Australian seniors will be able to claim $200 a year to help with their power bills, as part of the NSW government’s initiative to lower the cost of living for retirees. 

The rebate, which is funded by a $300 million annual investment in energy rebates, will be made available to around 130,000 self-funded retirees. 

It is an addition to the government’s current range of rebates aimed at assisting pensioners and veterans with paying their gas and electricity bills, including a household appliance replacement program which helped 17,600 low-income households cut their costs by up to $200 a year. 

“This new program will ensure seniors across NSW who have worked hard for their retirement will have much-needed hip-pocket relief now too,” Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies said. 

“We understand that energy costs are putting pressure on those with fixed incomes and this new policy will ensure that self-funded retirees receive the support they deserve,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejilklian added. 

Customers with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can claim the energy rebates from 1 July 2019.

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card applies to Australians over 65, with an income of up to $54,929 a year for singles and $87,884 a year for couples.