Great news for our Seniors Discount Club members: nearly 500,000 Aussies are eligible for some much-needed relief on their energy bills! If you're a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you could receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.

With energy prices expected to increase by up to 25 per cent from July, this rebate comes at an opportune time to help offset the impact of the price hike on our wallets. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the increase would be higher than the originally proposed 20 to 22 per cent rise.

The Albanese government will provide energy bill relief to households with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, granting them up to $500. Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

AER Chair Clare Savage acknowledged that the decision to raise prices had been difficult and that high wholesale energy costs continue to drive retail prices upwards. She urged consumers to shop around for better deals, saying, 'No one wants to see rising prices, and we recognise this is a difficult time. That's why it's important for consumers to shop around for a better deal.'

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth expressed her support, stating that it would 'help older Australians keep more money in their pockets.'

However, the announcement also sparked some political debate. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had 'lied' to Australians about energy prices and argued that the government underestimated the financial strain families and small businesses face.

Dutton dismissed suggestions that the price increase was partly driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a 'nonsense argument.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles fired back, accusing Dutton of 'making stuff up' and pointing out that the Liberal Party had voted against the $500 relief plan.

Now, let's focus on the most important aspect.

How Can Eligible Seniors Claim This $500 Energy Bill Relief?​

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for the Seniors Health Card increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022 – the largest increase in over 20 years. Since this change, over 16,000 additional Australians have gained access to the card.

If you're already a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you should automatically receive the rebate from the government. However, if you think you might now be eligible due to the increased income limits but haven't applied for the card, you will need to do so to receive the rebate.

To apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, visit the Australian Government's Services Australia website and follow the instructions. Once your application has been approved and you have your card, you should receive the $500 energy bill relief.

For those who are already cardholders or become eligible after applying, keep an eye on your mailbox or online accounts for updates on when the rebate will be applied to your energy bill. The government is aiming to roll out the relief quickly to help offset the upcoming price hike.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 500,000 Australians will be eligible for a rebate worth hundreds of dollars to offset a significant price hike expected on July 1.
• All Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.
• The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination on Thursday, with the revised hike higher than the March draft of a 20 to 22 per cent rise.
• Income limits for the Seniors Health Card were increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the energy market for better deals and don't hesitate to ask for assistance from your energy provider if you're struggling with your bills.

Let's hope that this $500 relief provides some much-needed help during these challenging times and that more Australians continue to take advantage of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? How do you perceive the potential benefits of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card for Australians? Feel free to share your perspectives and opinions down below.

 

[Lizzylou]

$500 is great but my power bill increased $1000 for the last quarter and what about the next and the next etc..... there is NO LOGICAL REASON FOR THESE EXCEPTIONLY HIGH INCREASE apart from ABSOLUTE GREED... Once I have enough long life batteries and inverter the power companies can shove where the sun dont shine...

If your energy bill is 1000 for the last quarter then change who you are with, you are allowed to change to another service, as you can clearly use the computer and internet look at the different companies that are around and ask questions. You don't have to put up with paying that much.

 

[Lizzylou]

We are with Energy Local, our electricity bill is less now, we also have solar panels through a deal made with the housing trust and Energy Local. We have had the panels for probably about four years maybe five, but our bills were huge between 1000 and 1200 per quarter, we did have a pension discount and if you pay it before or on time 10% off at the time, its lower now I believe, but over a year we were paying around about 4000 which is a huge amount.

 

[elaine41]

We are with Energy Local, our electricity bill is less now, we also have solar panels through a deal made with the housing trust and Energy Local. We have had the panels for probably about four years maybe five, but our bills were huge between 1000 and 1200 per quarter, we did have a pension discount and if you pay it before or on time 10% off at the time, its lower now I believe, but over a year we were paying around about 4000 which is a huge amount.

Try Red Energy. My bill dropped significantly when I changed to them.

 

[Cat lady forever]

Great news for our Seniors Discount Club members: nearly 500,000 Aussies are eligible for some much-needed relief on their energy bills! If you're a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you could receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.

With energy prices expected to increase by up to 25 per cent from July, this rebate comes at an opportune time to help offset the impact of the price hike on our wallets. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the increase would be higher than the originally proposed 20 to 22 per cent rise.

