1. The 2026 Reality: From $250 to $100
While the “universal” $250 payments ended in late 2023, the Victorian Government launched a fifth round specifically for households feeling the most “bill stress.”
- The Payment: A one-off $100 bonus paid directly into your bank account.
- The Deadline: Applications for this round are scheduled to close at midnight tonight, March 31, 2026.
- The Eligibility: To get the $100, you must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card.
2. How International Students Qualify
Many international students in Melbourne are eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card if they meet the income test (earning less than roughly $700 per week).
- If you have the card: You are eligible for the $100 bonus right now.
- If you don’t have the card: You cannot claim the $100 PSB, but you may still be eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provides automatic credits of up to $300 per year directly onto your electricity bills in quarterly installments (available to most active residential accounts in 2025-2026).
3. The “Midnight Deadline” Application Steps
If you have a Health Care Card and a recent electricity bill, you have a few hours left to apply:
- Go to the Website: Visit .
- Upload Your Bill: You will need a PDF or a clear photo of your most recent electricity bill.
- Enter Your NMI: Find your National Meter Identifier (NMI)—it’s a 10 or 11-digit number usually found on the second page of your bill.
- Submit Your Details: Enter your bank account info. The $100 is usually transferred within 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Other 2026 Energy Relief for Students
If you missed the PSB deadline, don’t panic. There are other ways to lower your costs this winter:
- The Energy Assistance Program (EAP): A free service for Victorians in hardship. Call 1800 512 012 to get a 1-on-1 session where an expert will find you a cheaper energy plan and check for unclaimed concessions.
- Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU): As a student renter, you can access free LED light replacements and draught-proofing through government-accredited providers to lower your usage.
