Energy

Non-mains energy concession

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Concession card holders who source non-mains energy for their heating, cooking and hot water can apply for a concession to help cover their yearly energy costs.

This concession applies to non-mains sources of energy:

  • liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
  • firewood for domestic heating, cooking or hot water
  • heating oil
  • electricity accessed via an embedded network
  • generator fuel.

Who can apply for the concession?

An account holder who holds one of the following eligible cards:

  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Health Care Card
  • Veterans' Affairs Gold Card

Other requirements for the concession

Special conditions apply for firewood and generator fuel concessions. 

For firewood applications:

  • The fire must be the only source of fixed heating in the home.
  • You need to complete a statutory declaration confirming this when first applying or if you change address.

For generator fuel applications:

  • Your property must not be connected to the mains electricity grid.
  • You need to complete a statutory declaration confirming this, and that the invoices provided are for generator fuel.

How much is the concession?

The concession is paid annually based on the amount paid for each energy type in that year.

The rebate amounts for the 2024 calendar year are:

  • $56 for spending from $100 to $326.99
  • $172 for spending from $327 to $981.99
  • $286 for spending from $982 to $1633.99
  • $408 for spending from $1634 to $2331.99
  • $522 for spending from $2332 to $2983.99
  • $634 for spending $2984 and above.

A separate rebate is paid for each energy type used.

How to apply for the concession

You can apply online in the Victorian concessions and allowances portal.

The portal provides an easy, safe and fast way to submit your application.

It also allows you to track your application and see your payments. 

Before you start your application, make sure you have all your invoices and other supporting documents ready to upload.

Applications for each year close on 31 December of the following year.

Find out how to use the portal and download a user guide.

How will my concession be paid?

Concessions are paid into the applicant’s bank account.

Updating bank details for retirement village residents

We are currently writing to the residents of retirement villages where managers send claims on behalf of residents, to request banking information from those residents.

If you live in a village and have received a letter asking for your details, please complete and return this to us, to speed up your payment.

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  • Can I send still mail or email you my application form?

    Yes. 

    Forms are available:

  • What is an embedded network?

    Embedded networks are used to provide utilities to some retirement villages and caravan parks, apartment complexes and social housing developments.

    Electricity is bought in bulk by the accommodation manager and sold on to residents. The network may be entirely managed by the accommodation manager, or by a company operating the network on their behalf.

  • I live in a lifestyle or retirement village – how do I apply for the concession?

    In many lifestyle or retirement villages, the village management will apply for the concession on your behalf.

    Participating villages will collect your information when you move in and ask for your consent to apply on your behalf. The village will apply at the end of each year for all eligible residents.

    Check with your village for more details.

    If your village does not apply on your behalf, you will need to submit an application along with your invoices for the year.

  • Can I make a second claim?

    Yes, if you have made more purchases that would have made you eligible for a higher rebate if sent with your first claim. Your spending for both claims will be added, and a rebate for the difference between the total claim for the year, and your first claim, will be paid.

    Second claims must be received by 31 December of the next year.

    Second claim examples

    Example 1 – top up paid

    In September, you submit a claim and provide LPG invoices totalling $700 attached. Your spending falls in the second rebate tier and you receive a rebate of $172.

    At the end of the year, you have spent $300 more on LPG. You submit a new claim with the new invoices. The total of all invoices from both claims is $1000. Your total now falls into the third rebate tier, and you qualify for a total annual rebate of $286.

    As you have already received a rebate of $1172, you now receive a top-up concession of $114.

    Example 2 – no top up paid

    In November, you submit a claim and provide LPG invoices totalling $350 attached. Your spending falls in the second rebate tier and you receive a rebate of $172.

    At the end of the year, you have spent $100 more on LPG. The total of all invoices from both claims is $450.

    As your spending is still within the second rebate tier, you do not qualify for a further payment.

  • When do applications open?

    Applications open on 1 July each year.

Contacts
Concessions information line
1800 658 521
Nmec.rebates@health.vic.gov.au