As the year draws to a close, it’s not just the holiday season that should be on the minds of South Australians, especially those on low or fixed incomes. There’s a significant financial relief opportunity that’s at risk of being overlooked amidst the festive preparations and summer plans. Centrelink recipients in South Australia have until December 31 to apply for up to $1,100 in cost-of-living support, but time is running out.
The South Australian government has put forth a range of household concessions designed to ease the burden of living expenses, but these must be claimed before the year’s end.
Approximately 215,000 South Australian households, or about a quarter of the state’s total, are eligible to access these concessions. The support is particularly aimed at providing relief to older South Australians, families, single parents, and individuals with disabilities. Despite the availability of these concessions, it was reported earlier this year that thousands of eligible households had yet to apply.
Human Services Minister Nat Cook has highlighted the importance of these concessions, acknowledging that many households are ‘doing it tough with the rising cost of living.’ Minister Cook urges those who may be eligible to not delay and to apply before the December 31 deadline for the 2024-25 Cost of Living Concession.
What concessions are available, you ask? The South Australian government offers a suite of financial aid, including:
- Cost of Living: $255.60
- Energy: $274.85
- Water: up to $398.40
- Sewerage: $162.20
- Medical Heating and Cooling: $274.85
- Emergency Services Levy (fixed property): $46
In addition to these concessions, the government is also helping to make public transport more accessible. Over 400,000 Seniors Card members already enjoy free public transport, and from January 1, 2025, this benefit will extend to all individuals with Centrelink Health Care Cards.
Families haven’t been forgotten either. The Sports Voucher program will provide two $100 grants in 2025 to assist with the costs of children’s extracurricular activities. Furthermore, the materials and services charge subsidy for government schools will significantly increase to $200 per child from 2025.
Eligibility for these concessions varies, but generally, you will need to hold an eligible concession card, receive a qualifying Centrelink payment, or be on a low income. This includes holders of the pensioner concession card, veteran gold card, low-income health care card, and commonwealth seniors health card. Eligible Centrelink payments include JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, and ABSTUDY.
Applying is straightforward: you can do so online or by calling the Concessions SA hotline on 1800 307 758 to request an application form be posted to you.
Have you already applied for these concessions? How did you find the process? We encourage you to share your experience in the comments to assist others.
Also read: Your guide to Centrelink payment and reporting dates over the Christmas period
