Utility companies and local councils are being urged to be understanding of struggling customers.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the hardship support would be available to households and small businesses experiencing"financial stress"."This is critical to ensuring the ongoing viability of essential services providers.
"But we need to ensure an appropriate safety net is in place for those experiencing financial stress."if customers can't afford to pay their bills during the pandemic, they will be able to enter a payment plan.households and small businesses under financial stress will not have their service disconnected for failure to pay bills.
The way households will be assessed for eligibility for this assistance remains unclear but any business eligible for the JobKeeper payment will automatically be considered as being under financial stress and will be eligible for the new support.States and territories will each have to consult with utilities providers and councils before the new hardship measures can begin.
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