Experiencing Financial Hardship?

Payment Assistance Scheme

If you are a residential customer finding it hard to pay your water bill, you may be eligible for support through a Payment Assistance Scheme. The Payment Assistance Scheme operates through registered community welfare agencies with staff trained to assist customers experiencing hardship.  Please read the information below about the Scheme, however if you are experiencing serious financial hardship and have further questions, either phone us on 1300 657 657 or if you prefer email us on hardship@hunterwater.com.au .

The agency you choose will assess your individual needs and circumstances, and may issue Payment Assistance Scheme vouchers to help you pay your Hunter Water bill. The current welfare agencies participating in this scheme are:

St Vincent de Paul – offers support to residents throughout Hunter Water’s area of operations and will arrange to visit you in your home, including customers in outlying areas such as Dungog.

Customers who wish to discuss support options with St Vincent de Paul are encouraged to contact them on 49616885 between 9am and 1pm Monday through to Friday to arrange an appointment.

Salvation Army – provide support by operating two centres at the following locations:
 
Cnr Union and Parry Streets, NEWCASTLE WEST and 
14 Hall Street, CESSNOCK

Customers who would like to discuss support options with the Salvation Army are encouraged to phone them on 49292300 between 9am and 5pm Monday through to Friday to arrange a time to visit one of their centres. 
 
Northern Settlement Services –provide support to Hunter residents at their centre which is conveniently located at 8 Chaucer Street HAMILTON. 

If you would like to discuss your situation with Northern Settlement Services you should phone them on 49693399 between 9am and 4pm Monday through to Friday to arrange an appointment time.

The Samaritans – operate a network of centres throughout the Hunter where they can provide financial assessment and support services.   The Samaritans offer appointments for Emergency Relief between 10am and 1pm Monday through to Friday.  If you would like to discuss support options with them, please contact them on 49221500 between 9am and 5pm Monday through to Friday.  Their centre locations are:

32 Brunker Road BROADMEADOW
131 Maitland Road MAITLAND
Church Hall, William Street, EAST MAITLAND
206 Vincent Street, CESSNOCK
16 York Street, TERALBA
St Lawrence Church Hall, Newcastle Street, MORISSET

Maitland Neighbourhood Centre – offer a financial assessment and support service to customers at their centre which is located at Arthur Street, RUTHERFORD. If you would like to enquire about their support services, please contact the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre  between 9.00am and 4pm Monday through to Friday on 49320950, or via email on maitneig@bigpond.net.au. 

Hunter Water can also offer direct assistance to customers experiencing financial difficulties such as a payment plan to help you pay your bill in instalments. Please contact Hunter Water on 1300 657 657 if you would like to discuss other options.