View attachment 21073

The Albanese government will provide energy bill relief to households with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, granting them up to $500. Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

AER Chair Clare Savage acknowledged that the decision to raise prices had been difficult and that high wholesale energy costs continue to drive retail prices upwards. She urged consumers to shop around for better deals, saying, 'No one wants to see rising prices, and we recognise this is a difficult time. That's why it's important for consumers to shop around for a better deal.'

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth expressed her support, stating that it would 'help older Australians keep more money in their pockets.'

However, the announcement also sparked some political debate. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had 'lied' to Australians about energy prices and argued that the government underestimated the financial strain families and small businesses face.

Dutton dismissed suggestions that the price increase was partly driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a 'nonsense argument.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles fired back, accusing Dutton of 'making stuff up' and pointing out that the Liberal Party had voted against the $500 relief plan.

Now, let's focus on the most important aspect.

How Can Eligible Seniors Claim This $500 Energy Bill Relief?​

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for the Seniors Health Card increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022 – the largest increase in over 20 years. Since this change, over 16,000 additional Australians have gained access to the card.

If you're already a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you should automatically receive the rebate from the government. However, if you think you might now be eligible due to the increased income limits but haven't applied for the card, you will need to do so to receive the rebate.

To apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, visit the Australian Government's Services Australia website and follow the instructions. Once your application has been approved and you have your card, you should receive the $500 energy bill relief.

For those who are already cardholders or become eligible after applying, keep an eye on your mailbox or online accounts for updates on when the rebate will be applied to your energy bill. The government is aiming to roll out the relief quickly to help offset the upcoming price hike.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 500,000 Australians will be eligible for a rebate worth hundreds of dollars to offset a significant price hike expected on July 1.
• All Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.
• The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination on Thursday, with the revised hike higher than the March draft of a 20 to 22 per cent rise.
• Income limits for the Seniors Health Card were increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the energy market for better deals and don't hesitate to ask for assistance from your energy provider if you're struggling with your bills.

Let's hope that this $500 relief provides some much-needed help during these challenging times and that more Australians continue to take advantage of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? How do you perceive the potential benefits of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card for Australians? Feel free to share your perspectives and opinions down below.

Didn't know anything about this. Just applied for the travel and they called re any other assistance. Not this on though. Thanks for the update

 

[Tipsy]

If your energy bill is 1000 for the last quarter then change who you are with, you are allowed to change to another service, as you can clearly use the computer and internet look at the different companies that are around and ask questions. You don't have to put up with paying that much.

my last bill was 1153 before that it was 800 + and the one before that was 450 + and now they are saying that there is another increase of 20 to 40% coming.... another question is "has anyone got the "Smart meters" installed, and had any health problems since they were installed.... being WIFI there is radiation .....

 

[Teddy is my boy]

My question is: If my electricity bill is say $350, will I get the balance of the $500 (ie $150) off my next electricity bill? I am in SA.

I get my bill monthly and it’s usually around $100, does this mean for the next 5 months l don’t pay anything?

 

[Andrew]

Instead of handing out one off payments, which you may or may not get, just increase the concession rate on all utilities .

 

[Meredy Andrew]

I thought it was for everyone who has a concession card

I believe it may be different for different states. In SA, concession card holders will receive it, but not sure about other states. It's a joint venture between federal & state govt, therefore the individual states set the qualifying criteria

 

[Jest]

Great news for our Seniors Discount Club members: nearly 500,000 Aussies are eligible for some much-needed relief on their energy bills! If you're a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you could receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.

With energy prices expected to increase by up to 25 per cent from July, this rebate comes at an opportune time to help offset the impact of the price hike on our wallets. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the increase would be higher than the originally proposed 20 to 22 per cent rise.

View attachment 21073

The Albanese government will provide energy bill relief to households with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, granting them up to $500. Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

AER Chair Clare Savage acknowledged that the decision to raise prices had been difficult and that high wholesale energy costs continue to drive retail prices upwards. She urged consumers to shop around for better deals, saying, 'No one wants to see rising prices, and we recognise this is a difficult time. That's why it's important for consumers to shop around for a better deal.'

