The Earthquake Commission has received 470 claims from Seddon and Ward since the big earthquakes in July and August.
EQC chief executive Ian Simpson said assessments have been completed, or bookings are in place, for more than half of them and the first payments went out last week.
Mr Simpson said most of the questions at a public meeting in Seddon on Saturday were about the claims process.
Settlements will be made by cash payment and the recipients will be responsible for arranging repairs.
Mr Simpson said he is confident the amounts paid will be adequate and people should shop around if contractors are providing quotes that exceed the amounts.
Marlborough mayor Alistair Sowman says the district council is looking at having a person assist elderly people with their claims.
