What should I do if I'm having trouble paying my utility account?
If you are having difficulty paying your utility account, you should call your energy provider.
Look on your bill to make sure you are on the best plan that your provider can offer.
For the best offer from all energy companies, visit Energy Compare online - a free and independent service to compare energy providers in Victoria: https://compare.energy.vic.gov...
Remember, you can:
Check out the simple guide on how to cut your energy costs: https://energyinfohub.org.au/s...
What should I do if I have received a disconnection notice?
In Australia there are rules about when and how you can be disconnected. Your energy provider must provide you with hardship assistance and give you notice before disconnection.
You should;
If you have an issue with your energy provider, you must give the company a reasonable opportunity to resolve the dispute itself.
Phones/Internet
If you have an issue with your telecommunications provider, you must give the company a reasonable opportunity to resolve the dispute itself. If you’ve tried but you can’t sort the problem out, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) – It has free and independent advice if you have an issue with your phone and/or internet providers
You can visit their website here: https://www.tio.com.au/
Tips about utilities
How can a financial counsellor help?
Financial Counsellors help people who are experiencing financial difficulty. They are skilled professionals who will guide you through your options and help you plan your way out of debt.
They may be able to assist you by:
What can a financial counsellor provide information about?
They can provide information and advice about:
It’s then up to you to make the decisions about how to manage your situation with the advice you’ve been given.
DUSA'S financial counselling
Our Financial Counselling is a non-judgmental, independent, confidential and free service provided to inform, support and advocate for people in financial difficulty. Having the support of a financial counsellor can relieve your money worries.
To make a free, confidential appointment with a DUSA Financial Counsellor, visit your DUSA office, the DUSA website, or contact us via telephone on (03) 9246 8615.
Sometimes students ask questions that are not in relation to Academic Integrity, or the DUSA Advocates require further information so that they can answer the question. If you see your question here, we recommend contacting the DUSA Advocates. They can provide you with support regarding your circumstances and/or help you find the service you need.