Starting January 1, 2025, the South Australian government will implement significant changes to its cost-of-living relief programs, benefiting thousands of low-income residents.
Among the most notable changes, renters in shared accommodations will now be eligible for the $255.60 cost-of-living concession and energy support.
These changes follow a government review that identified outdated eligibility rules, particularly regarding housemate income, that were excluding many from receiving assistance.
Addressing Ineligibility Issues for Renters
Under the previous system, renters were often disqualified from receiving energy concessions if their housemate earned as little as $3,000 annually, or excluded from the cost-of-living concession if their housemate made more than $24,000.
The new guidelines will eliminate these restrictions, broadening access to financial support for more South Australians, particularly those living with housemates.
Government’s $255.60 Cost-of-Living Concession and Energy Support
The South Australian government has made a concerted effort to update its cost-of-living support, recognizing that the old rules were overly complicated and left many people without much-needed assistance.
One of the key issues identified was that low-income renters, especially those in shared housing, were being unfairly denied support based on their housemate’s income.
Removal of the Housemate Income Rule
Beginning in January 2025, South Australians living in shared households will no longer face penalties based on their housemate’s income.
This change will make it easier for renters to access energy concessions and the $255.60 cost-of-living concession.
For example:
- Energy Concession: Previously, renters lost the energy concession if their housemate earned as little as $3,000 annually.
- Cost-of-Living Concession: Renters were excluded from this $255.60 concession if their housemate earned more than $24,000.
This rule change will make the system more equitable and allow more low-income renters to access the relief they need.
Increased Support for Vulnerable Groups
The government’s new rules also extend support to other vulnerable groups.
These changes include:
Support for Age Pensioners
Previously, age pensioners risked losing concessions if an adult child moved back into the household and worked part-time.
The updated rules will ensure that these individuals continue to receive assistance, even if they share a home with an employed adult child.
Support for Rooming Houses
In the past, only one resident of a rooming house could claim the cost-of-living concession, despite many residents being on low incomes.
The updated rules will allow more residents of rooming houses to access this vital financial relief.
Government’s Financial Investment in Concessions
The South Australian government has committed a substantial amount of funding since the 2022 election to improve cost-of-living relief.
This includes:
- Doubling the Cost-of-Living Concession: The cost-of-living concession has been doubled to align with the assistance given to homeowners.
- Increased Energy Bill Support: Additional funds have been allocated to assist with rising energy costs, helping to ease the financial burden on low-income households.
Minister Nat Cook emphasized that the goal is to make accessing these concessions simpler, fairer, and more consistent, acknowledging the financial pressures low-income renters face, especially in the current economic climate.
Eligibility and Important Deadlines
South Australians who believe they are eligible for the $255.60 cost-of-living concession must apply before the December 31, 2024 deadline. Here are the important details:
Eligibility Criteria
- Pensioners, Centrelink recipients, and low-income earners are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must live in South Australia and meet the income criteria.
- Shared housing and transitional housing residents can also apply.
The government urges all eligible individuals to submit their applications before the deadline to ensure they do not miss out on this essential financial support.
Tackling the Broader Cost-of-Living Pressures
The rising cost of living is a national issue, and South Australia’s changes reflect an increasing understanding of the difficulties faced by low-income groups.
Shared accommodations, such as rooming houses and transitional housing, play an important role in providing affordable housing to many individuals, including those at risk of homelessness.
By eliminating the housemate income rules, the government acknowledges the changing nature of living arrangements today, where more adults are staying in the family home longer or relying on shared housing to reduce living costs.
These changes are designed to ensure that financial support reaches those who need it most, regardless of their household’s structure.
These reforms to the cost-of-living relief programs in South Australia aim to ease financial pressures on low-income individuals and families.
With expanded eligibility and increased support, the changes reflect the government’s commitment to helping those in need during challenging economic times.
