Attention Centrelink recipients: Claim your energy bill rebate!
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 129
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
‘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.
Editor's Note: Bill relief for Tasmania has been added to this article. We apologise for the oversight.
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