Queensland Government Rebates and Concessions – What you need to know
The Queensland Government offers a range of concessions and subsidies to help people living with a disability and/or chronic disease.
Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme
The Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme helps with electricity costs for people who have a chronic medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis that is affected by changes in temperature.
The scheme currently provides approximately $340.85 (including GST) per year to eligible applicants (eligibility is reviewed every two years).
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
The Essential Medical Equipment Payment is a yearly payment to help with energy costs to run medical equipment or medically required heating or cooling.
The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)
The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) provides financial assistance for patients who are referred to specialist medical services not available at their local public hospital or health facility.
Eligible patients can apply for a subsidy to assist with travel and accommodation costs of accessing specialist medical services.
Patients approved for PTSS will receive a subsidy to attend the closest public hospital or health facility where the specialist medical treatment is available. Patients travelling to access private specialist services may be eligible for a subsidy if the service is not available within 50 kilometres of the patient’s closest public hospital or health facility.
The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) subsidises taxi travel—half of the total fare, up to a maximum of $25 per trip—for people with severe disabilities. Taxi Subsidy Scheme membership lasts for a maximum of 5 years. If you have a temporary disability, membership could be from 6 to 12 months.
Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)
MASS provides funding for medical aids and equipment to people who have a permanent and stabilised condition or a disability. The scheme helps people to live at home and avoid early or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation.
The types of aids and equipment funded under MASS include:
- Communication aids
- Continence aids
- Daily living and mobility aids
- Home oxygen
- Medical grade footwear
- Orthoses
- Spectacles
- Artificial limbs
Home Assist Secure provides safety related referrals and subsidised assistance to people aged 60 years and over, or people with a disability who are unable to undertake or pay for critical maintenance services to their homes.
If eligible, you may receive a financial contribution towards labour costs for minor home maintenance or modifications relating to your health, safety or security which are required, so that you can remain in your home.
Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK)
The MLAK opens all toilets, playgrounds and other facilities which are fitted with the specially designed lock. This includes most council and government owned facilities.
Ergon Energy PeakSmart air conditioning program
The Ergon Energy PeakSmart air conditioning program provides Queensland households and businesses connected to Ergon’s network with financial incentives of up to $400 for purchasing and installing a PeakSmart air conditioner or converting an existing air conditioner to PeakSmart.
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