Victoria Utility Relief Grant Scheme
Low-income Victorian households who can't pay an overdue electricity, gas or water bill because of a temporary financial crisis may be eligible for a grant paid directly to their retailer.
Up to a maximum of $650 on each utility account and up to a maximum of $1,300 for single source households, available multiple times in a two-year period.
Who qualifies
The named account holder on an overdue mains electricity, gas or water bill, who holds a concession card (or is on a low income) and faces one of several hardship circumstances.
Eligibility, quoted from the source
“You must show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance and are at risk of disconnection... family violence... a recent decrease in income... high unexpected costs for essential items... The cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.”
How to claim
- Confirm you're the named account holder on an overdue mains electricity, gas or water bill
- Check you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card, or are on a low income in line with Centrelink benefits
- Have your hardship circumstance ready (e.g. a substantial income drop, unexpected essential costs, or housing costs at 30%+ of household income)
- Call your electricity, gas or water retailer and ask for a Utility Relief Grant application -- retailers are legally required to help you complete and lodge it. You can also call the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 if you'd rather apply that way.
- Wait for assessment -- the grant is paid directly to your retailer against your outstanding debt
Sources
- https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/node/226 (accessed 10/18/2026)
- https://cotavic.org.au/info/finances/concessions/energy-concessions-and-relief-grants (accessed 10/18/2026)
- https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/supporting-utility-relief-grant-applications-guideline-20200824.pdf (accessed 10/18/2026)
Last checked 10/18/2026
You may be eligible for this, but we can't confirm eligibility or amounts. Always check the official source before you claim.
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