By Eleanor Wilson
Community support services are encouraging Casey residents to make the most of the current round of the State Government’s Power Saving Bonus program, with applications closing in less than two weeks time.
Chief executive at Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC), Leanne Petrides, said it is a critical time to cash in on the $250 payment, which will close to applications at midnight on Thursday 23 March.
“We want to make sure that every single person who is eligible can actually receive that money in their bank account,” Ms Petrides said.
The Power Saving Bonus offers a once-off $250 payment to every household in the state with a recent electricity bill.
In order to be eligible for the cash, you must be the account holder for your household electricity bill and visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through a participating community outreach partner.
Once an application has been submitted, an email will be received in about 10 days with an update on the payment.
For successful applicants, the $250 payment should be transferred to the nominated bank account within 3-15 business days.
If you’ve selected to receive a bank cheque, this may take up to 20 business days to arrive.
“Now is a really critical time to apply because households can apply for the current round until 23 March and then once the new round opens the following day, they can apply for that around as well,” Ms Petrides said.
“That’s potentially an extra $500 in your bank account, which can make a big difference in easing the stress on household budgets.”
The handout will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian households from 24 March, including those that received payments under previous rounds.
Since the first round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus launched on 1 July 2022, more than 1.7 million households have received the benefit.
But Ms Petrides said about half of households in Casey’s South are yet to claim the funds.
“That’s a significant amount of people who could be receiving this financial support, which is why we’re trying to make sure we have this conversation with people.”
CISC is currently offering free appointments two days a week for residents who may need assistance in applying for the bonus.
“All you need to do is bring your most current electricity bill and within a few weeks you’ll have the money in your account.”
To find out more about how to apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, contact CISC on 5996 3333.
