Well here we are in July – on the downhill run now until Christmas! – Not sure about you, but I feel like I keep hearing about all of these ‘cost of living’ incentives, but I cannot make heads or tails of them all.
As such, I have put together a list of popular rebates/subsidies/schemes for you to cross check your personal situation against, to see if you can take advantage of them. This is just what I have found after a cursory look – if you have found any great deals, please feel free to get in touch, as I would love to know about them.
Top tip – aside from the below, it is worth the effort to cross check with your suppliers to see if there are any additional offers available – a lot of providers will have discounts for Pension Card recipients, however they are typically only applied when you ‘ask’ for them.
I have predominately focused on QLD and Commonwealth offers.
Cost of Living Rebate – all households
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- How much? Up to $1,072* for vulnerable households and $550 for all other Qld households
- How do I get it? It should automatically be applied to your electricity bill – with a credit attached each quarter.
- I have questions!! – refer to the link below, if in doubt call your electricity provider – or on-supplier (if paid by bodycorp, caravan park etc)
*refer link for more information on this point
Water Subsidy
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- How much? Up to $120 each year
- How do I get it? You need to check your eligibility – see below link – then, you will need to contact your water retailer
- I have questions!! – refer link below – call your water retailer and cross check eligibility and if there are any other discounts available
Rates Subsidy
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- How much? 20% up to a maximum of $200 per year
- How do I get it? You need to check your eligibility – see below link – then, you will need to contact your local council
- I have questions!! – refer link below – call your local council and cross check eligibility and if there are any other discounts available
Queensland Savers Website
Provides a comprehensive list of different offers available
https://www.queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au/
National Rental Affordability Scheme
If you are renting, and you are finding it difficult to keep up with the cost of rent, you may wish to look into this scheme.
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance/nras
Rental Reform Changes
Allowing only one rent increase per 12 month from 1.7.2023
If you are renting OR if you are an owner – this is an important change to be mindful of – if you have questions – refer these to your property manager or the Residential Tenancies Authority
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/rental-law-changes
Free Wills
I would always recommend consulting a Legal professional for advice in relation to Estate Planning, however the Public Trustee provides a free Will service – refer below. If using this service, it is important to be aware of any costs the future estate may be liable for as a result.
https://www.pt.qld.gov.au/contact/contact-us/book-an-appointment/
I hope the above is useful to some of you or even maybe somebody you know. Every little bit helps sometimes! Could be the difference in treating yourself to a piece of cake with that coffee every now and then in the very least. We have to enjoy life while we’re living it right?!
Until next time…
