You’d be aware of the dramatic increase in energy prices over the last 12-18 months. The Federal and State governments have introduced the ‘Energy Bill Relief Fund’, which is a partnership between the Federal and State governments with up to 3 billion in funding to deliver relief directly to electricity bills.
Generally speaking, it’s for people on Centrelink payments and small businesses, but it is available to those who have a Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card. People will be eligible for energy bill relief if they:
- have a Pensioner Concession Card
- have a Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care Card)
- have a DVA Gold Card
- have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- get Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A or B
- get Carer Allowance.
The relief started as of 1 July 2023, and each state and territory government is administering the bill relief, how much you get and when you get it depends on where you live.
To confirm your eligibility and how much relief you may be eligible to receive click the link below and select your state:
NSW & QLD have additional energy rebate programs available. If you live in either of these states see the information below.
NSW Seniors Energy Rebate
The NSW Seniors Energy Rebate is $200 per household, per financial year and you can apply for the rebate each financial year. This rebate helps eligible self-funded retirees pay their electricity bill.
To be eligible for this you must have the following:
- hold a current Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- be the account holder named on the electricity bill
- be a self-funded retiree living in NSW
- be applying for the rebate for your main place of residence.
To apply visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-the-seniors-energy-rebate
QLD Electricity Rebate
In addition to the ‘Energy Bill Relief Fund’ the QLD government has an Electricity rebate of $372.20 per year (GST inclusive) and a Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate of $86.75 per year (GST inclusive).
Rebates are available to people who have any of the below:
- Queensland Seniors Card
- Services Australia or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
- Services Australia Health Care Card* (Electricity Rebate only)
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
To apply visit:
For general information on the Energy Bill Relief Fund visit: www.energy.gov.au
The information provided should not be considered personal financial advice as it is intended to provide general advice only. The content has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situations, or needs. You should seek personal financial advice before making any financial or investment decisions.