Here are the latest updates about the $800 Electricity payment coming as the cost of living doubles: Eligibility Dates and How to Claim. Thousands of households will be able to get a $800 rebate for their utility bills.
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$800 Electricity Payment Coming As Cost of Living Doubles
As of 1 July, the South Australian government increased its emergency electric payment from $400 up to $800. The previous debt limit of $2,000 has been removed, allowing more people to qualify. Last month, households received a $243.90 one-off payment from the government to cover the cost of living.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Cost of Living Concession payments to tenants as well as Commonwealth Seniors Health Card card holders have also been doubled. These payments will be matched to those for homeowners in August and increase to $255.60 per eligible recipient.
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Eligibility
The criteria for the $800 electric payment have been expanded. Who qualifies?
- Households that have a Commonwealth Health Care Card.
- Commonwealth Health Care Card recipients receive government health benefits.
- Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card holders.
- Australians who have a Veterans Affairs Pensioner Card or a Gold Card.
Organizations like the South Australia Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA) and Uniting Communities, which emphasize the importance of electric power for health, hygiene, and connectivity for people facing financial hardship, support these changes.
Latest Updates
Nat Cook, Minister for Human Services in South Australia, has highlighted the importance of this increase in the South Australian emergency electricity payment. The maximum amount was raised from $400 to $800. This is a significant relief for households with low incomes and fixed incomes.
The default electricity price will also decrease by 2.8%. This will save an average household up to $63 in the next year. The Australian government will also provide an additional $300 discount to residents, providing further financial relief.
Coming Dates
This year’s cost of living package includes the electricity payment scheme. The payments are made directly to the electricity provider and then applied to your account as credits. This reduces your total bill.
- Start date: July 1, 2024
- Frequency: Every two years, instead of every three. This will help over 1,300 families each year.
The payment will double from $400 to $800 starting 1 July. The change is timely as households are facing higher energy costs because of increased usage of electrical appliances. This payment will be made every two years, instead of every three. It will benefit over 1,300 households every year.
How to Claim
Follow these steps to claim your $800 electric payment:
- If you qualify, contact your energy provider.
- Contact the ACT Revenue Office if you live in a retirement village or caravan park with embedded networks or complete the online application on their website.
- Contact a financial advisor if you need help. They can help you assess your financial status and apply for a rebate on your behalf.
This expansion is part and parcel of the important reforms that were identified in a recent evaluation. The payment increase is intended to help families better manage their energy costs, particularly during colder months when heating costs are higher. The government has already made previous efforts to support families.
FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the $800 electric payment?
Households that have received various concession cards from the government.
When will the $800 electric payment begin?
The program began on July 1 and is offered every two years.
How can I claim a rebate?
Contact your energy supplier or the ACT Revenue Office.
