Cost of Living Archives

What’s in the budget for older Victorians?

15 May 2022

Victoria’s budget was handed down in early May. There are some wins for older Victorians – but also major gaps. Our Policy and Advocacy team has the rundown on the measures across health, transport, housing, aged care, cost of living, elder abuse, and digital and social inclusion.

Victorian State Budgets

Review of the Victorian Retirement Villages Act

15 May 2022

The retirement villages industry has changed, introducing new risks and challenges for residents. Now, the Victorian Government is reviewing the law on retirement villages to address shortcomings in the sector and foster innovation.

retirement villages, Retirement Villages Act

Apply today for the $250 Power Saving Bonus

6 December 2021

Are you paying too much for your electricity? A simple check could earn you $250 dollars right now and much more over time. As a special incentive to check your bill, the Victorian Government has introduced the $250 Power Saving Bonus for eligible concession holders.

$250 Victorian Power Saving Bonus

Payment Difficulty Framework Review: Response to Key Questions

29 November 2021, COTA Submissions

Many older people live on fixed incomes that require great care in budgeting. The Council on the Ageing State of the Older Nation, 2021 survey identified that 16% of those surveyed were experiencing difficulties paying their bills. The number one item on the list was electricity or gas at 9%

Payment Difficulty

View Submission

Review of the Retirement Villages Act

13 August 2021

We hear often from older people with concerns about retirement villages, from confusing contracts through to trouble accessing aged care. With Victoria’s retirement villages legislation up for review, COTA Victoria is calling for a system that protects the rights of older people and meets their

Retirement Villages Act

Saving money on your energy bills

13 August 2021

To encourage people to shop around and get the best deal on their energy bills, the Victorian Government has introduced a $250 Power Saving Bonus for eligible concession holders. All you need to do is a simple bill comparison exercise on the Victorian Energy Compare website.

energy bills, Saving money, Victorian Energy Compare

What’s in this year’s state budget for older Victorians?

10 June 2021

We’ve taken a deep dive into Victoria’s budget for 2021-22, looking at what’s there - and what else is still needed - to support older Victorians across six key areas: mental health; aged care; elder abuse; transport; digital inclusion and access to information; and social isolation and loneliness.

Victorian State Budgets

Financial services and supports to help your money go further

14 February 2021

We know that many older Victorians are still struggling with the cost of living in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we point you in the direction of a few services and supports that may be of interest.

Financial supports

Applying for a Seniors Card

14 February 2021

The Victorian Seniors Card program is a free program available to all eligible Victorians.

Pensions and concessions

The $250 Victorian Power Saving Bonus is here!

13 February 2021

The $250 Power Saving Bonus is a once-off payment available to Victorian households with at least one concession cardholder in residence. All pension types will be eligible – age pension, disability support pension, carer payment and single parenting payment.

$250 Victorian Power Saving Bonus, Victorian Energy Compare