The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.2.7.50 Energy supplement (ES) - description

Background information

The ES is a supplementary payment that commenced on 20 September 2014, and was formerly known as the clean energy supplement (CES). It is a payment for pensioners, allowees, families and CSHC holders to whom it was not closed after 19 March 2017. From 20 March 2017 the ES was closed to new CSHC holders. (Refer to 3.15.2.30 for more details.) The ES is not indexed.

The ES replaced the CES which was one of the 'clean energy' payments within the SSAct, introduced in 2012 as part of the Clean Energy Future measure to assist with cost of living increases associated with the introduction of carbon pricing. Other payments include the clean energy advance (CEA) and the EMEP. The ES now provides assistance with household expenses including energy costs.

Other assistance payments introduced as part of the Clean Energy Future measure are paid under the following Acts and administrative schemes:

Act reference: SSAct section 23(1)-'energy supplement'

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.15.2 ES - qualification & payability

How the ES is paid

From 20 March 2017, the ES is closed to new CSHC holders. Refer to 3.15.2.30 for more details.

Where it is payable, the ES is paid as a supplement to the primary payment, or CSHC, for which a person qualifies. By default, the ES will be paid at the same time as a person's primary payment, although a person may elect to receive the ES payment in quarterly instalments. To CSHC holders the ES is paid quarterly.

Eligible pensioners and recipients of other income support payments and holders of a CSHC do not need to make a claim for the ES. It will be automatically paid to them after they successfully claim their underlying payment or card.

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