About the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme
The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme pays up to $720 once every two years towards an electricity or reticulated gas bill. It is for a short-term crisis in the past 12 months, not for ongoing difficulty.
You need to meet one of three tests: a current concession card, income at or below the maximum rate for part-age pensioners, or being on your retailer's hardship program or a payment plan. You also need a substantial drop in income or high unexpected costs for essentials.
The rules are specific. Income drops of under $100 a fortnight, drops that started more than 12 months ago, and expected bills such as rent, rates, phone or car registration do not count.
Who can get it
- You are responsible for paying an overdue electricity or reticulated gas bill.
- You hold a current concession card, have income at or below the maximum part-age pension rate, or are on your retailer's hardship program or a payment plan.
- In the past 12 months you have had a substantial drop in household income, such as losing work or a family separation, or high unexpected costs for essential items.
How to apply
- Contact your energy provider. It checks the eligibility criteria and gives you an application number.
- Use that number to complete the online application form.
- Have documents or receipts ready for repairs or purchases, as you may be asked for them.
How it is paid: As a one-off payment made to your electricity or gas provider for your account.
Contact: Queensland Concession Services, 13 QGOV (13 74 68). 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 Queensland
- Queensland Electricity Rebate: $399.47 a year.
- Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate: $96.45 a year.
- Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme: $522.09 a year.
- Electricity Life Support Concession: $1,063.30 a year per oxygen concentrator, $712.07 per dialysis machine.
- Supercharged Solar for Renters: Up to $3,500 per rental home.
See every program on our Queensland rebates page.
Common questions
Up to $720, once every two years.
Not necessarily. You can also qualify with an income at or below the maximum part-age pension rate, or by being on your retailer's hardship program or a payment plan.
Expected costs such as phone, internet, rates, water, rent arrears, regular car servicing or registration, furniture and appliances like TVs or microwaves, school costs and ongoing pharmacy bills.
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.