About the Utility Relief Grant Scheme
The Utility Relief Grant Scheme pays up to $650 for each utility in a two-year period, or $1,300 for households with only one energy source, such as all-electric homes. You can apply separately for electricity, gas and water.
It is for temporary crises, not ongoing hardship. You need to show you cannot pay without help, are at risk of disconnection, and have been affected by family violence, a drop in income, high unexpected costs for essentials, or housing costs above 30% of your income.
You start by calling your retailer, which also stops any disconnection while the grant is considered. That makes it worth calling early, even before you have every document ready.
Who can get it
- You have an overdue mains electricity, gas or water bill because of a temporary financial crisis.
- You hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, or are part of a low-income household.
- You cannot pay without help and are at risk of disconnection, and you have experienced family violence, a drop in income, high unexpected costs for essentials, or housing costs above 30% of your income.
| Card or payment | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Pensioner Concession Card | Yes |
| Health Care Card | Yes |
| DVA Veteran Gold Card | Yes |
How to apply
- Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer and ask for a Utility Relief Grant application. It will ask some questions first.
- Your retailer puts a hold on disconnection while your application is considered.
- Complete the form online or on paper. A friend, support worker or financial counsellor can help.
- Allow about 4 to 6 weeks for a decision.
How it is paid: To your retailer, which credits it against the amount you owe.
Contact: Victorian Concessions Information Line, 1800 658 521. Official information.
Moving or switching retailer?
Concessions applied by your retailer do not always move with you. When you move house or switch, give your card details to the new retailer and check the next bill. See how to claim a concession.
Other energy help in Victoria
- Annual Electricity Concession: 17.5% off electricity usage and supply costs.
- Winter Gas Concession: 17.5% off gas usage and supply costs from 1 May to 31 October.
- Excess Electricity Concession: 17.5% on costs above $4,038.82 a year.
- Medical Cooling Concession: Extra 17.5% off from November to April.
- Life Support Concession: The cost of 1,880 kWh of electricity a year.
- Non-mains Energy Concession: $58 to $666 a year per energy type.
- Victorian Energy Upgrades: Upfront discounts, up to $1,610 on reverse-cycle air conditioning.
See every program on our Victoria rebates page.
Common questions
Up to $650 for each utility in a two-year period, or $1,300 for households with a single source of energy, such as electricity only.
Possibly. Low-income households without a card may be able to apply. Your retailer will check your eligibility first.
About 4 to 6 weeks from when the department receives a completed form. Your retailer holds disconnection action while it is considered.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.