Australia’s Insulation Rebate and How It Affects You by Simon Shannon

Australia’s Insulation Rebate and How It Affects You
by: Simon Shannon

Many Australians have questions about the insulation rebate that the Rudd government has initiated as part of a government stimulus package. This package is meant to stimulate the Australian economy, and hopefully lessen the negative effects of a recession. 2.2 million households are slated to receive free ceiling insulation, with a value for each home that goes up to $1600.00.

The money for this will be available as a rebate, which is a refund of some of the amount that you paid for the insulation. In addition, 500,000 people who are the owners of rental property will receive a $500 higher insulation subsidy for the houses on their property, which adds up to a total of $1000 per house.

The main question the curious seek an answer to is whether or not they are eligible for this particular part of the package, and if they are, what do they have to do to get their fair share of it! In order to be eligible for these insulation incentives, you need to be either a resident of Australia, or a permanent resident of the country. You also must be 18 years of age, or older.

Eligibility also requires that you must own your own home as well as live in it. If by chance you already have ceiling insulation, you are not eligible for the rebate. New homes that are in the planning stages, or are in the process of being built or any additions to an already finished house are not included in this insulation rebate.

Homeowners must have insulation installed in a house that already has been built and is presently occupied. This installation must take place between 3 February and 30 June 2009. If by chance you have already made use of Australia’s solar hot water rebate program since the program amount was changed in February of 2009, you will not be eligible for the insulation rebate.

You will be required to fill out an application to receive a rebate for the installation of ceiling insulation in your home, and this application must be turned in within six months of the time you purchased both the insulation and hired the labour to have it installed. You must keep the tax invoices from your purchase of materials and the fee for installation, and these must be turned in with your application, along with two estimates that meet the above date requirements. Early installation guidelines were released to the Australian public on 26 February 2009. Therefore, if you had insulation installed anytime from 3 February 2009 to 26 February 2009, the two estimates are not required.

You will have to make arrangements to have the ceiling of your home insulation installed by someone who is authorised to do this kind of work. These installers must own or be employed by a business that regularly does thermal insulation. After 1 July 2009, all a homeowner needs to do is give the free hotline a ring (1800 808 571) and book a block of time for a professional installer to come to your home. This professional will check out your home to see what kind of insulation will be needed, and will then be able to install your insulation needs for you promptly and courteously.

About The Author

Unlike other insulation providers who are bounded to one product, Aussie Insulations Specialists has the flexiblity to use insulation best suited to your circumstances. We specialise in energy efficient insulation for your home. For more information, visit http://www.aussieinsulations.com.au