You can get rebates and concessions to help with energy and water bills.
The help you can get depends on your situation.
NSW Government Rebates
The NSW Government funds rebates for electricity and gas customers.
These include:
• NSW Family Energy Rebate
• Low Income Household Rebate
• NSW Gas Rebate
• Life Support Rebate
• Medical Energy Rebate
• Seniors Energy Rebate.
You can apply for most NSW rebates through your electricity supplier.
You cannot apply for the Family Energy Rebate through your electricity supplier.
The NSW Government also funds the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance program, also called EAPA.
Things to know about rebates
You may need to apply for some rebates again from time to time.
Energy, life support, and medical rebates are usually not backdated.
If your home uses life support equipment, your energy supply can't be cut off.
If you move house or change retailers, check your new account. Make sure your rebate is added.
The Family Energy and Low-Income Household rebates are for people who live long-term in a caravan park or a residential park.
The NSW Social Programs for Energy Code says your provider must ask if you can get rebates. This should happen when you open a new account.
If you qualify for a rebate after opening an account, reach out to your retailer. You may need to give them your Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs number.
If you get a rebate, your retailer should help you find the best energy offer for your needs.
If you are not happy with how your supplier has applied your rebate, contact us for help.
Federal Government payments and allowances
The Australian Government has payments and allowances that may help with bills.
You can search for rebates, grants, apps and support programs on the energy.gov.au website. They have a great online tool here.
Utilities Allowance
The Utilities Allowance is a Federal Government payment. It is paid every three months to help with household bills.
It may be available to people who:
• get the Disability Support Pension
• are under 21
• have no dependent children
• get the Partner Allowance
• get the Widow Allowance.
For more information, contact Services Australia.
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
The Essential Medical Equipment Payment helps some people who need medical equipment, heating or cooling for medical reasons.
To apply, you must:
• hold a Commonwealth Concession Card
• give proof that the equipment, heating or cooling is needed for medical reasons.
Once your application is approved, the payment is made each year.
You need to apply again if your personal situation changes.
This payment may cover more types of equipment than NSW life support and medical rebates. This can include insulin pumps, electric wheelchairs and airbed vibrators.
You can check if you are eligible on the Services Australia website.
Water rebates
Some water suppliers offer rebates. This includes Sydney Water, Hunter Water and Shoalhaven Water.
These rebates may include pensioner rebates for water and sewerage charges.
Sydney Water and Hunter Water offer rebates. These are for customers who use water for life-supporting equipment. An example is kidney dialysis machines.
The rules may be different for each water supplier. Contact your water supplier for more information.
The NSW Pensioner Rebate helps some residents. To get it, they need to meet certain rules. It’s for those in private water schemes.
Eligible customers must fill in a form and claim the rebate from the NSW Government.
