Local Australian media reported on July 24 that some families will receive more than $1,000 in relief from the state and federal governments this year to help pay soaring electricity bills, thanks to new subsidies.
However, the system for obtaining these subsidies is very confusing. In some cases, you have to apply voluntarily.
State government statistics confirm that hundreds of thousands of Australians entitled to assistance have missed out.
Here are the new energy subsidies that came into effect on July 1. This time, we hope you don’t miss out!
Electricity prices have risen by an average of around 25% in most states, so households need as much help as they can get.
NSW
NSW subsidies are generous, but they can be tricky to get your hands on. NSW is adding a new $500 subsidy to the existing state subsidy, and even offers up to $2,000 for families facing financial emergencies.
If you’re already in receipt of a NSW energy subsidy, the new A$500 subsidy will be paid automatically on a quarterly basis from July 31st.
But if not, see if you fall into one of these ‘don’t miss’ categories:
Victoria
In addition to the current A$250 Energy Saving Bonus, the Federal Government will offer some households a A$250 subsidy, which will be available from March this year, to anyone with an energy account by visiting Victorian Energy Compare.
The new A$250 federal government subsidy is for those who receive an existing offer. If you already receive a Victorian energy subsidy, the new A$250 should be automatically phased in.
South Australia
South Australia is offering a new A$500 subsidy for people who currently receive a state subsidy. there are also new categories that will receive A$500 in September.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, current state subsidy recipients will receive a new subsidy of A$500. In September, a number of new categories will also receive A$500.
Queensland
Because Queensland still owns its own power stations and electricity network and makes huge profits from them, the state’s subsidies are quite generous.
Every household in Queensland will receive AUD$550 and some will receive AUD$700 in the coming year, compared to the existing energy subsidy which is usually only AUD$372.
The A$700 applies to the following eligible cardholders: Medicare Card, Immicard, Low Income Medicare Card, Pensioner Concessionary Card, Queensland Seniors Card, TPI and War Widows DVA DVA Gold Cards.
The Queensland Government has recognized that 13% of those eligible (around 270,000 people) or not registered to receive them.
Western Australia
WA has its own electricity assets, so this year it will pay out A$400 per household and A$500 to current subsidy recipients, in two equal installments over the July-August and November-December billing cycles.
This is an additional subsidy to existing energy reductions for those already on a Pension Credit Card, Medicare Card, Commonwealth Seniors Medicare Card or DVA Gold Card.
How to claim the subsidy
If you have a concession card, make sure your energy retailer has the card number so they can automatically claim the subsidy.
For more information on the new subsidies, visit energy.gov.au, which contains links to all state and territory websites.
To double-check if you’re eligible for a federal government discount, visit Centrelink’s Payment & Services Finder.
To double-check state government benefits, visit your local savings finder or subsidy website.
Research by the Centre for Consumer Policy Research shows that in NSW, ACT, QLD and SA, for example, around 30-40% of eligible people do not receive a subsidy.
