Western Australian households are in line for financial relief as the state government rolls out a $700–$750 cost of living credit to combat rising electricity expenses.
This measure aims to ease the burden of inflation on residents by directly reducing power bills at crucial points during the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the eligibility, claim process, and payment schedule for this upcoming support package.
What Is the $700–$750 Cost of Living Credit?
The $700–$750 cost of living assistance is part of Western Australia’s broader energy relief initiative. It is not a cash payout but a bill credit applied directly to electricity accounts.
The credit will be delivered in two instalments to help households and businesses during peak seasonal months when energy consumption—and bills—are highest.
Key Highlights:
- $700 credit for households
- Up to $750 for eligible small businesses
- Paid over two instalments
- No need to apply for most households
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the cost of living payment, recipients must meet the basic eligibility conditions set by the WA government. The program is mainly aimed at residential electricity account holders and some small businesses.
Eligibility Table
| Eligible Group | Details |
|---|---|
| Residential Households | All residential accounts in Western Australia qualify |
| Synergy & Horizon Power Customers | Automatically receive the credit |
| Other Electricity Retail Customers | May need to apply via Revenue WA |
| Small Businesses (selective) | Must meet specific criteria; process may vary |
How to Claim the $700–$750 Credit
For the majority of Synergy and Horizon Power customers, the credit will be automatically applied. There’s no need to fill out forms or visit a service center.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Synergy/Horizon Customers:
- No action required
- Credit appears on bill automatically in two instalments
- Other Retailers:
- Visit Revenue WA or Small Business Development Corporation portals (expected in July)
- Complete the required form if your account is not with Synergy/Horizon
- Provide up-to-date billing details
- Small Businesses:
- Check eligibility with your provider
- Monitor announcements from Revenue WA for application timelines
When Will the Payment Be Applied?
The exact dates for both instalments haven’t been officially confirmed. However, the first credit is expected to land during the coldest month, and the second during the hottest month—when energy use typically spikes. Updates will be shared through electricity retailers and the government portal.
Tips to Maximize Energy Relief
Beyond this credit, Western Australians can save more by:
- Booking an energy audit to identify power-hungry appliances
- Switching to energy-efficient appliances with higher star ratings
- Comparing electricity plans for better rates
Combining these practices with the $700–$750 energy credit can significantly reduce annual power costs.
The $700–$750 cost of living payment offers vital support to help Australians cope with rising electricity prices during periods of peak demand.
For eligible households and businesses in Western Australia, this initiative provides much-needed breathing room and is a practical step toward offsetting the ongoing cost of living challenges.
Keep an eye on Revenue WA and your electricity provider for updates and make sure your account information is up to date to avoid any delays in receiving this benefit.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $700–$750 credit?
If you’re with Synergy or Horizon Power, the credit is automatic. Others may need to apply through Revenue WA.
What if I use a different energy provider?
You may need to manually apply once applications open—expected in July 2025.
Is this a cash payment?
No, it’s a bill credit applied to your electricity account, not a direct deposit or cash benefit.