Utility Relief Grant Victoria: Eligibility, How to Apply and What It Covers
What the Utility Relief Grant Scheme Is
The Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS) provides assistance for Victorians facing temporary financial crisis. It is separate from the ongoing pensioner rates concession or the water concession, which are recurring bill reductions.
Check current DFFH guidance for which bills URGS covers before applying.
Who Qualifies
URGS is for temporary financial crisis support. Check DFFH's current guidance for the eligibility rules that apply to your circumstances; holding a concession card alone does not confirm that you qualify.
How to Apply
Check DFFH's current URGS guidance for the correct application route and required documents before applying.
Many retailers also have their own hardship programs that can run alongside URGS — payment plans, bill smoothing, or additional one-off credits. Ask what else is available when you call.
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How URGS Fits with Other Concessions
URGS is separate from the ongoing water concession. If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card and have not yet applied for the water and sewerage concession, it provides a recurring 50% discount on water and sewerage charges, capped at $372.10 per year.
Similarly, council rates hardship is handled through a separate deferral and hardship process with your council, not through URGS.
For the full picture of every Victorian property and utility concession — rates, ESVF, water, and emergency relief — the Victoria concession guide maps every scheme in one place.
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