Analysis: Governments are offering cashback deals on rising electricity bills. Here a quick guide of what is available and where you can find them
As stories begin to emerge of record electricity price increases, there was a flurry of cashback handouts announced by state governments in response.
NSW declared up to $1600 in emergency assistance for families, Queensland announced a $175 credit on every household’s power bill, and Western Australia unveiled a $400 credit.Hundreds of dollars in financial help is available for households doing it tough as energy prices rocket. Some of these rebates are automatic, but some we have to apply for – in some cases before June 30, so get in quick., that $1600 figure is available to households experiencing a financial emergency.
Much more common rebates are up to $385 for low-income households, $200 for seniors, and $180 for families receiving the family tax benefit. These are all financial year payments, which means you need to apply in the next two weeks to qualify. If you are a self-funded retiree, check if you are eligible for a commonwealth seniors health card – it is a concession that many do not realise they are entitled to because it is income-tested, rather than asset-tested.