Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme

To be eligible you must be responsible for paying the outstanding bill and meet one of the following:

• hold a current concession card, or
• have an income equal to or less than the Australian Government’s maximum income rate for part-age pensioners; contact Services Australia or the Department of Veterans' Affairs for details of the maximum income rate
• be part of your energy provider's hardship program or payment plan.

You must also have experienced:

• a substantial decrease in your household income (e.g. loss/decrease of employment hours, family separation)

high unexpected expenses on essential items.

The following two sections outline reasons that will not be accepted:

Section 1 – Substantial decrease in household income

• Decreases of income that are not substantial (e.g. under $100 per fortnight)
• Decreases of income that started over 12 months ago
• Centrelink payments that are decreased due to deductions or penalties
• Income below the cost of living (ongoing hardship)
• “In and out” short-term casual or seasonal work
• JobSeeker payments that are decreased due to reductions in the coronavirus supplement
• JobKeeper payments that are decreased due to planned reductions.

Section 2 – High unexpected expenses on essential items

• Phone, internet, rates, water, and other expected bills
• Rent arrears and costs of additional persons moving into the household
• Standard regular car service, registration or insurance
• Purchase of furniture, TV, computer, microwave, freezer, kitchen appliances
• Cumulative pharmaceutical expenses
• Associated funeral costs, such as travel and accommodation
• School/education expenses
• Travel costs to see sick family/relatives.

How to apply

Step 1: For more information, or to start the application process, contact your energy provider. They will consider all the eligibility criteria and provide you with an application number that you will need before completing the online application.

Step 2: Using that application number, complete the online application form.

Step 3: Your application will be assessed and if successful, your electricity or gas provider will receive the one-off payment to pay for your account.

Helpful resources

• Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme provides concessions for people who have specific medical conditions requiring the use of an air-conditioner to regulate their body temperature.
• Electricity and gas rebates are available to eligible households.

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