Centrelink’s New 2025 Energy Supplement: As the cost of living continues to climb, particularly with energy prices hitting Australian households hard, the federal government has updated its support measures to help everyday Australians manage. The Centrelink Energy Supplement 2025 is one such initiative designed to help cover rising utility bills. What many people don’t realise is that they may already be eligible for the 2025 Energy Supplement without having to lift a finger. If you’re receiving certain government payments or holding specific concession cards, you might already be entitled to receive this tax-free supplement – and not even know it.
Centrelink’s New 2025 Energy Supplement
The Centrelink Energy Supplement 2025 is a quiet yet powerful financial tool helping thousands of Australians meet the challenge of rising power bills. What makes it particularly helpful is its automatic nature—you may already be receiving it without knowing. Whether you’re a pensioner, job seeker, carer, student, or low-income family, it’s worth double-checking your eligibility. In a time where every dollar matters, understanding and accessing this supplement can make a real difference.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Supplement Name | Centrelink Energy Supplement 2025 |
| Purpose | Helps eligible Australians manage rising energy bills |
| Eligibility | Centrelink recipients (e.g. Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment) and certain concession card holders |
| Payment Amount | $7.90–$14.10/fortnight for pensioners and allowance recipients; $69.66–$92.66/quarter for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnightly or quarterly, depending on payment type |
| Taxable? | No – it’s non-taxable and doesn’t count as income |
| Application Required? | No – automatically included if you’re eligible |
| Additional Help | Up to $300 in rebates via the federal Energy Bill Relief Fund |
| Official Sources | Services Australia – Energy Supplement |
What Is the Centrelink Energy Supplement?
The Energy Supplement is a regular, ongoing payment from the Australian Government designed to help people manage the rising cost of electricity, gas, and other utilities. Introduced in 2013 as part of the carbon pricing scheme, it was intended to ease the burden on low-income households. Although the carbon tax is gone, the supplement continues to support eligible individuals.
It is paid automatically to people who receive certain government income support payments or hold specific concession cards. The supplement is non-taxable, does not count as income, and is paid either fortnightly or quarterly depending on your main payment.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 Energy Supplement?
You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to apply for this payment. If you’re already receiving one of the eligible benefits or hold a qualifying card, it will be included automatically.
1. Centrelink Income Support Payments
If you receive any of the following, you are likely eligible:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance
Eligibility is maintained as long as you continue to receive these payments.
2. Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
If you were eligible for FTB on or before 19 September 2016, you may still receive the Energy Supplement. However, newer FTB recipients must also be on an income support payment or ABSTUDY to qualify.
3. Veterans and Concession Card Holders
The supplement is also available to:
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders (if card issued before 19 Sept 2016)
- Pensioner Concession Card holders (in certain cases)
- Recipients of eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) payments like the Service Pension or War Widow(er)’s Pension
How Much Is the Centrelink Energy Supplement?
The amount you receive depends on your primary payment, living situation, and age.
For Age Pension, JobSeeker & Carer Recipients
| Payment Situation | Supplement (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Single, under Age Pension age | $8.80 |
| Single, with dependent children | $9.50 |
| Single, over Age Pension age | $14.10 |
| Partnered (both under Age Pension age) | $7.90 |
| Partnered (one or both over Age Pension age) | $10.60 |
| Principal carer exempt from mutual obligations | $12.00 |
For Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Recipients
| FTB Category | Supplement (per fortnight per child) |
|---|---|
| FTB Part A (base rate) | $1.40 |
| FTB Part A (maximum rate) | Up to $4.48 (depending on child’s age) |
| FTB Part B (child under 5) | $2.80 |
| FTB Part B (child 5–18) | $1.96 |
For Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders
| Situation | Supplement (per quarter) |
|---|---|
| Single | $92.66 |
| Couple (combined) | $69.66 each |
Important Notes About the Energy Supplement
- You don’t need to apply. If eligible, it’s automatically included with your regular payment.
- Non-taxable: It’s exempt from tax and does not reduce your other benefits.
- Travelling overseas? You may continue to receive it for up to six weeks, but longer absences might impact eligibility.
- No back pay: You generally can’t claim the supplement retroactively if you weren’t aware you were eligible in prior years.
How to Check if You’re Receiving Centrelink’s New 2025 Energy Supplement?
If you suspect you might be eligible but haven’t seen it appear in your bank account, follow these steps:
- Log into your MyGov account (linked to Centrelink).
- Go to ‘Payment and Claims’ > ‘Payment History’.
- Look for “Energy Supplement” listed under your payment details.
- If it’s not there, contact Centrelink via phone or in person to inquire.
Bonus Support: Energy Bill Relief Fund (Up to $300)
In addition to the Energy Supplement, the Energy Bill Relief Fund introduced in 2023 continues in 2025. Eligible households may receive up to $300 in rebates, applied directly to their electricity bills.
- The rebate is split into quarterly $75 credits.
- It’s automatic for most people who receive income support.
- You must be a customer of an eligible energy retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for the Energy Supplement separately?
No. If you’re eligible, the payment is automatically included with your Centrelink benefit.
Q2: I just started receiving Family Tax Benefit. Will I get the supplement?
Only if you began receiving FTB on or before 19 September 2016. Otherwise, you must also receive income support.
Q3: Is the Energy Supplement taxable income?
No. It is non-taxable and does not affect your income for other Centrelink payments.
Q4: I’m travelling overseas. Will I lose my supplement?
You can keep receiving it for up to 6 weeks. If you’re away longer, payments may be paused.
Q5: How do I know how much I’m getting?
Check your Centrelink online account or app under “Payment Details” for a breakdown.
Q6: Do self-funded retirees get it?
Only if they hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued before 19 September 2016.
