The Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme helps with electricity costs for people who have a chronic medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis, autonomic system dysfunction, significant burns or a severe inflammatory skin condition, which is aggravated by changes in temperature. It currently provides $340.85 (including GST) per year to eligible applicants (eligibility is reviewed every two years).


To be eligible you must:

  • be a Queensland resident and
  • have a qualifying medical condition and need cooling or heating to stop your  symptoms becoming significantly worse. Qualifying medical conditions include: 
    • multiple sclerosis
    • autonomic system dysfunction
    • loss of skin integrity or sweating capacity
    • severe compromise of functioning such as mobility at extremes of environmental temperature
    • hypersensitivity to extremes of environmental temperature leading to increased pain or other discomfort or an increased risk of complications and
  • live at your principal place of residence, which has an air-conditioning or heating unit.

The applicant and/or legal guardian of a minor with a qualifying medical condition must:

  • hold a current Pensioner Concession Card or a current Health Care Card and
  • be financially responsible for paying the electricity bill.

If you are already receiving the Electricity Rebate or other energy concessions, you can still apply for this concession.


Full details of eligibility for the concession including qualifying medical conditions, are listed on the application form. Your medical specialist must fill out the medical certification section.


How to apply:


To apply, complete the MCHECS application form:

And post your application to the address listed on the form.

If you do not have access to a printer, email concessions@smartservice.qld.gov.au to be sent a copy.

If your application is successful, you'll receive $340.85 per year, with $85.22 paid into your bank account each quarter.