About the Low Income Household Rebate
The Low Income Household Rebate is the NSW Government's main help with power bills for people on a pension or low income. It is worth up to $285 a year for customers of a normal electricity retailer and $313.50 for people in embedded networks, who receive it as a payment rather than a bill credit.
For a household using 4,000 kWh a year on the Ausgrid Default Market Offer, $285 is about 15% of the yearly bill. It is applied in small amounts on each bill rather than as one lump sum.
You may be able to claim more than one rebate. The Medical Energy Rebate and the NSW Gas Rebate can be added on top. If you live in an embedded network, such as an apartment building, retirement village or residential park, apply online with the NSW Government instead of your retailer. The rebate is then paid into your bank account.
Who can get it
- You are named on the electricity account for your home.
- You hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card or Veteran Gold Card.
| Card or payment | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Pensioner Concession Card | Yes |
| Health Care Card | Yes |
| Low Income Health Care Card | Yes |
| DVA Veteran Gold Card | Yes |
How to apply
- Check whether you are a retail customer or in an embedded network. Your bill tells you who supplies you.
- Retail customers: call your electricity retailer, ask for the Low Income Household Rebate and give your concession card details.
- Embedded network customers: apply online through the NSW Government. Applications for 2026-27 close on 30 June 2027.
- Check your next bill to confirm the rebate has been applied.
How it is paid: As a credit on your electricity bills for retail customers, 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
- 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).
- Life Support Rebate: Depends on equipment, up to $1,343.20 a year.
- 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
Up to $285 a year for retail customers and $313.50 for embedded network customers in 2026-27, according to the NSW Government.
A Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Low Income Health Care Card from Services Australia, or a Veteran Gold Card from the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
No. The NSW Government says people who receive the Low Income Household Rebate cannot also receive the Seniors Energy Rebate.
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.