, said more people "who'd never come to a place like this" were seeking help.