In response to escalating living costs, the South Australian government has introduced a comprehensive suite of concessions, offering eligible households up to $1,100 in financial relief. These measures aim to alleviate the financial strain on low and fixed-income residents, including seniors, families, single parents, and individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for these concessions, households must meet specific criteria as of July 1, 2024:
- Concession Cards: Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran Gold Card, Low Income Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are eligible.
- Centrelink Payments: Recipients of payments such as JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, or ABSTUDY qualify.
- Income Thresholds: Self-funded retirees and low-income earners meeting designated income thresholds are also eligible.
Available Concessions
The government provides various concessions to assist with essential household expenses:
- Cost of Living: A payment of $255.60 to offset general living expenses.
- Energy: $274.85 to help cover electricity and gas bills.
- Water: Up to $398.40 to assist with water costs.
- Sewerage: $162.20 to alleviate sewerage expenses.
- Medical Heating and Cooling: $274.85 for households with medical needs requiring temperature control.
- Emergency Services Levy: A $46 concession on the levy.
Additional Support for Families
Beyond these concessions, the government has implemented programs to support families:
- Sports Voucher Program: In 2025, each child will receive two $100 vouchers to assist with costs related to sports and extracurricular activities.
- School Subsidies: The materials and services charge subsidy for children in government schools will double to $200 per child starting in 2025.
Application Process
Eligible households are encouraged to apply before the December 31, 2024, deadline:
- Online: Applications can be submitted through the Concessions SA portal at www.sa.gov.au/concessions.
- By Phone: Call the Concessions SA hotline at 1800 307 758 to request an application form by post.
Applicants should ensure they have necessary documentation, such as proof of income and relevant concession cards, to facilitate the process.
| Type of Relief | Maximum Payment Amount | Eligibility Criteria | Application Method | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | $255.60 | Holders of eligible concession cards or recipients of specified Centrelink payments | Online or Phone | General living expenses support |
| Energy | $274.85 | Same as above | Online or Phone | Assistance with electricity and gas bills |
| Water | Up to $398.40 | Same as above | Online or Phone | Support for water costs |
| Sewerage | $162.20 | Same as above | Online or Phone | Alleviation of sewerage expenses |
These initiatives reflect the South Australian government’s commitment to supporting its residents during challenging economic times.
By providing targeted financial assistance, the government aims to reduce financial stress and ensure households can access essential services and opportunities. Eligible residents are urged to apply promptly to take advantage of this support.
Who is eligible for the $1,100 cost of living payment?
Eligibility includes holders of specific concession cards, recipients of certain Centrelink payments, and low-income earners meeting designated income thresholds.
How can I apply for these concessions?
Applications can be submitted online via the Concessions SA portal or by calling the Concessions SA hotline to request a postal application form.
What is the deadline for application?
The application deadline is December 31, 2024.
