Experiencing Financial Hardship?
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
Hunter Water supports a No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) to help residential customers in financial difficulty. A number of community centres within the Lower Hunter can provide loans to help customers buy basic household items such as water efficient washing machines. Click here for more information.
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 (02) 4961 6885 between 9am and 1pm, Monday-Friday to arrange an appointment.
The Salvation Army – provides support by operating three centres at the following locations:
- Cnr Union and Parry Streets, NEWCASTLE WEST - 49 292300
- 14 Hall Street, CESSNOCK - 49 912063
- Community Welfare Centre, Station Street Bonnells Bay - 49 731735
Northern Settlement Services –provides 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 (02) 4969 3399 between 9am and 4pm, Monday-Friday to arrange an appointment time.
Samaritans – operate a network of centres throughout the Hunter where they can provide financial assessment and support services. Samaritans offer appointments for Emergency Relief between 10am and 1pm, Monday-Friday. If you would like to discuss support options with them, please contact them on (02) 4922 1500 between 9am and 5pm, Monday-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 – offers 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-Friday on (02) 4932 0950, 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.