Utility Relief Grant Scheme (non- mains) Fact sheet

Utility Relief Grant Scheme (non-mains)

What is the The grant provides help to pay a non-mains energy or water bill that is overdue due grant? to a temporary financial crisis. This can include bills for:  liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)  diesel and petrol (for a generator)  heating oil  firewood  metered electricity from an embedded network  carted water.

Who can apply An account holder who holds one of the following eligible concession cards: for the grant?  Pensioner Concession Card  Health Care Card  Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. If you don’t have one of these cards but you are on a very low income, you may also be eligible. The grant is available to renters and homeowners.

What are the You must show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance, and criteria for the You must meet one of the five following criteria: grant?  you have had a substantial increase in utility use  you have had a recent decrease in income, for example, lost your job  you have had high unexpected costs for essential items  the cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income  the cost of utility use is more than 10% of your household income.

How much is The amount of the grant is based on the amount you owe at the time of the the grant? application. It is capped at six months’ worth of utility use up to a maximum of $500. You may also be able to apply if you do not currently owe on a bill but know that you will not be able to afford your next supply bill.

How often can I A grant can only be given once every two years. claim a grant?

How do I apply Phone the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521. for the grant? More Phone the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521. information

Further information

How is the grant The grant is paid to the supplier and the supplier will credit the grant against your paid? outstanding debt.

How long will Applications take approximately four to six weeks to process, from the time that my application a completed form is received. take? We will write to you once your application has been considered.

What You will to include an invoice from the supplier you owe money to with your information do I application. Our staff will tell you what is needed when sending you an need to include application. with my application?

I received a You are not guaranteed to receive a grant of $500. grant of less The grant is capped at six months of usage, up to a maximum of $500. We can than $500 – can never pay more than the amount owing on your bill. I receive more? The amount granted is also based on the reasons you have given for applying in your application form. If you want to discuss the amount of your grant, call the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.

To receive this publication in an accessible format phone 1800 658 521 using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email [email protected]

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. © State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services January 2017 Available at www.services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits