However, completing the online application is not a simple process for everyone.

Since the new round started, the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria has assisted over 1300 households to access the payment, offering support via phone, email and in person with visits to a number of community organisations.

ECCV recently visited two Italian seniors’ clubs in Coburg - the Australian Pensioners Voice and the Italian Ladies Friendship Group - and helped members complete their applications.

“Migrant and refugee communities experience multiple barriers accessing the bonus,” said ECCV Chief Executive Officer Emiliano Zucchi.

“Many older migrants lack digital literacy, don’t have mobile phones or access to computers and they have limited English proficiency.

“Older people can miss out because they don’t have a mobile phone or a support person that can help them read or send a copy of their bill.”

“We have had cases where someone – friends, children or grandchildren- has set up email accounts and online payments for them and they do not have access to their emails or their online bills”.

“Our multilingual team not only help community members to access the $250 bonus, but we also listen to their needs and provide information and links to other support services,” Mr Zucchi said.

“The $250 bonus is a great gift for our members”, said Italian Ladies Friendship Group’s president, Maria Rocca.

“Even if I have solar panels and I have opted for the best offer from my energy provider, the bills are very expensive”. 

The group was pleased to welcome Mr Zucchi and local MP Anthony Cianflone at their April meeting, alongside representatives of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, who presented the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), a free tailored service for those at risk of financial hardship.

The high cost of living and rising utility bills was a hot topic at the meeting of the Australian Pensioners’ Voice, a lobby group that has advocated for seniors’ rights for more than 15 years.

“These programs don’t solve all our problems but they help us pensioners”, commented president Vic Guarino.

“It is good to know that we can contact ECCV for assistance”.

To find out more about how ECCV can help you to apply for the bonus, email psb@eccv.org.au or register your interest at eccv.org.au/power-saving-bonus.