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Victorian power saving bonus of $250 extended until 30 June 2022

The Victorian Government is extending the popular $250 Power Saving Bonus payment to support more vulnerable households doing it tough with energy bills.

By news@gippsland - 4th February 2022 - Back to News

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said that the extension would provide crucial financial support for eligible households who have yet to receive the payment. More than 350,000 Victorians have already accessed the one-off $250 payment since it was launched in February 2021, providing more than $87.5 million to those who need it most.

The $250 Power Saving Bonus for Pensioner Concession Card holders and some Health Care Card holders, including JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy recipients, is now available

Assisting households

Households receiving payments through the:

• Pensioner Concession
• JobSeeker
• Austudy
• Abstudy

Youth Allowance programs, are also included or who hold a Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card are eligible. The payment is transferred electronically into bank accounts or provided via cheque on request, and typically takes about two weeks to arrive.

To assist eligible households who may not have access to a computer or require assistance with their application, the Government is providing support through the Power Saving Bonus Community Outreach Program.

Helping consumers

The $250 Power Saving Bonus is part of a $797 million household energy affordability package announced in November 2020. The payment is delivered through the Victorian Energy Compare website, which receives more than one million visitors each year.

Victorian Energy Compare is a truly independent price comparison tool that helps consumers find the best energy deal available. Data shows that seven out of every ten users can save money by switching energy offers with a typical annual saving of $330.

To apply for the one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus, go to Victorian Energy Compare website or, if you need assistance with your application, phone 1800 000 832.

Encouraging vulnerable Victorians

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio said, "In its first year this one-off payment has provided much-needed assistance, delivering $87.5 million to more than 350,000 households, but there are still many Victorians on support payments who have not yet applied for what could be crucial help with their energy bills."

"We are proud to continue supporting vulnerable households with the $250 Power Saving Bonus payment program until 30 June. I encourage all eligible Victorians to apply either online or by calling the Victorian Energy Compare helpline." Ms D'Ambrosio said.

Apply for power saving bonus

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "The Power Saving Bonus has already made a big difference for many customers and families across Eastern Victoria who have received payment - I would encourage all eligible households to apply for what could be a crucial $250 payment towards their energy bills."

"Applying for the Power Saving Bonus can be done online or over the phone, and my office can also help people to apply, so please drop in to 216 Commercial Road, Morwell or call on (03) 5134 8000." Ms Shing said.

Pictures from Wikipedia.org website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com