Energy Supplement rates 2026
Energy Supplement
Energy Supplement per fortnight
Effective 20 September 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia · What changed on 20 September 2026
The Energy Supplement is a small extra amount paid with most income support payments to help with energy costs. It was introduced in 2014 as compensation for costs linked to the carbon price. You do not claim it on its own; it is added automatically to a main payment such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker or Youth Allowance. It is paid by Services Australia through Centrelink.
The Energy Supplement is unusual in one way: it has never been indexed. While the payments it rides along with go up at each indexation, the Energy Supplement has stayed at the same amounts since it was introduced. This page explains how it works, who gets it, and the one group of cases where a continuity rule applies.
Full Energy Supplement rate table
| Payment | Variant | Energy Supplement /fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Single | $14.10 |
| Disability Support Pension | Single | $14.10 |
| Carer Payment | Single | $14.10 |
| Age Pension | Couple (each) | $10.60 |
| Disability Support Pension | Couple (each) | $10.60 |
| Carer Payment | Couple (each) | $10.60 |
| Age Pension | Couple (combined) | $21.20 |
| Disability Support Pension | Couple (combined) | $21.20 |
| Carer Payment | Couple (combined) | $21.20 |
| Age Pension | Transitional rate — Single | $14.10 |
| Age Pension | Transitional rate — Couple (each) | $10.60 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, no dependent children | $8.80 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, with dependent children | $9.50 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $9.50 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $12.00 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $9.50 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $9.50 |
| JobSeeker Payment | Partnered (each) | $7.90 |
| Parenting Payment (single) | Single principal carer | $12.00 |
| Parenting Payment (partnered) | Partnered (each) | $7.90 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $12.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $8.80 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, with children | $9.50 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Aged 55 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $9.50 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children | $7.90 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), with children | $7.90 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Under 18, living at home | $3.90 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | Under 18, living at home | $3.90 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Under 18, living away from home | $7.00 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | Under 18, living away from home | $7.00 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | 18 or over, living away from home | $7.00 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | 18 or over, living away from home | $7.00 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | 18 or over, living at home | $4.60 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | 18 or over, living at home | $4.60 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Single, with children | $9.20 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | Single, with children | $9.20 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Partnered, no children | $7.00 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | Partnered, no children | $7.00 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Partnered, with children | $7.70 |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers) | Partnered, with children | $7.70 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Special rate — Single, living at home | $5.70 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Special rate — Single, living away from home | $8.60 |
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) | Special rate — Partnered, no children | $7.70 |
| Austudy | Single, no children | $7.00 |
| Austudy | Single, with children | $9.20 |
| Austudy | Partnered, with children | $7.70 |
| Austudy | Partnered, no children | $7.00 |
| Austudy | Special rate — Single, no children | $8.60 |
| Austudy | Special rate — Partnered, no children | $7.70 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Standard — Under 16, tertiary | $0.50 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Standard — 16 to 17 years | $3.90 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Standard — 18 to 21 years | $4.60 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — Under 16 | $3.90 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — 16 to 17 | $3.90 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — 18 to 21 | $4.60 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | In state care (no Foster Care Allowance) — Under 16 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | In state care (no Foster Care Allowance) — 16 to 21 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Away from home — Under 16 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Away from home — 16 to 21 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single, no children — Under 16 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single, no children — 16 to 21 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single — Under 16, at home | $3.90 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single — 16 to 17, at home | $3.90 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single — 18 to 21, at home | $4.60 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent partnered, no children — Under 16 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent partnered, no children — 16 to 21 | $7.00 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single with dependent child — Under 16 | $9.20 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent single with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $9.20 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent partnered with dependent child — Under 16 | $7.70 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | Independent partnered with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $7.70 |
| Disability Support Pension (under 21) | Single, under 18 — Dependent (at home) | $5.90 |
| Disability Support Pension (under 21) | Single, under 18 — Independent | $9.10 |
| Disability Support Pension (under 21) | Single, 18–20 — Dependent (at home) | $6.60 |
| Disability Support Pension (under 21) | Single, 18–20 — Independent | $9.10 |
| Disability Support Pension (under 21) | Member of a couple | $9.10 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | under-13 | $3.50 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | 13-15 | $4.48 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | 16-19-student | $4.48 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | approved-care-org | $0.98 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | base | $1.40 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Pension — Single — Resident (common pension rate) · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident (common pension rate) · derived: 2 × Couple (each) — DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Transitional Pension — Single — Resident · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Transitional Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the activity test due to foster caring, non‑parent relative caring under a court order, home schooling, distance education or large family · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Partnered (each) · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Parenting Payment Single · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Parenting Payment Partnered · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Youth Allowance — Single — Principal carer (exempt from the activity test) · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Single — Independent — Aged 22 or over — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Single — Independent — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Single — Independent — Aged 55 or over — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Partnered (each) — Independent — Aged 22 or over — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Partnered (each) — Independent — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Youth Allowance — Maximum basic rate; Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Youth Allowance — Special rate (long-term unemployed or migrant English students aged 22 or over commencing full-time study); Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Austudy — Maximum basic rate; Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Austudy — Maximum basic rate (special rate); Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — ABSTUDY — Living Allowance rates; Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Disability Support Pension — under 21, no dependent children — Maximum rates; Pharmaceutical Allowance from the same list; Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 July 2026 — Family Tax Benefit (Part A)
The Energy Supplement is a set amount that depends on which payment it is attached to and whether you are single or partnered. It appears as a separate line in the rate table on each payment page, so you can see exactly how much of a payment's total is Energy Supplement.
