We are helping community members apply for the next round of State Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus, a one-off payment to help eligible Victorians experiencing energy bill stress.
You can apply online, however if you don't have access to, or are uncomfortable using technology, you can drop by the centre and we can help you every step of the way 😊
For every application done through us we get $10 from the State Government, so you'll be helping your local community and yourself - it's a win-win!
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility requirements, get in contact with us and we can help you access this important bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households?
The $250 Power Saving Bonus is available to all Victorians households. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, Victorian households will need to:
Have a recent residential electricity bill
Be the account holder for that bill
Visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners.
Can I apply if I am not the account holder?
No, only the account holder listed on the energy account can apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus.
Can one household apply for the $250 Bonus multiple times?
No, only one Bonus is available per household.
Can more than one person per household apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus?
No, only one Bonus is available per household.
Do I need to be receiving a concession payment to receive the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households?
No, you do not need to be receiving a concession payment of any type to receive the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households.
Can I apply if I am renting?
If you rent and meet the eligibility requirements, then you can apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households.
Can permanent residents of other accommodation such as retirement villages and caravan parks apply for the $250 Bonus for Victorian households?
It will depend on the circumstances and if the program's eligibility requirements can be met. If you have an energy account with a matching address and your household has not claimed for this Bonus previously, then you will be able to receive the Bonus.
Can I apply if I'm a small business owner?
Small businesses are not eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus you must be a Victorian residential energy consumer.
I am off the grid and do not have a residential energy account, is my household eligible?
No, households that are off the grid and do not have a residential energy account are not eligible. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus you need to be a Victorian residential energy consumer.
Can I apply for the $250 Bonus for electricity and another $250 Bonus for gas?
No, only one Bonus is available per household. When applying, you will need to use your electricity account details.
Can households in embedded networks apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus?
Yes, if your household is in an embedded network and you meet the program’s eligibility requirements you are eligible to apply for the Bonus. You will need to upload a copy of the electricity bill or invoice, provided to you by your Embedded Network Manager.
Households who live in an embedded network will be paid by bank cheque. This will be sent to the service address listed on your electricity bill. Please contact us at info.vec@delwp.vic.gov.au as soon as possible if you have concerns about having your cheque being mailed to this address.
I have a Health Care Card / Seniors Card but do not receive payments under an eligible benefit. Am I eligible?
No, only applicants who are receiving payments under an eligible concession benefit (Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy, DVA Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card) are eligible for the existing $250 Power Saving Bonus.
My household has a resident who receives an eligible concession benefit. Can I apply on my household's behalf?
No, the application needs to come from the person who receives an eligible concession benefit (Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy, DVA Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card).
I receive an eligible concession benefit but my household's energy account is not in my name. Am I eligible to apply for the $250 Bonus for concession recipients?
Yes. Applicants who receive an eligible concession benefit can apply for the $250 Bonus irrespective of whether they are the energy account holder. You will still need to provide a copy of your electricity bill or provide details from your bill to confirm you are a Victorian residential energy consumer.
What if I'm a renter?
If you rent and meet the eligibility requirements, then you can apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients.
Can permanent residents of other accommodation such as retirement villages and caravan parks apply for the $250 Bonus for concession recipients?
It will depend on the circumstances and if the eligibility requirements can be met. If you are a recipient of an eligible concession benefit and have an energy account with a matching address, then you will be able to receive the Bonus.
What if I'm a small business owner?
Small businesses are not eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus you must be a Victorian residential energy consumer.
I am off the grid and do not have a residential energy account, am I eligible?
No, households that are off the grid and do not have a residential energy account are not eligible. To be eligible for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients you need to be a Victorian residential energy consumer.
What if I live in an embedded network?
If you live in an embedded network and have an electricity account, you are still eligible to apply for the bonus. When providing your electricity service details during the online application process, type 'embedded' into the retailer field and select your retailer. If your retailer isn't listed, select 'Other Embedded Network (embedded)'. Embedded network applicants may be requested to provide additional supporting documents at a later stage to complete their application. This may include a copy of your passport, driver's licence or Medicare card.
Will the $250 Power Saving Bonus for concession recipients impact any of my other concession payments?
As individual circumstances will vary, we are not able to provide advice on whether the $250 Power Saving Bonus will affect your concession payments or your taxable income. It may be the case that the $250 Bonus is classified a one-off gift and is exempt, but recipients of the bonus should seek specific advice if they are concerned about the bonus impacting their concession payments or taxable income.
Application Process
How do I apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus for Victorian households?
To apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus, eligible households must submit an application on this website or apply through a participating community outreach partner - such as Vermont South Learning Centre. To submit an application on our website please click here.
What can I do to make the application process as easy as possible?
When you visit the website to submit your application, there are a few things you need to make the application process as easy as possible, including:
Making sure you have a copy of a recent electricity bill
Making sure you know your 'NMI' number (this is can be located on your bill and is typically a 10 or 11 digit number)
Making sure you have a copy of further supporting documentation. Such as: a recent utility bill (e.g. gas or water), Rates Notice, Driver's License, or a Valid Centrelink Card
Making sure you keep a copy of your application reference number and your NMI as you may need it for further communications about your application.
What times are Vermont South Learning Centre assisting people with applications?
During our standard business hours:
Mon - Thur : 9 am – 4 pm
Friday: 9 am - 2 pm
Do I need to call and book a time?
We recommend that you call to make an appointment, but still welcome you to drop by anytime.
What’s the easiest way to get to Vermont South Learning Centre?
Please see the map below for detailed directions on how to get to us.