New Savings Finder tool improving access to discounts and rebates

Victorians may find they are able to save money through the new Savings Finder. Picture: UNSPLASH

A new Savings Finder launched on the Service Victoria app and website is set to help millions of Victorians quickly and simply access discounts, rebates and savings available to them.

Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson unveiled the Service Victoria Savings Finder, featuring more than 60 discounts, rebates and savings to maximise benefits for individuals and families.

“Cost of living is a major issue and we’re making sure Victorians know about the savings and discounts that may be available to them,” Pearson said.

“We know that every dollar counts – the Savings Finder is a simple way for households and individuals to get full value from benefits that are out there.”

By answering a few simple questions to check their eligibility, users will be given a list of possible savings across energy, utilities, health, education, transport, recreation, leisure and more.

New savings are being added regularly and access to the Savings Finder will be widespread with the Service Victoria app having been installed on more than 6 million devices.

Savings are headed by the Andrews Labor Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus which has been taken up by more than 1.4 million households since July and is eligible to all Victorian households. Seven out of 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, enabling typical savings of $330 on energy bills in the first year of switching.

Concession card holders can check their eligibility for discounted motor vehicle registration and TAC fees, as well as for reductions on gas bills through the colder months.

Victorians can also use the Savings Finder to locate any unclaimed rental bonds and to determine if they are eligible for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant.

Casual and contract workers will be able to use the Savings Finder to check whether they can claim the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee to receive a day’s pay when they can’t go to work due to illness.

Recreational savings range from free visits to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo for children under 16 to an array of Senior Card benefits including free travel and discounted entry fees.

The Savings Finder builds on more than 80 government services already available through the Service Victoria website and mobile app, making Service Victoria a one stop shop for Victorians to get the services they need.

Among these services is a new online help tool for small businesses to find the permits and licences they need to operate, which can be done in around five minutes.

More than 1 billion transactions have been completed through Service Victoria including car registration payments, ambulance subscriptions and vouchers and cashbacks to reduce the cost of living.

To access the Savings Finder, go to service.vic.gov.au or download the app at the App Store or Google Play Store.