To combat rising energy costs, the Australian Government has launched its largest-ever energy relief effort: the $790 Electricity Relief Grant, officially processed in April 2025.
This initiative aims to provide critical support to households nationwide, helping millions offset high electricity bills.
Overview of the $790 Electricity Grant
The grant is a one-time payment administered by the Department of Energy and Climate Transition (DECT) and will be distributed through the MyGov portal or direct deposit.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be an Australian resident with a valid Medicare card |
| Property | Must apply to your primary residence (not investment properties) |
| Income Limit | Under $120,000 (individuals) or $180,000 (couples) |
| Electricity Account | Must be active in your name by January 15, 2025 |
| Billing Requirement | At least one bill paid between July 2024 and March 2025 |
Additionally, recipients of specific Centrelink benefits are automatically qualified:
- Age Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Family Tax Benefit (Part A and B)
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Payment Schedule: April–May 2025
The rollout of the payments began April 1, 2025, with a phased approach:
| Date Range | Who Receives Payment |
|---|---|
| April 5–12 | Automatic payments to government benefit recipients |
| April 13–20 | Pre-approved applicants who applied before March 15 |
| April 21–30 | Approved applicants who applied between March 16–31 |
| May 1–15 | Late applications and special cases |
More than 65% of eligible households are expected to receive funds by mid-April.
How to Check Your Claim Status
Staying informed is simple with these official tools:
1. MyGov Portal
- Login at my.gov.au
- Navigate to “Services” > “Energy Relief Program”
- Click “Check Application Status”
2. Energy Relief Program App
- Available for both iOS and Android
- Offers real-time updates and push notifications
3. Phone Verification
- Dial 1800-ENERGY (1800-363-749)
- Use your Tax File Number and date of birth
4. In-Person Support
- Visit any Services Australia centre with valid ID for assistance
Understanding Application Status
When reviewing your claim, you may see one of the following messages:
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Approved – Payment Scheduled | Payment is approved and date confirmed |
| Under Review | Application is being assessed |
| Additional Information Required | Action needed before processing continues |
| Payment Issued | Funds have been sent |
| Ineligible | You did not meet eligibility criteria |
Common Application Issues & Fixes
A small percentage of applications may experience delays due to:
Bank Account Errors
Incorrect or outdated banking details can delay payment. Update info via MyGov or phone.
Identity Verification
Roughly 3% of applicants require additional ID checks. Instructions are provided via MyGov or email.
Duplicate Applications
Only one claim per household is allowed. DECT automatically identifies the primary electricity account holder.
Address Verification
Applicants with multiple properties may need to upload a recent utility bill to confirm their primary residence.
Special Circumstances Covered
The program offers flexibility for households facing unique challenges:
- Remote Areas: Relaxed documentation requirements
- Recent Migrants: Alternative ID verification if residency granted after July 2024
- Natural Disaster Victims: Expedited processing
- Off-Grid Homes: Considered for alternative energy arrangements
Dedicated teams review these cases to ensure swift action.
Fraud Prevention Measures
DECT has implemented advanced fraud safeguards, including:
- Cross-checks with ATO and property records
- Electricity account validation
- AI-based fraud detection
- Random post-payment audits
Over $32 million in attempted fraudulent claims have been successfully blocked.
What’s Next After the $790 Grant?
Additional energy assistance programs are planned for late 2025, including:
- Home energy efficiency rebates (launching September)
- Solar subsidies for renters
- Small business electricity relief schemes
- Community energy independence initiatives
Details will be released in the upcoming August 2025 Federal Budget.
The $790 Electricity Relief Grant is a timely intervention to ease financial strain from surging energy costs. With payments underway throughout April 2025, most eligible Australians should see funds in their accounts shortly.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check claim status through MyGov, the mobile app, or by calling 1800-ENERGY.
FAQs
Who automatically qualifies for the $790 electricity grant?
Pensioners, JobSeeker recipients, and Family Tax Benefit recipients are automatically eligible.
What if I haven’t received my payment by the end of April?
Check your status via MyGov or contact 1800-ENERGY for assistance.
Can I still apply if I missed the March 31 deadline?
Late applications are processed from May 1–15, especially for special circumstances.