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.

 

[Defiant540]

not pensioners?

 

[Lia]

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.

I am not sure but do pensioners receive the $500.00. Also what is the other increase of $144000 for couples.

 

[IAN3005]

not pensioners?

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

 

[Trudi]

I am not sure but do pensioners receive the $500.00. Also what is the other increase of $144000 for couples.

That's the amount a couple may earn before they lose their Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card. Considering that the cut-off for the Low Income Healthcare Card is $52,796 for singles and $84,472 for couples, I consider the new amounts for the Seniors Healthcare are way too high!

As a self funded retiree, I have the Commonwealth Seniors Healtcare Card.

Yes, pensioners will receive the $500 energy relief. The amount people will get varies by state or territory: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05...relief-eligiblity-power-bills-state/102325406

 

[Suzanne rose]

not pensioners?

I thought it was for everyone who has a concession card

 

[Suzanne rose]

I am not sure but do pensioners receive the $500.00. Also what is the other increase of $144000 for couples.

The ammount of combined income

 

[Monty M]

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.

 

[IAN3005]

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.

Cold everything - except showers

 

[Don’sown]

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.

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.

 

[elaine41]

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

It's not to cover your grocery shopping & if you spend $500 on one grocery shop you need to learn to shop better. You are still living a life of luxury.

 

[Defiant540]

I am not sure but do pensioners receive the $500.00. Also what is the other increase of $144000 for couples.

income limits for health care card

 

[maxesmum]

So,is it a cash handout or is it applied to your energy bill? Ahhhh,never mind,I just reread it. It’s deducted from your bill. But who decides which bill?

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

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

You don't have to accept it then, ungrateful.

 

[Klaus A]

looks like anyone on Centrelink, but only ones for the household.

 

[Missypep]

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.

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.

 

[gollywog]

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.

 

[mcneillkerry]

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.

Is a Pension Card holder eligible .

 

[Klaus A]

from the ABC:

State-by-state breakdown of energy bill relief​

Here's what eligible households and small businesses will get in each state and territory.

Remember the key word here is 'eligible' — this doesn't mean every household or small business will get this relief.

ACT:​

• Households: will receive a $175 annual energy rebate on their power bills
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $325 rebate

NSW:​

• Households: will receive a $500 energy rebate on their power bills
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $650 rebate

Northern Territory:​

• Households: will receive a $350 annual energy rebate on their power bills
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $650 rebate

Queensland:​

• Households: will receive a $500 annual energy rebate on their power bills
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $650 rebate

South Australia​

• Households: will receive a $500 annual energy rebate on their power bills
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $650 rebate

Tasmania:​

• Households: will receive $250 per annum for two years
• Small businesses: will receive a total bill credit of $650 for 2023-24

Victoria:​

• Households: will receive a $250 annual energy rebate on their power bills, in addition to the $250 Power Saving Bonus already open to all Victorians, providing $500 worth of bill relief in total
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $325 rebate

Western Australia:​

• Households: will receive a $350 energy rebate on their power bills
• Small businesses: will be able to access a $650 rebate

Budget breakdown: What's in it for you?​

• The winners and losers of the 2023 federal budget
• JobSeeker and welfare payments increase as living costs bite
• Where the cost-of-living relief is going, and who is set to benefit

Who is eligible for energy relief?​

Generally speaking, it's for people on Centrelink payments and small businesses.

People will be eligible for energy bill relief through this measure if they:

• have a Pensioner Concession Card, (including those issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs) (DVA)
• have a Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care Card)
• have a DVA Gold Card
• have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (including those issued by DVA)
• get Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A or B
• get Carer Allowance.

 

[Tipsy]

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.

$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....