WA Department of Communities
WA Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS)
Grant towards overdue utility bills for Western Australians in financial hardship who set up a payment arrangement.
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Up to $640
South of the 26th parallel, you may be eligible for up to $640 per financial year; north of the 26th parallel, up to $1,060 per financial year.
Who can get it
- Assessed by your utility provider as being in financial hardship
- Enter into a payment arrangement for at least 90 days
- Outstanding bill still over $300 after that arrangement
How to claim
- Start with your utility provider, which assesses you and sets up a payment arrangement.
- The HUGS Service Centre then reviews your case and the Department of Communities decides.
Conditions and catches
- The grant must not exceed 85% of the amount outstanding on your utility account.
- A Health Care Card is not required.
What the source says
Exact words quoted from the official page when we checked it. Last checked 14 Oct 2026.
must not exceed 85% of the amount outstanding on your utility account.
enter into a payment arrangement for at least 90 days
you may be eligible for up to $640 per financial year.