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The federal government has promised an extra $1 billion in relief, to be allocated by the states, but only about half of them have revealed new payments so far.
If you’re a concession card holder or a self-funded retiree, chances are there’s going to be more help for you this year.
But Wesley Mission, Foodbank, the Salvos and others are already reporting a spike in people asking for help – many of them mortgage borrowers.
- Until 24 March, Victorians can get up to $500 just for visiting their government energy comparison website
- Almost every state now has a website where you can easily check you’re getting every payment you’re entitled to
- Self-funded retirees with an income under $90,000 can now get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card which opens up health discounts plus cost of living payments in NSW, SA, WA & ACT.
Here’s the government relief announced so far.
- Up to $500 ‘power saving bonus’ for households (if you’re quick).
- Use the Victorian ‘Savings Finder’ to check what you’re eligible for.
- The Victorian government has announced another round of its “$250 power saving bonus” from 24 March, which billpayers get just for visiting the government comparison website compare.energy.vic.gov.au
Meanwhile, Victoria also has a range of other payments for concession cardholders:
There are also a range of vouchers and discounts on registration, transport and health for eligible households.Â
The coalition government has promised to copy Victoria if re-elected on 25 March and pay $250 to those who use the government comparison website.Â
NSW also has the following in place already for concession cardholders, families and (unlike Victoria) also for some self-funded retirees:
There are also a range of discounts on tolls, registration, transport and health for eligible households.Â
No change yet to $625 in payments delivered last yearÂ
They also have these payments for concession cardholders
Over $700 in energy bill relief so far.
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Like NSW and WA, SA has payments for concession card holders but also for self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Like QLD, it has not yet announced any increase in payments from last year.
SA also has the following for concession cardholders, low income households and self-funded retirees:
- Energy Bill concession: Up to $241.63 p.a. for Electricity & Gas.
- Cost of Living Concession: $449 for owner-occupiers, $224.60 for renters/self-funded retirees.
- SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer – this special plan from retailer Origin Energy is available only to Concessions customers and offers 17% off electricity and 11% off gas, along with flexible payment plans and no late fees.Â
- Affordable SA is a one-stop-shop for information for any South Australian struggling with affordability issues. It is run by The Salvation Army with support from the Government of South Australia.
- There are also concessions for water and sewerage bills.Â
No news yet on $400 energy payment.
Last year, West Australians got $400 from the government to help with power bills and the pressure is on for WA to offer it again this year but there’s no news so far.
Here’s what they have in place so far for pensioners, concession card holders and self-funded retirees:
The ACT Government says it has more than 65 discounts, rebates and subsidies to help with housing, rates, utilities, transport, health and other services.
Don’t forget non-government help too
Energy retailers and telcos and banks all have hardship schemes for those who are having trouble paying. If you get onto one of these schemes, you’ll be less likely to get cut-off or chased by debt collectors and you might then qualify for other assistance too.
A range of charities and not-for-profits such as Foodbank, Vinnies, the Salvos and Wesley Mission give free food, financial counselling or other assistance to families in need.
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
