Summer heat especially taxing for Australians on income support: survey

Nearly a third of Australians on income support have sought medical care from heat stress because their homes are so hot in summer, a survey has revealed.

The survey conducted by anti-poverty lobby group the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) found 62 per cent of people on income support struggle to keep their homes cool.

The worst affected are more likely to be elderly, in poor health or living with a disability.

READ MORE: How to cool the house down in summer

The study said nearly three-quarters have cut back on fans and air conditioning to save on energy bills. 

Two-thirds say they have gone without food or medicine to cover electricity bills.

ACOSS quoted a disability support pension recipient named Claire who was struggling in the Perth heat.

"I have recorded indoor temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius," she said.

"It is usually 10 degrees hotter inside than outside in the evenings, and opening up the windows and doors is pointless unless there's a good breeze."

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Meanwhile, NSW Austudy recipient Liz said the cost of energy added to an already stressful situation.

"We can't go anywhere because we can't afford to pay for anything like going to the cinema," she was quoted as saying.

"I just sit in front of a fan spraying myself with water to cool down.

"Sleeping is extremely difficult."

In the major cities around Australia today, only Adelaide has hotter than usual February temperatures today.

Elsewhere, there has been some reprieve from the heatwave conditions of last week.

READ MORE: Seven simple ways to beat the heat while you sleep

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