Whittlesea and Hume households going it tough with energy bills are being encouraged to apply for the state government’s Power Saving Bonus.
The government has extended the $250 bonus payment by five months until June 30.
More than 350,000 Victorians have already accessed the one-off $250 payment − part of a $797 million household energy affordability package announced in November 2020.
Households receiving payments through the Pensioner Concession, JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance programs, or those who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, are eligible for the payment.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister and Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the government provided assistance to more than 350,000 households during the payment’s first year.
“… But there are still many Victorians on support payments who have not yet applied for what could be crucial help with their energy bills,” she said.
“I encourage all eligible Victorians to apply either online or by calling the Victorian Energy Compare helpline.”
The payment is delivered through the Victorian Energy Compare website.
The $250 Power Saving Bonus payment is transferred electronically into bank accounts or provided via cheque on request, with cheques typically taking about two weeks to arrive.
To help people who may not have access to a computer or who need assistance with their application, the government is providing support through the Power Saving Bonus Community Outreach Program.
People can apply for the one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus at compare.energy.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 000 832.
