Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers

If you've been impacted by a crisis or emergency situation and are having difficulty paying your electricity or gas bill, the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme may be able to help.

This NSW Government Scheme provides vouchers towards your energy bills, and is available if you've been affected by a short-term financial crisis or emergency, such as unexpected medical bills. EAPA vouchers are sent electronically to your energy retailer and used to credit your home electricity or gas account.

Before you seek assistance

If you are having trouble paying your bill, speak to your energy company first. All energy retailers in NSW have programs to help customers in financial difficulty manage their bills more effectively.

If you are unable to make arrangements with your supplier, contact Service NSW or an approved EAPA provider (PDF 200KB). If you can't get an appointment right away, let your supplier know you made an appointment for EAPA assessment. Your supplier is not allowed to disconnect you if they know you have an appointment booked for an EAPA assessment.

Where can you get EAPA?

You can apply for EAPA online through Service NSW or call 13 77 88. You can also apply through an approved EAPA provider (PDF 200KB) - these are community organisations so may be able to offer you additional support. If you can't locate an agency in your area, contact us for help.

Who can get EAPA?

If you are in financial hardship due to a crisis or emergency situation you can apply for EAPA voucher assistance. This hardship may be caused by a range or combination of factors, including:

• a loss of income
• a very high electricity/gas bill
• an illness in the family
• a family crisis
• unexpected expenses or bills.

You will need to meet the criteria to be eligible.

How does it work?

1. Apply online via Service NSW or make an appointment with an EAPA provider by phone
2. Let your energy provider know you have made an appointment for EAPA assessment
3. The agency will assess whether you are eligible for EAPA vouchers and, if so, how many
4. The vouchers will be submitted electronically straight to the provider and they should be paid into your account within five business days
5. If you apply through an agency they may also help you arrange a payment plan with your provider for the remainder of the bill, or provide other assistance such as financial counselling
6. If not organised already, call your energy provider to make an arrangement for the remainder of your bill
7. If you are unable to make arrangements to pay the remainder, you can contact us for help.

Other rebates and concessions

There are a number of other rebates and concessions available to energy and water customers.