Attention Centrelink recipients: Claim your energy bill rebate!

As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are feeling the pinch, especially when it comes to their energy bills.

But there's some good news on the horizon for those receiving Centrelink benefits.

A new initiative is set to provide a much-needed financial reprieve, with automatic rebates being applied to electricity bills for eligible recipients.



Services Australia has announced that Centrelink recipients will soon be contacted with details on how to consent to share their information with their electricity retailer.

This step is required for eligible Australians to start receiving automatic rebates on their energy bills.


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Centrelink recipients can get automatic rebates on their energy bills. Credit: Shutterstock


‘Once your electricity retailer has confirmed your Centrelink details with us, they will pay you automatically,’ Services Australia said.

‘You will get your rebate automatically if you get a state energy concession or live in Queensland or Western Australia.’

The amount of the rebate and the timing of its application will vary depending on where you live in Australia.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:



In New South Wales, households can anticipate a one-off $500 bill-relief payment in the 2023-24 financial year.

Households in Victoria are eligible for a $250 bill relief.

Queensland households receiving the $372 Queensland Electricity Rebate will be granted an additional $700 Cost of Living Rebate on their electricity bill in 2023-24, totalling $1,072 in relief.

All other Queensland households are set to receive a $550 Cost of Living Rebate on their electricity bill in 2023-24.

South Australians can expect up to $500 a year in relief, paid quarterly at $125.



In Western Australia, households eligible for the WA Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) or the Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) could receive up to $500 in bill relief on top of their existing ECES or EAP payments. Other households can receive up to $400 in relief.

The Northern Territory is offering $350 in bill relief from 1 July 2023 for eligible households.

Eligible Tasmanian households can get up to $250 in bill relief rebates from 1 July 2023.

And lastly, eligible households in the Australian Capital Territory can look forward to $175 in bill relief.

Key Takeaways

  • Centrelink recipients can receive an automatic rebate on their electricity bills, with varying amounts depending on their state of residence.
  • Services Australia will be sending letters to recipients with instructions on how to consent to share details with electricity retailers for automatic payment.
  • The rebate amounts differ by state and territory, with some households in NSW eligible for a one-off $500 payment and those in Queensland eligible for up to $1,072 in total relief.
  • The rebates are part of measures to assist with the cost of living, and eligibility criteria and rebate amounts vary across the country.
What do you think of this energy relief, members? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Editor's Note: Bill relief for Tasmania has been added to this article. We apologise for the oversight.
 
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I'm in NSW and just had $125.00 Aus Govt Bill Relief on my latest electricity bill. I don't understand why it's a different amount in every state though. Aren't we supposed to be one country?
Each state decides on their own subsidy apparently. The ones just announced apparently are for 2024/25.
Yours was probably the last payment for 2023/24.
 
They call this an automatic energy rebate - then why do we have to apply for it - is it not just granted automatically?
They automatically know who is on Services Australia benefits ONLY and should make the adjustments accorddingly!!
 
My question is why do the electricity companies need our Centrelink details?
Just more chance of our personal details being hacked!
I guess I won’t be getting any rebate as they won’t be getting my details!
All sbout power and control!
My rebate comes directly off the quarterly bill.
This won't happen without the details. So long as the information goes through Centrelink I am OK with it. We can't afford to throw away $125 a quarter.
I'd think differently if I was asked for banking details.
 
My rebate comes directly off the quarterly bill.
This won't happen without the details. So long as the information goes through Centrelink I am OK with it. We can't afford to throw away $125 a quarter.
I'd think differently if I was asked for banking details.
I think most people pay by direct debit these days so they already have bank details
 
A bit confusing given that we are expected to give out personal details, ie, our details which Centrelink has, to an energy provider ... I find that very strange...what about security?
I think that it is a matter of Centrelink confirming to the energy supplier that you are in receipt of a Centrelink payment to get the higher payment. I could be wrong, but that is my take on it.
 
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Yes every little bit counts but when you're renting can't get solar put on or turn everything electric so all very expensive especially if it's a big house high ceilings and ducted heated and no houses or units for downsizing available in Victoria
 
This is all well and good but I don't understand the huge amount difference between states and territories.It is a massive amount.We are all electricity users so I believe we should all benefit from this equally
 
I too am confused as financial year ends 23/24 ends soon. What does the writer actually mean?

AND just saw the budget and am astounded that ALL households get $300 energy relief. Not just the folk who NEED it. So we pensioners who just got scammed out of all our savings get less financial help this year in order to help pay for people who have plenty of money also to get the $300. MAD MAD MAD. No vote from us, Albo
 
For the residents living in Victoria, rebates being sent from the federal government are the only rebates we will get. The Victorian government is broke and can't pay its bills thanks to the Labor government we have endured for too long.
 
According to the forms I got I am not eligible because I have a lift recliner and a mobility scooter and have to use heaters all the time for my broken back and these are not eligible for rebates. These things are necessary for my health and mobility.
 
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They call this an automatic energy rebate - then why do we have to apply for it - is it not just granted automatically?
They automatically know who is on Services Australia benefits ONLY and should make the adjustments accorddingly!!
As far as I know Victoria takes it off the electricity bill. Called an energy rebate.
 
According to the forms I got I am not eligible because I have a lift recliner and a mobility scooter and have to use heaters all the time for my broken back and these are not eligible for rebates. These things are necessary for my health and mobility.
are you on NDIS?
 
Seniors need to apply for an ACAT assessment to qualify for an Aged Care Package.
Was on it. Horrified that I had to pay a daily contribution whether I use services or not. Apparently my assessment put me a little high so I would have had to pay $400 a month for the three services I need to stay in my home.
 

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