Electricity, gas, or water

If a client meets all the qualifications, a Recoverable Assistance Payment may be made to assist with:

• outstanding electricity, gas and water bills and
• the cost of reconnecting electricity, gas and water supplies

Before approving applications, other ways of meeting the costs should be investigated. For example, can arrangements be made with their electricity or gas company, for the client to pay off outstanding bills or reconnection charges.

If a client is having difficulty meeting their payments their electricity or gas company should be asked by the client to check whether they are on the correct tariff.

The client should also have discussed with their retailer any alternative payment options available to them such as:

• payment arrangements to recover debt within a reasonable timeframe
• prepayment meters
• smoothed payments
• regular direct credits
• redirection of income

Clients do not need to be at the stage of being disconnected to be granted a Recoverable Assistance Payment for electricity or gas.

Clients should be encouraged to request assistance before their electricity or gas is threatened with disconnection or is disconnected, to avoid disconnection and reconnection costs.

Except when there are exceptional circumstances, the total payment cannot exceed:

• 6 weeks of the appropriate rate of Supported Living Payment the client would be entitled to get or
• $200

whichever is the least amount.

You will need to determine if it is appropriate to make a Recoverable Assistance Payment when the costs for electricity, gas or heating have already been included in existing Disability Allowance payments or another Health Subsidy.

Disability Allowance is only paid for the additional electricity, gas or heating costs that a person has because of their disability (not the total cost).

A Recoverable Assistance Payment can be considered if there is an immediate and essential need for electricity, gas or heating costs not covered by Disability Allowance or another Health Subsidy.

When a portion of the costs was covered by Disability Allowance or another Health Subsidy, consider whether the client could reasonably have been expected to have paid that portion of the costs. If they could have, you may in your discretion decline to include those costs.

If the client has a complaint about their energy or water company, they can contact Utilities Disputes. See:

• Utilities Disputes Complaint form