Ceiling Insulation - Available Rebates

The Federal Government is offering a rebate of up to $1,200 (current as of 02/11/09) for all Australian householders to install ceiling insulation. This rebate is not means tested and is offered from 1 September 2009 to 31 December 2011.

Am I eligible for the Rebate?

To be eligible for the Federal Government Home Insulation Program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be the owner or tenant of the principal place of residence (can't be a holiday home or a semi-permanent building) at the time when the insulation was installed.
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or over, or a corporate entity incorporated in Australia, or tenant.
  • Must be installing new ceiling installation and not replacing existing ceiling insulation above what is deemed as having negligible effectiveness (ceiling insulation which is deemed as having negligible effectiveness if it is at or below 0.5 R-Value*).
  • Be installed in an existing dwelling (not an extension or a new dwelling covered from 2003 onwards by mandatory thermal performance requirements for new housing under the Building Code of Australia)
  • Ceiling insulation must be installed by an installer or by an individual working for, or contracted by, an installer who has the required competencies and is listed on the Installer Provider Register.
  • Ceiling insulation must be installed to the Australian Insulation installation standards AS 3999-1992
  • Be installed on or after 1 September 2009 and before Program completion.
  • Result in the Living Area being insulated to the Minimum R-Value* required under the Program.
  • Comply with the specified R-Value* for the climate zone where the dwelling is located.
  • Correctly completed and signed the relevant section of the Work Order Form*, including copies of written quotes and the tax invoice.
  • Not have applied for or been granted assistance under the Homeowner Insulation Program or the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters in relation to the dwelling.
  • Not have received or be entitled to receive assistance for the installation of Ceiling Insulation in the dwelling under any State, Territory or local government scheme which combined with any assistance under the Federal Program will result in the Householder receiving assistance in excess of the total cost of the installation of the ceiling insulation.

What if you're a landlord or tenant?

The rebate is allocated once per property. However, you can only access this rebate if you have not previously received assistance for the same property under the Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Program since 3 February 2009.

However, if you are a Tenant applying for the rebate you must have evidence of the Landlords permission (letter from Landlord or Landlord's agent) to install ceiling insulation in the house under the Home Insulation Program and to sign the Work Order Form including giving a release on the Landlord's behalf.

Things you need to know

Quotes must be written and based on a physical site inspection (unless exempted due to the dwelling be located in an isolated area). The quote must contain the following:

  • details of the insulation product type
  • the insulation R-Value*
  • total cost (GST inclusive)
  • a breakdown of the cost including price per square metre, labour and materials. Where the price per square metre exceeds the maximum recommended price specified in the pricing table for the insulation product type, an explanation of the reason(s) must be included as part of the quote.

Householders must retain copies of written quote(s), the tax invoice, completed and signed Work Order Form and any other proof of purchase documents provided to you by the Installer for Australian Government audit purposes for a period of five (5) years.

The Installer will retain their copy of the Work Order Form and they will apply for payment from the Australian Government.

For more information and to download an application form, visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency or contact the Energy Efficiency Homes Package Call Centre on 1800 808 571.

Due to the high number of people applying for the Federal Government Rebates, it can take approximately 90 days from receiving the completed application form and receipt(s) for the Federal Government to send applicants their rebate cheque.

Click here to go to the Ceiling Insulation information page, which provides more detailed information.