Payment assistance scheme

We know that sometimes paying bills can be difficult – especially during tough times.

If you own and live in your home or are a private tenant who pays the water usage charges, you may be eligible for a credit applied directly to your Hunter Water bill.

To find out if you're eligible, you can:

  • Use Live Chat during business hours    
  • Book a confidential appointment with a community agency near you.

Referral to local organisations

If you need extra support, we can connect you with local organisations that offer financial counselling and help with other essential expenses – so you do not have to explain your situation more than once.

Maitland area

Maitland Region Community Support (MRCS)

A not-for-profit organisation offering support services to individuals and families in the Maitland region, aiming to strengthen community connections.

Carrie’s Place

Provides culturally appropriate programs for individuals experiencing domestic and family violence and/or homelessness, including case management and court advocacy.

Samaritans

Offers support services across various regions, including assistance for those facing hardship, homelessness or disability.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

‘Vinnies’ provides a range of services to help people in need, including food, clothing and assistance with bills.

The Salvation Army

‘The Salvos’ are a Christian organisation offering social services, including emergency relief, housing support and financial counselling.

Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project

Provides free, confidential financial counselling to assist individuals in managing debt and financial difficulties.

Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre

A community-based organisation helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Cessnock, Maitland and Dungog areas with various supports, referral and advocacy.

Cessnock area

Samaritans

Offers support services across various regions, including assistance for those facing hardship, homelessness or disability.

Kurri Kurri Community Services

Provides community services aimed at supporting individuals and families in the Kurri Kurri area.

Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre

A community-based organisation helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Cessnock, Maitland and Dungog areas with various supports, referral and advocacy.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

‘Vinnies’ provides a range of services to help people in need, including food, clothing and assistance with bills.

The Salvation Army

‘The Salvos’ are a Christian organisation offering social services, including emergency relief, housing support and financial counselling.

Lake Macquarie area

Belmont Neighbourhood Centre

Offers a variety of services and programs to support the local community in Belmont North.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

‘Vinnies’ provides a range of services to help people in need, including food, clothing and assistance with bills.

Eastlakes Family Support Services

Provides services and information to families with dependent children in the Lake Macquarie area.

Swansea Community Cottage

A local neighbourhood centre offering information, advice and referral services to the community.

Samaritans

Offers support services across various regions, including assistance for those facing hardship, homelessness or disability.

The Salvation Army

‘The Salvos’ are a Christian organisation offering social services, including emergency relief, housing support and financial counselling.

Port Stephens area

Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services

Provides community services in the Port Stephens area, including support for families and individuals.

Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre

Offers assistance and support to those in the Port Stephens community who need it most.

The Salvation Army

‘The Salvos’ are a Christian organisation offering social services, including emergency relief, housing support and financial counselling.

Newcastle area

Samaritans

Offers support services across various regions, including assistance for those facing hardship, homelessness or disability.

Jenny’s Place

Provides support and accommodation to women and children experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness.

The Salvation Army

‘The Salvos’ are a Christian organisation offering social services, including emergency relief, housing support and financial counselling.

Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre

Offers services and programs to support the community in West Wallsend.

Wesley Mission

Provides a range of community services, including support for mental health, homelessness and financial stress.

Northern Settlement Services

Supports migrants and refugees through various programs and services.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

‘Vinnies’ provides a range of services to help people in need, including food, clothing and assistance with bills.

Dungog area

Dungog Shire Community Centre

A non-profit organisation run by residents, offering a range of services including crisis support, community programs and youth services to strengthen social connections in the Dungog region.

Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre

A community-based organisation helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Cessnock, Maitland and Dungog areas with various supports, referral and advocacy.

The Salvation Army

‘The Salvos’ are a Christian organisation offering social services, including emergency relief, housing support and financial counselling.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

‘Vinnies’ provides a range of services to help people in need, including food, clothing and assistance with bills. The Dungog shop also serves as a community hub.

Other services

Cancer Council

Provides comprehensive cancer support services, including information, counselling and assistance for patients, families and carers.

Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project

Provides free, confidential financial counselling to assist individuals in managing debt and financial difficulties.

Salvation Army Financial Counselling

Provides free and confidential financial counselling services to help people manage debts, budgeting and financial stress.

National Debt Helpline

A free, confidential service offering professional financial counselling to assist with debt management and financial difficulties.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

A Christian charity offering free debt counselling and financial education through local churches to help individuals overcome financial hardship.

Lifeline

Offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for people experiencing emotional distress.

Hunter Tenants’ Advocacy and Advice Service

Provides free advice, advocacy and support to tenants in the Hunter region regarding their rights and responsibilities.

Moneycare Newcastle (The Salvation Army)

Offers free and confidential financial counselling services to help individuals manage debt and improve financial wellbeing.

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

Provides individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable credit for essential goods and services.

MensLine Australia

A free national telephone and online counselling service offering support for men with family and relationship concerns.

Domestic Violence NSW

The peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in NSW, advocating for best practices and providing support resources.

GambleAware Hunter and New England

Offers free, confidential support and counselling services for people affected by gambling, including self-help tools and resources.

Contact us 

  • Use Live Chat during business hours