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Had an insight into why my upstairs neighbours argue so much

The State government has offered a cost-of-living grant to all households.
An electricity credit. To claim the credit, one has to register on the Government Financial Services site.
The lady upstairs was having difficulty with this task, so I offered to help.
This is where I saw what the male half of this couple is up against.
Without being derogatory, the lady is totally disorganised, will not listen to advice and will forge ahead even if that is not the correct way.
The main problems were, registering with valid email addresses and phone numbers.
She had previously attempted to register and had put in incorrect details. Once that happens on government sites it is nigh on impossible to correct, or put it this way, it takes a very long time, going the long way around to come to a successful outcome.
Once I had navigated inputting the correct information, thus a successful registration, the next step was to provide identity documents.
Proof of residency, current lease agreement, copy of bank statement and receipt for electricity paid on the 30th September 2025.
Before I agreed to help her, I asked her if she had the electricity receipt required. She assured me she had.
So, she goes into her phone trying to find it.
For over 10 minutes she is looking, I am watching her scroll, scroll, scroll.
Finally, I ask her if I can have a look. She hands me her phone and I start scrolling. Noticing there are currently 383 emails on her phone. Scrolling through, I notice many of them start out; Rent Arrears.
Seems as though the rent is never paid on time. I did ask her if she was in charge of "running the household" without referencing the Arrears notices.
"Yes, I do, Joe is hopeless at that sort of stuff". Joe is sitting across the way watching Jimmy Kimmel castigate President Trump.
Looking for the electricity receipt I ask her if she actually keeps the receipts, "No, I usually delete them".
This is after telling me she had the receipt.
So I say, "You will need to ring the Rental Agent and ask her to send it to you"
"Oh, she does not like me, we do not get on"

I suppose that is because the bills are not paid on time and the estate agent constantly has to chase up monies owed.
383 emails. Why would someone keep that many?
I look over at Joe, he shakes his head, I go on my way.
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ninalanyon · 70-79, TVIP
Every time I hear or read about people interacting with government websites and ID in other countries, especially English speaking ones, I feel so glad I live in Norway where so much of what you have described is fully automatic and where we have a functioning system for identifying oneself online.

I think it's weird to pay for rent or electricity in response to a bill in the email. Here such bills are sent direct to my bank and I can decide to either let the bank pay them automatically (with a limit that I can set to prevent the creditor asking for too much) or review each one and pay with a single click.

Don't such things exist in Australia?
Gusman · 61-69, M
@ninalanyon A direct debit can be arranged with the utility company and the householder.
Not sure how many people do that. Living in a block of flats as I do, the bill goes to the estate agent who then forwards it to me.
I pay the bill via a third-party company set up by the agent.
ninalanyon · 70-79, TVIP
@Gusman Good grief, sounds like it's pretty much guaranteed to end up with bills not paid on time.
Gusman · 61-69, M
@ninalanyon It does leave it up to the consumer to make sure the bill is paid by some kind of input by the consumer. Lax on the input, bill paying will be late. Incurring the wrath of the estate agent and the utility company. 🙂
meggie · F
These people are a waste of space, but good of you to try and help. A woman I know who earns very good money, lives off overdraft and hasn't a penny savings. I said to her to set up a direct debit for say £20 a month and pretend it's another bill and every so often increase it slightly. She tried and the week before payday said she was skint so withdrew it. She came into £6k a few years ago and spent the lot in 3 weeks with very little to show for it. The money goes on rent, drink and gambling machines.
Gusman · 61-69, M
@meggie Some people are beyond help. Thinking their way is the best way and will not take advice.
I will ask her next week if she contacted the estate agent for the electricity receipt.
NeddyKelly · M
This may help - or contact a free financial counsellor in WA - If you need more information just message me


The Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) in Western Australia is an annual rebate of $342.85 (as of late 2025) designed to help eligible concession cardholders with their electricity bills. It is automatically applied to eligible customers of Synergy or Horizon Power who hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or WA Seniors Card.

Key Details of WA EAP:
• Amount: $342.85 per year.
• Eligibility: Must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card + WA Seniors Card.
• Providers: Primarily for Synergy or Horizon Power customers.
• Application: Usually automatic for registered concession holders; contact your provider if not applied.
• Other Support: The Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS) is available for those in acute financial crisis.

How to Apply/Ensure Receipt:
If you believe you are eligible but have not received the payment, contact your electricity provider directly (Synergy on 13 13 53 or Horizon Power on 1800 267 926). For residents in embedded networks (caravan parks, apartments), you may need to apply through the Energy Concession Extension Scheme
Gusman · 61-69, M
@NeddyKelly Husband is on big money. FIFO worker. No reason for them to not be paying the rent.
So something else is afoot.
NeddyKelly · M
@Gusman thank you, possibly gambling, sending money overseas
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
That's a good act of citizenship. Yes, she may be chaotic and disorganised, but it's important to remember that not everyone is equally confident in the digital world.
Gusman · 61-69, M
Completed the application process for the electricity credit for my neighbours today.
Monalisasmith86 · 36-40, F
That is not my problem she should pay her rent if she has money obviously she doesn’t well she shouldn’t rent if she can’t pay it
Gusman · 61-69, M
@Monalisasmith86 Should not be an issue. He husband is on big money. Fifo worker. No reason to not being able to pay.
Convivial · 26-30, F
Some people do need to be removed from the gene pool ....

 
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