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth expressed her support, stating that it would 'help older Australians keep more money in their pockets.'

However, the announcement also sparked some political debate. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had 'lied' to Australians about energy prices and argued that the government underestimated the financial strain families and small businesses face.

Dutton dismissed suggestions that the price increase was partly driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a 'nonsense argument.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles fired back, accusing Dutton of 'making stuff up' and pointing out that the Liberal Party had voted against the $500 relief plan.

Now, let's focus on the most important aspect.

How Can Eligible Seniors Claim This $500 Energy Bill Relief?​

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for the Seniors Health Card increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022 – the largest increase in over 20 years. Since this change, over 16,000 additional Australians have gained access to the card.

If you're already a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you should automatically receive the rebate from the government. However, if you think you might now be eligible due to the increased income limits but haven't applied for the card, you will need to do so to receive the rebate.

To apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, visit the Australian Government's Services Australia website and follow the instructions. Once your application has been approved and you have your card, you should receive the $500 energy bill relief.

For those who are already cardholders or become eligible after applying, keep an eye on your mailbox or online accounts for updates on when the rebate will be applied to your energy bill. The government is aiming to roll out the relief quickly to help offset the upcoming price hike.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 500,000 Australians will be eligible for a rebate worth hundreds of dollars to offset a significant price hike expected on July 1.
• All Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.
• The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination on Thursday, with the revised hike higher than the March draft of a 20 to 22 per cent rise.
• Income limits for the Seniors Health Card were increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the energy market for better deals and don't hesitate to ask for assistance from your energy provider if you're struggling with your bills.

Let's hope that this $500 relief provides some much-needed help during these challenging times and that more Australians continue to take advantage of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? How do you perceive the potential benefits of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card for Australians? Feel free to share your perspectives and opinions down below.

If you vote climate change and if you vote for idiots then one gets what is deserved. be thankful for small mercies, is that not the saying.

 

[Happyhawk]

Great news for our Seniors Discount Club members: nearly 500,000 Aussies are eligible for some much-needed relief on their energy bills! If you're a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you could receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.

With energy prices expected to increase by up to 25 per cent from July, this rebate comes at an opportune time to help offset the impact of the price hike on our wallets. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the increase would be higher than the originally proposed 20 to 22 per cent rise.

View attachment 21073

The Albanese government will provide energy bill relief to households with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, granting them up to $500. Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

AER Chair Clare Savage acknowledged that the decision to raise prices had been difficult and that high wholesale energy costs continue to drive retail prices upwards. She urged consumers to shop around for better deals, saying, 'No one wants to see rising prices, and we recognise this is a difficult time. That's why it's important for consumers to shop around for a better deal.'

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth expressed her support, stating that it would 'help older Australians keep more money in their pockets.'

However, the announcement also sparked some political debate. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had 'lied' to Australians about energy prices and argued that the government underestimated the financial strain families and small businesses face.

Dutton dismissed suggestions that the price increase was partly driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a 'nonsense argument.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles fired back, accusing Dutton of 'making stuff up' and pointing out that the Liberal Party had voted against the $500 relief plan.

Now, let's focus on the most important aspect.

How Can Eligible Seniors Claim This $500 Energy Bill Relief?​

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for the Seniors Health Card increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022 – the largest increase in over 20 years. Since this change, over 16,000 additional Australians have gained access to the card.

If you're already a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you should automatically receive the rebate from the government. However, if you think you might now be eligible due to the increased income limits but haven't applied for the card, you will need to do so to receive the rebate.

To apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, visit the Australian Government's Services Australia website and follow the instructions. Once your application has been approved and you have your card, you should receive the $500 energy bill relief.

For those who are already cardholders or become eligible after applying, keep an eye on your mailbox or online accounts for updates on when the rebate will be applied to your energy bill. The government is aiming to roll out the relief quickly to help offset the upcoming price hike.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 500,000 Australians will be eligible for a rebate worth hundreds of dollars to offset a significant price hike expected on July 1.
• All Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.
• The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination on Thursday, with the revised hike higher than the March draft of a 20 to 22 per cent rise.
• Income limits for the Seniors Health Card were increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the energy market for better deals and don't hesitate to ask for assistance from your energy provider if you're struggling with your bills.

