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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why just centrelink recepients? why not everyone in all Australia? Being selective like this before an elextion is suspect?
I guess because if you don't receive Centrelink benefits then obviously you are not as much in need of a rebate.
I don't know why people are so worried about energy providers having your details
In most cases they already have them. I don't know about other states, but here in WA you provide all these details when you open your account. Most people these days also pay by direct debit so they also have your bank details.
Bit like cutting off your nose to spite your face not to apply for the rebate all your details are already out there in the digital world. Too late to worry about it now.
 
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It’s a welcome relief but why are there such a difference depending on where you live. We are all in a country called Australia not in separate countries I.e all states of Australia and should be treated as such.
I think the rates are set by the State governments but I could be wrong.
 
I amgrsteful for whatever extra I am given. . So many things dependant on the government purse. This is a budget Ithat would be a nightmare as our debt after Covid has to be paid down.
Sometimes I wonder if the 50,s etc saw us better off with the Australian suppliers taking precedence, less junk shops etc . But it is what it is
 
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I have not used up the last one, would rather have a food voucher, very latteral thinking in WA, just following the other sheep!
 

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