Mortgages are going up, the price of food is increasing and petrol is high and going higher. Any help to ease the bills is a good thing.
The NSW Government has more than 70 rebates you might be able to access to help with meeting the bills.
Energy
With energy bills people may be eligible for a Family Energy Rebate, NSW Gas Rebate, Low Income Household Rebate or an Energy Accounts Payment Assistance voucher.
You can also compare prices for energy retailers available in Broken Hill through Energy Made Easy a site that compares prices so you can find the cheapest retailer.
There is also a program to help change halogen lights to LEDs however when it was checked there didn’t appear to be any locally approved suppliers.
If you are having financial stress paying your gas or electricity bill and are experiencing a short-term financial crisis or emergency that has impacted your ability to pay your current residential energy bill (in full or in part) due to financial hardship you can apply for the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance.
Considering how cold it is recently there is also a subsidy for people with health problems that make it hard to manage their internal body temperature (up to $313) or who are on life support systems (up to $1343).
Driving
Drivers can get assistance with costs towards their licence, registration as well as free comparison on the cost of Green Slips and fuel.
If you are a first or second year apprentice you can receive an Apprentice Registration Rebate or if you are a pensioner you can get a concession on your registration and licence.
You can also get a cheaper licence renewal if you have been a safe driver.
Some people may also be eligible for a caravan or camper trailer registration.
Health
IPTASS is still available for people who need to travel for health appointments or treatment.
The NSW Spectacles Program provides glasses and visual aids to eligible recipients who might be at risk of a preventable decline in their eye health.
You can receive a pair of spectacles once every two years.
These would either be bi focals or single vision glasses.
These are available to very low income, pensioners and other income support programs.
Children
There are several programs aimed at helping with extra activities your children may like.
These include $100 voucher for Their First Lap, a learn to swim voucher to help pay for classes.
Creative Kids is for school-aged kids (4.5 to 18 years old) to get involved in creative and cultural activities.
The Active Kids program provides 2 x $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sports and active recreation costs each year.
The NSW Government has also launched Parents NSW Vouchers to reward and thank eligible NSW households for their efforts at supporting learning from home in 2021.
From February 2022, one person from each eligible household can apply for 5 x $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total.
These are in five $50 vouchers that can be used seven days a week with participating businesses.
Where do you go?
Vouchers and assistance you can call 137788, go in person to Service NSW in Bagot Street or online at www.service.nsw.gov.au and choose concessions rebates and assistance.