Let's hope that this $500 relief provides some much-needed help during these challenging times and that more Australians continue to take advantage of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? How do you perceive the potential benefits of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card for Australians? Feel free to share your perspectives and opinions down below.

Maybe so for instance we didn’t export so much of our own Gas and kept the 25 % of the reserves for domestic use surely we could so much lower the. Gas prices but alas we tied to the international arm and for that the Aussie suffers ?

 

[DrivingGirl]

$500 a year for energy is a farce..... a pittance...... hardly covers one grocery shop for 2 people. What a joke.

It’s not meant to cover your groceries- it’s to supplement your energy bills!!

 

[chezna]

I don’t get $500 rebate because I am on 1 meter with 5 units! They divide bill by 5 & that’s what we pay! Should be a better way to help us in similar situations

 

[WriterlySloth]

Commonwealth Seniors Card - to be eligible you must be 67 years or older if born after 1957.

 

[laityjohn]

I am wondering if the rebate is only for electricity or can it be used for gas bills? Our heating, including water and cooking are all run on gas.

 

[Nana Zorak]

$500 a year for energy is a farce..... a pittance...... hardly covers one grocery shop for 2 people. What a joke.

As a pensioner, I shop once a fortnight & buy for two but I find I spend under $300.00 at Aldi & in that amount of shopping, I also get enough meat to feed us two & my precious granddaughter when she is on night shift& calls in for her father to take her to work. No, She doesn't drive so is not adding to the chaos on the roads. I will be very grateful for the $500.00 to help with my power bill for that is what it is for!

 

[Trudi]

What about pensioners who need this money more than people earning $144000 each year. Sounds like a typical Albo con to try and update his perceived popularity amongst the brain dead who believed his lies during the last election.

I hope you realise that people on incomes of $144,000 per annum do not receive a pension! I do, however agree that this amount has been set too high before eligibility for the Seniors Health Care Card ceases.

But keep your hat on, pensioners will also receive that money. How much every individual will receive, depends on how much each state will pay.

 

[Trudi]

That’s what I would like to know. I refuse to sit in the cold so i have my gas heater on most days due to my Arthritis. I know I will have a big gas bill but I can’t afford to be cold.

I expect that my gas bill for 2023 will be $2,500 and that is for hot water and heating only.

There is no way I would be sitting in the cold.

 

[@Wendyfay]

Great news for our Seniors Discount Club members: nearly 500,000 Aussies are eligible for some much-needed relief on their energy bills! If you're a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you could receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.

With energy prices expected to increase by up to 25 per cent from July, this rebate comes at an opportune time to help offset the impact of the price hike on our wallets. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed the increase would be higher than the originally proposed 20 to 22 per cent rise.

View attachment 21073

The Albanese government will provide energy bill relief to households with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, granting them up to $500. Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

AER Chair Clare Savage acknowledged that the decision to raise prices had been difficult and that high wholesale energy costs continue to drive retail prices upwards. She urged consumers to shop around for better deals, saying, 'No one wants to see rising prices, and we recognise this is a difficult time. That's why it's important for consumers to shop around for a better deal.'

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth expressed her support, stating that it would 'help older Australians keep more money in their pockets.'

However, the announcement also sparked some political debate. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had 'lied' to Australians about energy prices and argued that the government underestimated the financial strain families and small businesses face.

Dutton dismissed suggestions that the price increase was partly driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a 'nonsense argument.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles fired back, accusing Dutton of 'making stuff up' and pointing out that the Liberal Party had voted against the $500 relief plan.

Now, let's focus on the most important aspect.

How Can Eligible Seniors Claim This $500 Energy Bill Relief?​

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for the Seniors Health Card increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022 – the largest increase in over 20 years. Since this change, over 16,000 additional Australians have gained access to the card.

If you're already a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you should automatically receive the rebate from the government. However, if you think you might now be eligible due to the increased income limits but haven't applied for the card, you will need to do so to receive the rebate.

To apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, visit the Australian Government's Services Australia website and follow the instructions. Once your application has been approved and you have your card, you should receive the $500 energy bill relief.

