Alsey
In a significant move to ease cost-of-living pressures, the Australian Government has expanded the Energy Bill Relief Fund for 2025, increasing support for millions of households and small businesses.
Under the revised scheme, eligible Australians will receive up to $500 in energy rebates, with the additional support aimed at protecting vulnerable consumers from rising power prices.
The expansion was confirmed in the 2024-25 Federal Budget, and it builds on the $3.5 billion energy relief initiative introduced in 2023.
Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how the payments work, and what steps you need to take to receive the extra $500 energy rebate in 2025.
What Is the Energy Rebate Scheme?
The Energy Bill Relief Fund is a federal and state co-funded program designed to assist low-income households, pensioners, and small businesses in managing increasing electricity costs.
The program was initially launched in 2023 and has since been extended and expanded in the 2025 Budget, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to address inflation and energy affordability.
Who Qualifies for the $500 Energy Rebate in 2025?
To qualify for the expanded $500 energy rebate in 2025, you must meet specific eligibility criteria based on your household income or your status as a recipient of government benefits. The program targets the following groups:
Eligible Recipients
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Age Pensioners | Must be receiving the Age Pension via Centrelink or DVA |
| Disability Support Pension recipients | Includes DSP via Centrelink |
| JobSeeker Payment recipients | Must have an active JobSeeker claim |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders | Eligibility tied to income limits |
| Family Tax Benefit A and/or B recipients | Automatically eligible based on tax benefit status |
| Carer Payment or Carer Allowance recipients | Both full-time carers and part-time support carers included |
| Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY | Includes students and apprentices under these payments |
| Small Business Electricity Users | Must meet usage and turnover thresholds set by each state |
The exact income thresholds and eligibility rules vary by state and territory, so it’s crucial to refer to your local energy provider or state government website for specifics.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount of rebate you receive under the 2025 scheme depends on your location, as states and territories contribute differently to the co-funded program.
However, the maximum federal contribution is $500 per household, spread across multiple quarterly bills.
Sample Rebate Distribution by State
| State/Territory | Total Rebate | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $500 | $125 per quarter |
| Victoria | $500 | $125 per quarter |
| Queensland | $500 | One-time credit of $500 |
| South Australia | $500 | $125 per quarter |
| Western Australia | $400 | One-time payment + existing rebates |
| Tasmania | $500 | Applied in quarterly installments |
| Northern Territory | $350 | Varies by provider |
| ACT | $500 | Split across billing cycles |
Note: These amounts may differ slightly based on energy usage or provider-specific adjustments.
When Will the Payments Be Made?
The $500 energy rebate for 2025 will be automatically applied to eligible customers’ electricity bills, starting from July 1, 2025.
Payments will be rolled out on a quarterly basis in most regions, although some states may apply the full credit as a lump sum.
Key Dates to Remember
- Start Date: July 1, 2025
- First Bill Adjustment: July–September quarter
- Final Payment: April–June 2026 (for quarterly schemes)
There is no need to apply if you’re already receiving eligible Centrelink or DVA payments—the rebate is processed automatically.
How to Claim the Rebate (If You’re Not Auto-Enrolled)
While most eligible recipients are automatically enrolled, some households may need to manually verify their details or update their information with their energy provider.
Steps to Claim Manually
- Check your eligibility via Services Australia or your state’s energy rebate website.
- Contact your electricity provider to confirm they have your concession card or benefit status on file.
- If you’re eligible but haven’t received the rebate, submit an application or concession form via your energy retailer’s portal.
Why Was the Rebate Increased?
The government’s decision to expand the energy rebate for 2025 comes in response to continued inflationary pressures, especially in the energy sector.
Despite stabilizing wholesale prices, many households are still experiencing financial strain due to past hikes and the rising cost of living.
The rebate is part of a broader cost-of-living package, including:
- Boosts to rent assistance
- Changes to JobSeeker and Youth Allowance
- Indexation of pension payments
- Additional funding for housing and energy efficiency programs
What If I Am a Small Business?
Small businesses are also eligible for a separate stream of rebates, capped at $325 per business for the 2025-26 financial year. To qualify:
- You must be a small electricity customer (defined by state-specific usage limits)
- Your business ABN must be active
- The rebate will be automatically applied by your retailer
The $500 Energy Rebate for 2025 is a much-needed lifeline for low-income households, pensioners, carers, students, and small businesses across Australia.
With automatic payments beginning July 1, 2025, now is the time to check your eligibility and ensure your records are up to date with your energy provider.
This support plays a vital role in helping Australians manage rising costs while promoting financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will the $500 energy rebate affect my other Centrelink payments?
No, the rebate is not considered income and does not affect eligibility for other Centrelink or DVA payments.
Q2: Do I need to apply for the 2025 energy rebate?
Most eligible individuals will receive the rebate automatically. However, if you’re not auto-enrolled, contact your energy retailer to verify your concession status.
Q3: Can renters receive the energy rebate too?
Yes, as long as the energy account is in the renter’s name and they meet the eligibility criteria, they will receive the rebate on their electricity bills.