Households in Western Australia will get a $350 credit on their energy bills from December 7. This is to help with the rising cost of living. The total credit is $700 per household, thanks to a partnership between the WA Labor Government and the Albanese Labor Government.
Over four years, the WA Labor Government has given $2,100 in power bill relief to every household. Now, with an extra $350 credit, WA Premier Roger Cook says helping families is their main goal. “This is real support that will make a genuine difference in the lives of Western Australians,” he said.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti says the government can offer this help because of their good financial management. “We’re committed to supporting Western Australian households and ensuring they have the resources they need to get through this difficult period,” she stated.
Major Highlights
- Western Australian households will receive a $350 credit on their energy bills, starting from December 7.
- Over the past four years, the WA Labor Government has provided $2,100 in power bill relief to every household.
- The $700 electricity credit is a joint initiative between the WA and Albanese Labor Governments.
- The state government’s strong financial management and sustainable net debt have enabled this cost-of-living support.
- The credit is intended to provide immediate relief for Western Australian families during these challenging times.
$350 cost-of-living cash boost: What WA households need to know
Western Australian households will soon get a financial boost. The state government has announced a $700 relief package. This includes a $350 credit for Synergy and Horizon energy bills, starting after December 7, 2024.
When will the credit be applied?
The $350 credit will be added to Synergy and Horizon energy bills after December 7, 2024. It’s the second part of a $700 cash boost. The first $350 payment will be made from July 20, 2024.
How to claim if you’re not with Synergy or Horizon
If you’re not with Synergy or Horizon, you’ll need to apply for the $350 credit through RevenueWA. The application opens on July 31, 2024, and closes on January 31, 2025. You can apply online or get help over the phone if you don’t have internet.
Eligibility requirements for WA residents
All WA households are eligible for the $700 cash boost, including the $350 credit. To qualify, you must live in WA as of June 30, 2024. You also need an eligible concession card or receive certain payments, and have a residential electricity account. The boost is not taxed and aims to help all WA families with living costs.
This $700 cash boost is part of a $492 million relief package from the Western Australian government. It’s designed to help households deal with rising living costs. This support is a big help for Western Australian families.
yOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Nationwide electricity subsidy rollout schedule for 2024-2025
The federal government is launching a nationwide electricity subsidy program in 2024-2025. This program aims to give energy bill relief and financial support to Australian homes. Eligible customers will get utility rebates every quarter, credited to their electricity accounts.
The $300 electricity subsidy rollout plan varies by state and territory:
- New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, and Tasmania will get their first payment on October 1, 2024. They will then receive payments on January 1, 2025, and April 1, 2025.
- Victoria’s schedule is a bit different. Rebates will be applied on October 1, 2024, January 13, 2025, and April 1, 2025.
- Western Australia’s cost-of-living relief is part of their $700 electricity credit program.
These rebates add to other energy rebates and concessions from state and territory governments. These are for low-income households, seniors, families, and those with concession cards.
In the 2023-24 financial year, the Energy Bill Relief Fund gave $3 billion to eligible homes and small businesses. For 2024-25, the Australian government is allocating $3.5 billion. This ensures ongoing financial support for those dealing with high energy costs.
South Australian cost-of-living relief expansion
South Australians facing financial stress will soon get more help from the state government. From January 1, 2025, it will be easier for low-income families to get important concessions and relief payments.
Changes to Housemate Income Assessment
The government is removing a rule that counted a housemate’s income against applicants. This change will help thousands more South Australians, including low-income renters, get the $255.60 cost-of-living concession and other energy support.
New Concession Eligibility Criteria
Human Services Minister Nat Cook said the change will make it simpler and fairer to qualify for concessions. South Australians on low or fixed incomes should apply for the $255.60 cost-of-living concession before 2024 ends. They should also check for other financial support they might be eligible for.
Available Support Payments and Deadlines
Eligible low and fixed-income households in South Australia can get up to $1,100 in cost-of-living relief. The deadline to apply for the 2024-25 Cost of Living Concession is December 31, 2024. Families can also get help from the Sports Voucher program and the doubled materials and services charge subsidy for government schools.
“This change will make qualifying for concessions simpler, fairer, and more consistent.”
– Nat Cook, Human Services Minister
Additional government support measures for Australian households
The Australian government is taking steps to help households with the rising cost of living. They are introducing tax cuts starting July 1, 2024. There’s also a $3.5 billion Energy Bill Relief Fund for a $300 rebate on electricity bills.
Child care subsidies will increase to make it more affordable. The government is also expanding paid parental leave. They’re making medicines cheaper and setting up Medicare Urgent Care Clinics for better healthcare access.
Income support payments will go up, and the Home Guarantee Scheme will help more people own homes. These efforts aim to provide grocery vouchers, petrol discounts, and other help to those struggling financially.
When can I expect my Energy rebate?, It’s now December 9th. I live in WA and I am on a disability pension.