Massive government rebates, discounts Queenslanders can claim

There are lots of rebates and discounts Queenslanders can get right now to save thousands of dollars. See the full list on how you can save on day-to-day expenses.

Queenslanders can make their money stretch further with support from the state government.

A host of rebates and concessions are available to help cover the cost of utilities, council rates, vehicle registration and educational costs – to name a few.

These savings could add up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, for people who are eligible.

See the list below for how you can save on day-to-day living expenses.

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Households will get a $175 Cost of Living Rebate from September, to help cover cost of power bills. Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement alongside Treasurer Cameron Dick and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni, to increase the state’s support, up from $50. This is in addition to any other energy rebate households may be eligible for.

Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni announces a $175 Cost of Living rebate for residents. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Pensioners and seniors may be able to claim the Electricity Rebate of $372.20 a year and the Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate of $80.77 a year. You can apply through your provider. A separate rebate system applies to people who live in residential park homes or multi-unit residential premises.

Those experiencing difficulties paying for their electricity or gas bill as a result of an emergency or recent short-term financial crisis may be eligible for support up to $720 to help pay bills, through the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme. Conditions apply.

Eligible pensioners who live in the South East Queensland Water Grid can receive up to $120 a year off the cost of water usage and access charges. Contact provider to apply.

EDUCATION

The Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme provides a subsidy to help cover costs, which is paid directly to approved program providers.

Queensland parents of young children can benefit from a childcare subsidy.

There are several ways remote families can access support to cover education costs. Some options include the Living Away from Home Allowances Scheme (LAHAS) or Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme (AICS). The subsidy rates for LAHAS varies depending on the type of allowance but can be up to $4063, and up to $11,396 for AICS boarding fees. There additional support for travel costs as well. Students who attend the School of Distance Education may be able to get support to cover cost of computer equipment through the Distance Education ICT Subsidy Scheme.

Families with children in high school may be able to get support up to $295 a year for each student to help cover cost of textbooks and learning resources. The amount depends on the student’s school year.

There are scholarships available for students, predominantly Year 12 students to help with tertiary education costs.

Families with children may be able to get almost $300 a year to help with cost of textbooks.

School students with a disability that needs transport between school and home may be able to get financial assistance. The application must be approved by the Education Department.

Children may be able to get support to participate in sports through FairPlay, which provides vouchers to parents/carers up to $150. You must register online and redeem vouchers through a list of activity providers.

HEALTH

People who with a specific medical condition that requires running heating or cooling devices may be eligible to receive $372.21 a year towards bills. Conditions apply and it must be signed off by medical specialist.

Similarly, those needing to run life-support equipment at home may be eligible for $507.65 a year for each kidney dialysis machine used, as well as $758.04 a year for each oxygen concentrator. The machines must be provided by the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) or Queensland Health.

The MASS also helps provide a subsidy to cover costs of gear such as mobility aids, spectacles and artificial limbs for eligible people.

For those who need to run cooling or heating equipment for special conditions, they may be eligible to claim $372.21 a year to help cover power bills.

Queenslanders who require special medical equipment, such as dialysis machines, may be able to claim about $500 a year to help with running costs. Picture: Brendan Radke

Eligible residents may be able to get free public dental care. Conditions apply.

Those who are deaf or hearing-impaired may be eligible for a subsidy to help pay for a specialty smoke alarm, thanks to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Patients referred to a medical specialist not available in their local area may be eligible to apply for a subsidy to help with travel, such as airfares or personal car, and accommodation costs. A subsidy of up to $60 a person each night is available for hotel stays, as part of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme. Conditions apply.

People with a disability or condition that restricts day-to-day living may be able to get support to stay at home. Home Assist Secure helps those 60-plus who are eligible with contributing to the costs of home maintenance, repairs, minor modifications. NDIS Assistance Technology may also provide some support.

TRANSPORT

People with severe disabilities may be able to get a 50 per cent discount of the cost of taxi journeys through the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, which will pay up to a maximum of $30 a trip. You must apply to be a member to receive the discount. There is additional support if the person requires a wheelchair accessible taxi.

People with disabilities may be able to get a discount on taxi fares. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Pension card holders or farmers may be get a discount on the cost of registering a boat or vehicle. Conditions apply.

Discounted public transport is also available.

HOUSING

Renters may be able to get an interest-free, fee-free Bond Loan to cover the bond for private rentals. The loan amount is for a maximum of four weeks rent. There is also the Bond Loan Plus, which provides a maximum of six weeks rent, or Rental Grant, which is a one-off payment for two weeks rent for people in a housing crisis. Conditions apply.

Queensland first home buyers may be able to get $15,000 towards the cost of buying or building a new home. Picture: Brendan Radke

First home buyers may be able to get $15,000 towards the cost of buying or building a new home, valued at less than $750,000.

Homeowners may also be able to get a concession or exemption on the transfer duty. First homeowners may not have to pay stamp duty fees, depending on the value of their home. For those who have owned a home before, they may be eligible for a discount on transfer duty for the first $350,000, potentially saving buyers up to $7175. Conditions apply.

Eligible people may be able to receive up to $1500 to update smoke alarms to meet the standards under the Fire and Emergency Services Act.

Originally published as Massive government rebates, discounts Queenslanders can claim