We are purposefully taking steps to simplify our systems and GMW billing.
To support customers in managing their bills, we have a range of flexible options for paying GMW fixed charges accounts.
You can choose to pay from the following options:
- Pay in Full – pay your whole account in a single payment by 16 December
- Instalments– pay your bill across eight equal instalments from September until April
Direct debit payments – Sign up and GMW will automatically deduct payments in eight instalments across the course of the year (September until April).
Experiencing Financial Hardship?
A customer experiencing financial hardship is someone whose intention is to pay, but who does not have the financial capacity to make the required payments within the specified time.
GMW understands that there are complex factors which impact our customers and that from time to time any customer can experience a period of financial hardship.
Financial hardship may arise as a result of, or be identified as, a person experiencing:
- Sudden changes in economic circumstances
- A sudden change in circumstances (unemployment, ill health, separation, a death in the family, a loss resulting from an accident)
- An ongoing illness
- Eligibility for a Government payment (for example, Centrelink benefits, etc.) due to low income
- Ongoing impacts of a natural disaster (Flood, Bushfire etc.).
GMW is committed to supporting customers who are experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Follow this link to read GMW's Customer Support Policy on our website.
Accessing financial hardship
GMW will work with customers on an individual basis to determine the nature of their financial hardship.
This assessment will include consideration of whether a customer is in receipt of government payments, the expected period of the hardship, the information provided by financial counselling services and a range of other matters.
Decisions about granting special arrangements on the basis of financial hardship are made on a case by case basis.
Financial counselling
GMW can refer customers to an independent financial counselling service.
Financial counsellors are able to provide detailed information to customers about the rights and options available to them.
Customers can access financial counsellors to discuss any financial matters that may be causing them difficulty or distress.
Variable charges account payment options
The options available for paying your variable charges account are:
- Pay in full within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
- Contact us on 1800 013 357 to discuss a flexible payment plan.
Other options
Other options we can offer include:
- Flexible payment plans
- Payment extensions
- Direct debit instalments
- Information about government pensioner concessions
- Information about accredited financial and health support.
If you would like more information about our flexible payment plans, please call us on 1800 013 357.
Utility relief grant scheme
Non-mains utility relief is available to Victorians on very low incomes who have experienced unexpected hardship. The grant provides help to pay a non-mains energy or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.
More information is available at the Victorian Government Families Fairness and Housing utility relief grant scheme (non-mains) webpage, opens in a new window.