While not a concession, the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme provides one-off emergency assistance to low-income households. To be eligible for assistance, households must have experienced a short-term financial crisis or unforeseen emergency, within the past 12 months, limiting their ability to pay their current electricity and/or reticulated natural gas account. Assistance can only be provided once in any 12 month period and may only be provided for two consecutive years.
To be eligible you must:
- hold a current concession card in the name shown on your electricity or gas bill, or
- be part of your energy retailer's hardship program or payment plan, or
- have an income equal to or less than the Commonwealth Government's maximum income rate for part-age pensioners. For rate information, refer to the Income and Assets Tests publication Guide to Australian Government payments .
Energy retailers will initiate the application process following consideration of all the eligibility criteria. Full eligibility details are available from your energy retailer.
For more information and to make an application, contact your energy retailer whose number appears on your energy account.
Responsible department
Department of Communities
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