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Good Shepherd hotline to help Victorians access funds during lockdown

Wednesday 31 August, 2021

With Victorians in lockdown, not-for-profit Good Shepherd is helping those in need access the Victorian Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus, and by providing No Interest Loans for essential items.

A hotline has been setup by Good Shepherd to make the process simple. It opens today and will be running from 9am-5pm on Monday to Friday until January 2022.

The $250 is being offered to Victorian energy consumers impacted by the pandemic to pay their heating bill or other essential living expenses, with Good Shepherd available on 1300 026 500 to take people through the step-by-step application process.

Women, children and families in need can also access Good Shepherd’s No Interest Loans for essential items via the hotline.

Good Shepherd CEO Stella Avramopoulos is urging eligible consumers to call in so they can access money that could make a difference:
“With many people suffering reduced working hours and other financial hardship as part of the pandemic, things like the power bill may go unpaid and drastically affect the wellbeing of women, children and families as we come out of winter and look ahead to summer.

“If you hold a valid health care card and are receiving payments from one of Youth Allowance, JobSeeker, Abstudy, Austudy, Veteran’s Affairs Gold Card, Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession or Pensioners Concession Card you’re eligible to receive the $250 Victorian Government Bonus to help you pay your energy bill or other essential items, and you could also be eligible for Good Shepherd’s No Interest Loans.

“Good Shepherd has stepped up by setting up a hotline to make sure eligible consumers receive this government funding with ease or can secure a No Interest Loan. If you call 1300 026 500 our Good Shepherd staff will step you through the application process so you can access this helping hand.”

The Power Savings Bonus is an initiative of the Victorian Government, for more information please see Power Saving Bonus VIC – Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd’s No Interest Loans are funded by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with NAB.