If you are seeking help paying bills in Victoria, there are several programs and options available to assist you. Here are some avenues you can explore:
- Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS): The URGS provides one-time financial assistance to eligible individuals or families facing difficulty paying their utility bills. To apply for the URGS, you can contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Concessions Information Line at 1800 658 521 or visit their website for more information.
- Utility Concession: The Utility Concession provides eligible pensioners, seniors, and Health Care Card holders with a reduction on their electricity, gas, and water bills. This concession is automatically applied when you receive eligible Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments. If you have not received the concession and believe you are eligible, you can contact your energy or water retailer directly to discuss your eligibility and application process.
- Hardship Programs offered by Energy and Water Retailers: Energy and water retailers in Victoria are required to offer hardship programs to customers experiencing financial difficulties. These programs may include payment plans, bill smoothing options, and other forms of assistance. Reach out to your energy or water retailer to inquire about the hardship programs they offer and how to apply.
- Financial Counselling: Consider seeking assistance from a financial counsellor. Financial counsellors can provide advice and support on managing your bills, negotiating payment plans, accessing concessions and grants, and finding other sources of financial help. The National Debt Helpline at 1800 007 007 can provide you with referrals to financial counsellors in your area.
- Victorian Default Offer: The Victorian Default Offer is a simple and fair electricity price set annually by the Essential Services Commission, not energy companies. It provides Victorian residential and small business consumers access to a fair electricity deal even if they are unable or unwilling to engage in the retail market.
- $250 Power Saving Bonus payment: A new $250 Power Saving Bonus program is open for all Victorian households and is available from 24 March 2023. Eligible households can access the $250 Bonus via the Victorian Energy Compare website or apply through a participating community organisation. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, you must:
- be a Victorian residential energy consumer, for example, have a residential
- electricity account
- be the account holder
- Victorian Energy Compare: Check if you are on the cheapest energy offer that suits your circumstances. An energy ‘offer’ is the price you pay for your energy, plus any conditions, such as email-only billing (no paper bills) and pay-on-time discounts. The government’s Victorian Energy Compare website is a great way to compare energy offers.
Victorian Energy Compare is the only independent website comparing electricity, gas and solar offers. It includes all prices from all energy companies, including discounts and conditions, so you can choose the best one for you. Seven out of 10 people saved money by switching to a better offer using Victorian Energy Compare. On average, people saved up to $330 in the first year when using the site to switch.
- Other Support Programs: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for additional support programs such as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Emergency Relief or the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS). These programs provide financial assistance and no-interest loans to individuals and families experiencing hardship.
To get more specific and up-to-date information on the available programs and how to apply, I recommend visiting the Victorian government’s website at www.vic.gov.au or contacting the Department of Health and Human Services Concessions Information Line at 1800 658 521. They will be able to provide you with detailed information on the programs and assistance available in Victoria and guide you through the application process.