1. Utility Relief Grant Scheme Changes to the guidelines - effective July 1 st 2006.

2. Frequency of assistance The Utility Relief Grant is no longer a once-off grant. Applicants may apply for assistance every 2 years.

3. Concession Cardholder? Assistance is available to low-income households who either hold a current concession card or who are experiencing financial hardship and are registered with their utility company’s hardship program. Special conditions apply for non- concession card households.

4. Special Conditions Non-concession card households must be registered with their utility company’s hardship program and their income must be no more than the equivalent to the Commonwealth maximum income rate for part age pensioners. ( information can be obtained from the Centrelink publication – A guide to Australian Government payments).

5. Eligibility criteria A significant increase in energy/water usage. A recent decrease in household income. High unexpected expenses on essential items. The above criteria must have occurred within the last 12 months. Cost of shelter exceeds 30% of the household income. Cost of utility usage exceeds 10% of the household income.