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.

3.15.6 2019 one-off energy assistance payment (EAP) - qualification & payability

Note: The following information is for historical purposes only.

Introduction

The 2019 one-off EAP is intended to assist income support recipients with the costs of energy bills.

Qualification

A person is qualified for a 2019 one-off EAP if:

A person whose qualifying payment is not payable on 2 April 2019 does not qualify for a 2019 one-off EAP, for example, the person is serving a waiting period or the qualifying payment is suspended. However, if the person's qualifying payment subsequently becomes payable in respect of 2 April 2019, for example, the waiting period is waived or the payment is restored, the person qualifies for a 2019 one-off EAP.

A person who made a claim for a qualifying payment on or before 2 April 2019 and subsequently has that claim granted and backdated to on or before that date, with the result that the payment is payable on that date, qualifies for a 2019 one-off EAP.

Other qualifying payments

A person may also qualify for a 2019 one-off EAP if they are receiving a farm household allowance, ABSTUDY Living Allowance or an eligible veterans' payment.

Entitled to only one payment

A person can receive only one payment of a 2019 one-off EAP. A person who is paid a 2019 one-off EAP and is subsequently granted another qualifying payment backdated to or before 2 April 2019 is not entitled to an additional 2019 one-off EAP.

Payability

The amount of a person's 2019 one-off EAP is worked out using the following table, having regard to the person's circumstances on 2 April 2019.

Person's situation on 2 April 2019 Amount of 2019 one-off EAP
Not a member of a couple $75.00
Partnered $62.50
Member of an illness separated couple $75.00
Member of a respite care couple $75.00
Partnered (partner in gaol) $75.00

A claim is not required for a 2019 one-off EAP.

Most recipients of the 2019 one-off EAP will receive their payment in late June 2019.

The 2019 one-off EAP is non-taxable and does not count as income under social security law, ABSTUDY Policy Manual, the VEA or the Farm Household Support Act 2014.

Act reference: SSAct section 302 One-off energy assistance payment, section 303 Amount of one-off energy assistance payment

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