For those who are already cardholders or become eligible after applying, keep an eye on your mailbox or online accounts for updates on when the rebate will be applied to your energy bill. The government is aiming to roll out the relief quickly to help offset the upcoming price hike.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 500,000 Australians will be eligible for a rebate worth hundreds of dollars to offset a significant price hike expected on July 1.
• All Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive up to $500 per household in energy bill relief from the federal government.
• The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination on Thursday, with the revised hike higher than the March draft of a 20 to 22 per cent rise.
• Income limits for the Seniors Health Card were increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples on November 4, 2022.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the energy market for better deals and don't hesitate to ask for assistance from your energy provider if you're struggling with your bills.

Let's hope that this $500 relief provides some much-needed help during these challenging times and that more Australians continue to take advantage of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? How do you perceive the potential benefits of the increased income limits for the Seniors Health Card for Australians? Feel free to share your perspectives and opinions down below.

Good day all ... I'm new to this group, so I'll introduce myself first. I'm a very happily single lady who is blessed to share her life with my 5th, 10yo Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Bess. We live 1klm from a sweet little dog friendly beach here in Hervey Bay. I've lived here for around 15 years, but it could be longer ... the more birthdays one celebrates, the faster years seem to fly by.

Along with many other single women of my generation, I'm unfortunately, caught up in the enormous rental crisis that's also driving up rents. I note that the Federal Government is providing support to assist holders of the Seniors Health Card.

I'd like to suggest that solar panels are mandatory for investment properties that are in the housing rental market. However, I'm not suggesting that the cost be borne by the investor. I'd like to see them made available to the investors, with the same incentives that are being made available to owner occupiers.
These savings could then be applied to the tenants on their regular power bills. I see this as a win/win situation.

People in the housing rental market are always the first ones hit when property prices and bank interest rates rise. As we're already being swamped by extremely high rents due to the net zero rental properties available in the market, this would go a long way to not only reducing the stress that increased power prices. This would also assist Australia to reach both the Federal Govts reduction emissions target of 43% by 2030, and our Paris Accord agreement emissions for a zero emissions target by 2050.

This said however, I only have the solar panel & Qld State govts advertising for my assumption that this would not have a negative impact on the investors, so if I'm wrong, I'd be only too happy to hear what those costs would be to the investors.
Cheers, Wendy ... (or as I usually sign off ... Us2 ..)

 

[Trudi]

Good day all ... I'm new to this group, so I'll introduce myself first. I'm a very happily single lady who is blessed to share her life with my 5th, 10yo Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Bess. We live 1klm from a sweet little dog friendly beach here in Hervey Bay. I've lived here for around 15 years, but it could be longer ... the more birthdays one celebrates, the faster years seem to fly by.

Along with many other single women of my generation, I'm unfortunately, caught up in the enormous rental crisis that's also driving up rents. I note that the Federal Government is providing support to assist holders of the Seniors Health Card.

I'd like to suggest that solar panels are mandatory for investment properties that are in the housing rental market. However, I'm not suggesting that the cost be borne by the investor. I'd like to see them made available to the investors, with the same incentives that are being made available to owner occupiers.
These savings could then be applied to the tenants on their regular power bills. I see this as a win/win situation.

People in the housing rental market are always the first ones hit when property prices and bank interest rates rise. As we're already being swamped by extremely high rents due to the net zero rental properties available in the market, this would go a long way to not only reducing the stress that increased power prices. This would also assist Australia to reach both the Federal Govts reduction emissions target of 43% by 2030, and our Paris Accord agreement emissions for a zero emissions target by 2050.

This said however, I only have the solar panel & Qld State govts advertising for my assumption that this would not have a negative impact on the investors, so if I'm wrong, I'd be only too happy to hear what those costs would be to the investors.
Cheers, Wendy ... (or as I usually sign off ... Us2 ..)

I have two rental properties and a few years back, I had solar panels installed on both of them, purely for the benefit of my tenants.

 

[Wogarl@1]

$500 a year for energy is a farce..... a pittance...... hardly covers one grocery shop for 2 people. What a joke.

1 shop? How many fags and grog in your shop?