Because the amount depends on the host payment, there is no single Energy Supplement figure. Look at the payment you receive to see the Energy Supplement that applies to it.
Energy Supplement in 2026
Energy Supplement amounts are fixed: none changed at the 4 indexation dates of 2026 (1 January 2026, 20 March 2026, 1 July 2026, 20 September 2026).
How much Energy Supplement pays
The Energy Supplement amount depends on which payment it is paid with and whether you are single or partnered. Each payment page shows the Energy Supplement as a separate line in its rate table.
The Energy Supplement does not increase at indexation. It has been frozen at the same amounts since it was introduced in 2014, so unlike the rest of a payment, the Energy Supplement line does not change on the indexation dates.
| Situation | Payment |
|---|---|
| Single pensioner | $14.10 a fortnight |
| Single pensioner, over a year | $366.60 a year |
| JobSeeker, single, no children | $8.80 a fortnight |
| JobSeeker, single, over a year | $228.80 a year |
Amounts are per fortnight and fixed. The yearly figure is 26 fortnights.
- A single pensioner's $14.10 is $5.30 more than the $8.80 paid with JobSeeker to a single person with no children.
- Across the payments on this site the fortnightly amounts range from $0.50, the lowest, to $14.10, the highest.
What this means
The Energy Supplement is paid every two weeks as part of a main payment. If you receive an income support payment, such as a pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY or Parenting Payment, the Energy Supplement is included automatically. There is no separate claim and no extra test.
It began in 2014 as compensation for costs linked to the carbon price. When it was introduced it was expected to be a permanent add-on, but its indexation was removed, so it has stayed frozen at the same amounts ever since. Over time, that freeze means it makes up a smaller and smaller share of each payment.
There is one continuity rule to know about, and it does not apply to income support payments. Family Tax Benefit recipients and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders are only paid the Energy Supplement if they have maintained their eligibility since 19 September 2016. Families and card holders whose eligibility started after that date generally do not receive it.
On the rate tables across this site, the Energy Supplement is always shown as its own line, separate from the basic rate. That is so you can see which part of a total rises at indexation and which part stays frozen.
Who can get Energy Supplement
If you receive an income support payment, the Energy Supplement is paid with it automatically; there is nothing to claim. For Family Tax Benefit recipients and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, a continuity rule applies: the Energy Supplement is only paid if you have maintained eligibility since 19 September 2016.
This page explains how the Energy Supplement works. It does not decide your claim. To see the Energy Supplement that applies to your own payment, check that payment's page and the official Services Australia page linked here.
Related
- 20 September 2026 indexationEvery payment, old against new
- Payment dates 2026Cycles and public holidays
Energy Supplement: common questions
- How much is the Energy Supplement?
- There is no single amount. The Energy Supplement is a set figure that depends on which payment it is paid with and whether you are single or partnered. Each payment page on this site shows the Energy Supplement as a separate line in its rate table.
- Do I need to claim the Energy Supplement?
- No. If you receive an income support payment, the Energy Supplement is included automatically. The only continuity rule applies to Family Tax Benefit recipients and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, who are only paid it if they have maintained eligibility since 19 September 2016.
- Does the Energy Supplement go up at indexation?
- No. The Energy Supplement has been frozen at the same amounts since it was introduced in 2014. When a payment is indexed, its basic rate and other supplements may rise, but the Energy Supplement line stays the same.
- Why was the Energy Supplement introduced?
- It was introduced in 2014 as compensation for household costs linked to the carbon price. The carbon price was later repealed, but the supplement continued for income support recipients, frozen at its original amounts.
- Is the Energy Supplement paid on its own?
- No. The Energy Supplement is added to a main payment, such as a pension, an allowance or Family Tax Benefit. You cannot claim it by itself. The amount that applies to your payment is shown on that payment's page.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates effective 20 September 2026 · a fixed amount, not indexed. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.