What Government Insulation Rebates Are Available in 2025/2026?

Upgrading or installing insulation is one of the fastest ways for Australian households to cut energy bills and improve comfort. If you’re asking “are there any rebates for insulation?” the short answer is: yes – but what’s available depends on your state or territory, whether you rent or own, and whether you qualify for social-housing/low-income programs. Below is a state-by-state guide to the main programs, with direct links to the official pages so you can check eligibility and apply.

Federal Programs (Applies Australia-Wide)

The Australian Government is supporting household energy upgrades via a number of initiatives rather than a single national “home insulation scheme”. The Energy Bill Relief Fund provides automatic bill credits for most households (up to $150 in 2025), while larger programs and funding rounds (Household Energy Upgrades Fund; Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative) subsidise insulation and other thermal-shell upgrades – often delivered in partnership with states and social housing providers. For an overview of federal supports and links to state programs, see energy.gov.au.

Victoria

Victoria has moved fastest toward a household insulation offer. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program will introduce insulation discounts from early 2026, reducing the upfront cost of ceiling insulation for eligible households (the government has said discounts will halve typical install costs for many homes). This is being rolled out as a VEU activity – keep an eye on the Victorian Energy website for exact start dates and eligibility.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW does not currently run a wide, untargeted statewide “insulation rebate” for all homeowners, but it runs multiple programs and funding streams that cover ceiling insulation as part of targeted home upgrade packages – especially for low-income households and social housing. The NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) and recent state/federal funded social-housing upgrade programs include insulation as an eligible measure; individual councils or community programs may offer additional top-ups. For the latest local offers, check the NSW government energy pages.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT’s Home Energy Support program explicitly lists ceiling insulation rebates among eligible measures (alongside rooftop solar, heat pumps and reverse-cycle systems). ACT homeowners may be eligible for rebates of up to several thousand dollars depending on the pathway and eligibility. See ACT Climate Choices for full details.

Queensland

Queensland provides targeted support rather than a broad universal insulation rebate. The state participates in the federal Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative and runs programs and concession supports (including advice on home energy savings). Some local council or community schemes may provide insulation rebates or low-interest loans – check the QLD government’s home energy pages and local council sites:

Western Australia

WA offers Energy Ahead (formerly Household Energy Efficiency Scheme) and is part of the federal/state Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative – those programs fund thermal-shell upgrades (including ceiling insulation) in social housing and sometimes for eligible households. Check the WA government Energy Ahead pages for current household offers and eligibility.

South Australia

SA has a mixture of state and local incentives. While there’s no single universal insulation rebate for all homeowners, the Social Housing Energy Efficiency Program and some council-level sustainability incentive schemes (e.g., City of Adelaide) include insulation rebates or cashback for eligible residents. Homeowners should check both state pages and local council schemes.

Tasmania

Tasmania runs energy-efficiency supports (including the Energy Saver Loan Scheme and Homes Tasmania programs) that promote and subsidise insulation in eligible homes. Tasmanian programs frequently combine low-interest finance and targeted grants for thermal upgrades. See ReCFIT / Homes Tasmania for details.

Northern Territory

The NT has participated in federal social-housing upgrades and coordinates delivery of Commonwealth rebates (and the federal Energy Bill Relief extension) for residents. Social housing programs in the NT include thermal upgrades; for household-level rebates check the NT government pages.

How These Rebates Typically Work

• Targeting: Many rebates are targeted to low-income households, renters (via landlord programs), or social housing rather than universally available to every homeowner.
• Delivery: Programs can be direct cash rebates, discounts applied by accredited installers (e.g., VEU in Victoria), loan products, or grants delivered through councils or social-housing agencies.
• Eligibility & application: you’ll usually need proof of residency, concession card or income criteria (for means-tested offers), and to use accredited installers for safety & warranty. Always follow the program’s official page for application steps.

Quick FAQs

Q: Are there any rebates for insulation?

Yes – but they vary by state/territory and often target low-income or social-housing households. Victoria is introducing VEU insulation discounts from early 2026; ACT, TAS and some councils offer explicit insulation rebates; other states include insulation within targeted upgrade programs. For a national overview, check energy.gov.au.

Q: What’s the best place to start?

Start with energy.gov.au/rebates and your own state or territory energy/climate website (links used above). That will show federal programs plus the state-managed schemes and local council incentives.