As many as 70,000 seniors have missed a major cost-of-living aid plan for the New South Wales government, some say they had no idea what savings were being offered.
The $ 200 energy discount for seniors is one of 70 support programs available through Service NSW, often referred to by the Prime Minister, in response to questions about rising inflation rates.
However, labor analysis shows that only 26 percent of eligible self-funded retirees actually received the benefit during the last fiscal year.
The energy discount for seniors can be found on the Service NSW app or website. (9 News)
“There’s a pattern here, the government is announcing a package, but it’s not promoting it. A lot of people have no idea they’re entitled to these payments,” said opposition leader Chris Minns.
In 2020-21, about 70,000 eligible customers were left without, with about $ 14 million left in government coffers.
Minns met with self-funded retirees Wendy and Kim Stevenson at their Panania home this week, alerting them to the discount they had missed.
“We know that now and we’ll have to figure out how to access it,” Stevenson said.
The two’s grandparents told 9News they looked at the NSW Service app after learning of the deal and couldn’t see any links.
“I looked yesterday to see if it was there,” Stevenson said.
“It’s not easy to find anyway.”
Retired Wendy and Kim Stevenson had no idea of the energy rebate for seniors. (9 News)
The Energy Discount for the Elderly is a cash-back scheme, which offers eligible self-funded retirees a $ 200 return per home per year to help cover electricity costs.
Bills are about to skyrocket, with price increases of up to 18 per cent approved for parts of Sydney, starting next month, and the Stevensons are wary of reducing their use.
“My mom was always‘ turning off the lights ’and I hate all that, but I’ll have to be more aware of that kind of thing, without leaving things on,” Stevenson said.
Minns called on the government to increase its promotion of aid plans.
“We have a cost-of-living crisis at the end of 2022 and all political leaders need to focus on it,” Minns said.
The government seeks to improve communication on these schemes. (9 News)
The Minister of Customer Service is committed to trying to improve communication through the Service NSW app.
“It’s more than just $ 200 you can save, it’s up to $ 770 on average a week to save,” Victor Dominello said.
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