A new government payment aims to help low-income households that are struggling to make ends meet.
Low-income households can now access a one-off $250 payment to help with their energy bills, as part of the Victorian Government’s new Power Saving Bonus.
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas announced on Wednesday 3 February that the new $250 Power Saving Bonus will be available to Victorian eligible concession cardholders between 1 February 2021 and 31 January 2022, providing immediate energy bill relief to those who need it most.
The bonus is available to all pensioner concession cardholders and some health care cardholders who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website.
Electricity bills are the top cost of living issue for consumers and about 20 percent of Victorian households requested financial assistance with their energy bills last year due to the impacts of Covid-19.
The bonus is available to anyone with a gas or electricity account who holds a pensioner concession card or receives JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance.
To ensure the bonus is accessible to those who need it most, including those from marginalised communities and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the Victorian Government has enlisted the support of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and the Consumer Policy Research Centre.
The Power Saving Bonus is part of the $797 million household energy affordability package that was announced in last year’s State Budget.
Eligible cardholders can access the Power Saving Bonus at compare.energy.vic.gov.au or, if assistance is required, by calling 1800 000 832.
