Utility bills (electricity, gas and water)
If you can't pay your electricity, gas, phone or water bill, contact your service provider straight away. They can help with options such as:
- an extension to pay
- paying in instalments
Every service provider has financial hardship information online, for example:
- Sydney Water or call 1800 222 280 for payment assistance
- Energy Australia or call 133 466
- AGL or call 1300 659 925
You could also be eligible for Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers. You can apply:
- online via Service NSW
- or with the help of other local services
Service NSW can assist eligible persons to apply for a energy rebate online or in person at:
- Brookvale - 114 Old Pittwater Road
- Warriewood Square, Jacksons Road (Ground floor external entrance, near ALDI)
Open 8.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 12.30pm Saturday
Centrelink can arrange regular deductions via Centrepay.
Toll relief scheme
The NSW Government has introduced a $60 weekly cap on personal toll trips to help private vehicle owners with the cost of living.
From January 2024, every quarter, eligible motorists who spend between $60 and $400 a week on tolls for a tag or licence plate number can claim a rebate of up to $340 a week, on each one depending on their toll spend.
Registration and claims opened in April 2024 and will be backdated from 1 January 2024.
Check your eligibility for the $60 weekly toll cap rebate. Eligible motorists can claim a rebate of up to $340. Learn more at Service NSW.
Council rates
Northern Beaches Council provides assistance for ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship.
You may be eligible for a concession on the grounds of hardship. Council may also be able to assist by agreeing to alternative payment plans.
If you are having difficulty in paying your rates, you should contact Council as soon as possible to discuss the options available under Councils Rates and Annual Charges Hardship Policy.