Starting July 1, 2025, the Australian Government is providing a $300 utility bill rebate to assist households in managing rising energy costs.
This initiative is part of the Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) and aims to ease financial pressures for low-income families and individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
The $300 utility bill relief is available to all Australian households with an active electricity account. The rebate is automatically applied to electricity bills in four quarterly instalments of $75 throughout the 2025–26 financial year.
Eligible groups include:
- Pensioners receiving Centrelink Age Pension
- Low-income families on Family Tax Benefit A or B
- Recipients of the Disability Support Pension
- Individuals on JobSeeker or Youth Allowance
- Carers receiving Carer Payment or Carer Allowance
- Veterans holding a DVA Gold Card
For households in embedded networks (e.g., apartments, retirement villages), the rebate is not automatic. These households must apply through their state or territory government to receive the payment.
Application Process
For most households, no application is necessary. The rebate will be automatically credited to your electricity bill if your account is active and up to date.
Steps to ensure you receive the rebate:
- Verify Account Details: Ensure your electricity account is active and your details are current.
- Check for Automatic Credit: Look for a $75 credit labeled as “Australian Government Energy Bill Relief” on your quarterly bills.
- Embedded Network Residents: If you reside in an embedded network, contact your state or territory government to apply for the rebate.
Payment Schedule
The $300 rebate is distributed in four quarterly instalments:
| Quarter | Payment Amount | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | $75 | July 2025 |
| Q2 | $75 | October 2025 |
| Q3 | $75 | January 2026 |
| Q4 | $75 | April 2026 |
For households in embedded networks, the full $300 may be provided as a one-off payment upon successful application.
Additional State and Territory Support
Some states and territories offer additional energy concessions that can be combined with the federal rebate:
- Victoria: Eligible households may receive extra discounts through the Winter Energy Concession.
- New South Wales: The Family Energy Rebate provides additional support for families with dependent children.
- Queensland: The Cost of Living Rebate offers further assistance to eligible residents.
Check with your local government or energy provider to explore all available concessions.
The $300 utility bill relief is a significant step by the Australian Government to support households facing energy cost challenges.
By ensuring your electricity account details are current and understanding the application process, especially for those in embedded networks, you can fully benefit from this initiative.
Stay informed about additional state or territory concessions to maximize your savings.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $300 utility bill relief?
For most households with an active electricity account, the rebate is automatically applied. However, if you live in an embedded network, you must apply through your state or territory government.
When will I see the rebate on my electricity bill?
The rebate is distributed in four quarterly instalments of $75, starting from July 2025. Check your electricity bill for a credit labeled “Australian Government Energy Bill Relief.”
Can I combine this rebate with other energy concessions?
Yes, the federal rebate can be combined with state or territory energy concessions, such as the Winter Energy Concession in Victoria or the Family Energy Rebate in New South Wales.