Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) 101-17061500

Item

Frequently asked questions

1

Why are recipients of other payment types such as Parenting Payment Partnered, Newstart Allowance and Carers Payment not eligible for the 2017 EAP?

• The Government recognised that single parents need a higher level of income support to maintain at least a basic standard of living, therefore extra assistance for these parents is provided where possible
• Couples have considerable financial advantages from living together and are able to share the costs of living and raising children. Single parents on income support do not have such advantages
• Newstart Allowance is a payment provided to those who have the capacity to work. It is not intended that someone be reliant on this payment for long periods of time
• Recipients of Carer Payment already receive additional assistance through the Carer Supplement (CS)

2

If the Energy Supplement is being phased out, why is the government making the EAP payment?

The Energy Supplement was introduced to support people who may have been adversely affected by the Carbon Tax. The Carbon Tax has been abolished and so it makes sense to get rid of its associated supplement

The EAP is designed to help eligible pensioners and allowees to help pay for increasing energy costs.

3

What happens if a recipient is eligible for the EAP from both Services Australia and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)?

• There is a limit of 1 payment of the EAP per eligible person
• The customer will receive the payment from DVA
• Subsequent payments will be made after a check between Services Australia and DVA to ensure the other hasn't already paid the EAP