Energy Concessions and Rebates: The Complete Australian Guide

Millions of Australians are eligible for energy concessions they haven't claimed. Whether you're a pensioner, healthcare card holder or experiencing financial hardship, there may be significant savings available on your electricity and gas bills.

Types of energy concessions and rebates

Pensioner Concession

The most widely available discount, applying to holders of a Pensioner Concession Card (issued by Services Australia). This includes age pensioners, disability pensioners and DVA pensioners. The discount is typically applied as a percentage reduction on your bill (17–30% depending on state) or a fixed annual credit.

Healthcare Card concession

Holders of a Commonwealth Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card are eligible for similar (sometimes slightly lower) concessions to pensioners in most states.

Life Support Concession

For customers using registered life support or medical equipment at home. Requires certification from a registered medical practitioner. Reduces the daily supply charge and in some states provides a direct credit.

Utility Relief Grants and vouchers

Some states offer one-off voucher programs for households experiencing temporary financial difficulty. These are administered by state welfare agencies and are subject to availability.

Family Energy Rebate

Available in NSW and some other states for low-income families with children under 16. Applied as an annual credit to your electricity bill.

State-by-state concession overview

State	Key concession program	Approx. value
NSW	Low Income Household Rebate	$285/year
VIC	Victorian Utility Concession (ESCV)	17.5% off bill
QLD	Electricity Rebate Scheme	$372/year
SA	Cost of Living Concession	$234/year (electricity)
WA	Hardship Utility Grant Scheme	Up to $650/year
TAS	Electricity Concession Scheme	$490/year (approx)
ACT	Utilities Concession	$700+ for pensioners
NT	Cost of Living Assistance	Annual credit on bill

These figures are indicative and change with government budgets. Always check the current amounts with your state government's energy concession line or website.

Energy hardship assistance

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, Australian law requires retailers to have a hardship program. These programs can include:

Payment plans tailored to your ability to pay
Reduced debt (some retailers offer bill credits for customers who complete payment plans)
Connection protection — retailers cannot disconnect you while you're on a formal hardship arrangement
Referral to government concession programs you may not have claimed

Important: Contact your retailer proactively if you're struggling. Once a bill becomes significantly overdue, fewer options are available. All retail energy customers in Australia have legal protections against disconnection under the National Energy Retail Rules.

How to claim your energy concession

Most concessions can be claimed by calling your energy retailer and providing your concession card number. The retailer will verify eligibility and apply the discount retroactively from the start of the current billing period in most states. You may need to re-register your concession annually or when your card is renewed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for an energy concession?

For most energy concessions, you need to be the account holder and hold an eligible concession card (Pensioner Concession Card, Healthcare Card, etc.). Contact your energy retailer directly and provide your card details — they'll apply the concession to your account. Some concessions (like bill relief vouchers) are administered by state governments and have separate application processes.

Do concessions apply to gas bills as well?

Yes, in most states. The pension concession and similar programs typically apply to both electricity and gas accounts. However, you usually need to apply separately for each utility. Check with your gas retailer and state government for details.

What if I'm struggling to pay my energy bill?

All energy retailers in Australia have hardship programs that can provide payment plans, bill relief, or other assistance. Contact your retailer before your bill becomes overdue — they cannot disconnect a customer who is on a hardship program. You can also contact the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) for free financial counselling.

Can I get a concession if I rent?

Concession eligibility is usually based on the account holder, not property ownership. If you're a renter and the account is in your name, you can apply for applicable concessions. If your landlord pays the bills (e.g. in a boarding house), concessions may not be directly available to you — ask your state's energy ombudsman for advice.

What is the Life Support Concession?

The Life Support Concession (also called the Medical Energy Subsidy in some states) reduces energy costs for people who use life support equipment at home — such as home dialysis machines, ventilators or oxygen concentrators. Your doctor must complete a medical certificate confirming the equipment use.

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