Financial help

We can help if you're having trouble paying your water bill.

We are conscious that this is a very stressful time and many customers are experiencing significant financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We want your water bill to be the least of your concerns. We are currently developing an assistance package that will help affected customers and we will provide further information on this shortly.

We also understand that financial difficulties can happen to anyone at any time, and they may not be related to the virus. For example you may have experienced:

a loss of or change in income
a serious illness, disability or death in the family
a separation, divorce or other family crisis
other personal problems contributing to financial hardship.

If you are having difficulty paying your bill, please call our team on 1300 361 633, and we will do everything we can to provide assistance.

How we can help

Payment Arrangements

We can help by starting a payment arrangement that will fit your budget. Call us on 1300 361 633 for further information.

Concessions

Pensioners and eligible concession card holders are entitled to discounted water bills.

More information

Community Rebate Program

The Community Rebate Program helps reduce water usage and costs by offering eligible customers a free water audit and rebate or replacement of inefficient water fittings.

The program is a joint initiative between North East Water and the Victorian Government (The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning).

What works will be done?

A qualified plumber, engaged by North East Water will visit your property to audit the efficiency of all your water appliances and carry out limited and appropriate work to help reduce water usage.

The works may include:

leak detection and repair
repair of hot water service
replacement of washers on leaking taps
other plumbing works

We will need your permission (or the landlords) before we start any work.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

live at the property
be financially responsible for the payment of your water account
have high water usage and/or
determined as a vulnerable customer or in hardship

Please email info@newater.com.au or call us for more information on 1300 361 633.

Utility Relief Grant

The Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS) is a government program that helps people that are unable to pay their electricity, gas or water bills due to special circumstances.

To be eligible you must have a:

Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Low income earners may also be eligible if their household income is lower than the cap set by the Department of Human Services.

You must also meet one or more of the following criteria:

a significant increase in water usage
recent decrease in income, for example loss of employment
high unexpected expenses on essential items
the cost of your water bill is more than 10% of your household income
the cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.

For more information visit the Department of Human Services website or call us on 1300 361 633.

Financial Counselling

Financial Counselling services are available across our region free of charge and are supported by North East Water on the basis of counsellor expertise, independence and confidentiality.

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