About the Life Support Rebate
Machines such as home dialysis units, ventilators and oxygen concentrators can use a lot of power. The Life Support Rebate gives a daily credit on your bill to cover part of that cost. Service NSW lists the maximum as $1,343.20 a year for a retail customer, depending on the equipment.
Some machines have separate full-time and part-time rates, and you can claim for more than one machine if your doctor prescribes them. Unlike most rebates, there is no concession card requirement.
Getting the rebate and registering for life support protection are separate steps. Registration with your retailer means you get written notice of planned outages. See our guide to medical equipment and electricity.
Who can get it
- You, or someone living with you, needs approved energy-intensive life support equipment at home, such as home dialysis, a ventilator or an oxygen concentrator.
- A registered medical practitioner confirms the equipment is required at your principal place of residence.
- You are named on the electricity account. No concession card is needed.
How to apply
- Download the Life Support Rebate application form from the NSW Government.
- Have your doctor complete the declaration, listing each machine and whether it is used full-time or part-time.
- Retail customers send the form to their retailer. Embedded network customers apply online.
- Also register the address as a life support address with your retailer, so the network warns you before planned outages.
How it is paid: As a daily credit on each electricity bill, or into your bank account for embedded network customers.
Contact: Service NSW, 13 77 88. Official information.
Moving or switching retailer?
Concessions applied by your retailer do not always move with you. When you move house or switch, give your card details to the new retailer and check the next bill. See how to claim a concession.
Other energy help in New South Wales
- Low Income Household Rebate: Up to $285 a year ($313.50 in embedded networks).
- Family Energy Rebate: Up to $180 a year ($198 in embedded networks).
- Seniors Energy Rebate: $200 a year.
- Medical Energy Rebate: Up to $285 a year ($313.50 in embedded networks).
- Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA): $50 vouchers towards an unpaid bill.
- NSW Gas Rebate: Up to $110 a year ($121 in embedded networks).
- Home Energy Saver: Discount up to $4,000 or zero-interest loan up to $15,000.
- Air conditioner upgrade incentive: Up to about $550 to $560 off a 6 kW system.
- Hot water upgrade incentive: Up to about $640 off a heat pump.
See every program on our New South Wales rebates page.
Common questions
It depends on the equipment and whether it is used full-time or part-time. Service NSW lists up to $1,343.20 per retail household per financial year.
No. Eligibility is based on medical need confirmed by a registered medical practitioner, not on holding a card.
Yes. If your doctor prescribes more than one type of equipment, such as an oxygen concentrator and a ventilator, you can receive a rebate for each.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.