South Australian households facing financial strain are being encouraged to apply for various cost-of-living concessions, with the application window closing on December 31, 2024. Eligible residents could receive up to $1,100 in financial assistance, helping to alleviate the growing burden of everyday expenses.
These concessions are targeted at low- and fixed-income households, including seniors, families, single parents, and individuals with disabilities. However, despite the wide reach of this program, many eligible households have yet to claim their entitled benefits.
Centrelink Support for South Australian Households
South Australia offers a variety of financial relief measures to help residents with essential living costs. Below is a breakdown of the available support:
| Type of Relief | Maximum Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 | $46 |
In addition to these payments, over 400,000 Seniors Card holders are eligible for free public transport. Starting January 1, 2025, public transport concessions will be extended to all individuals with Centrelink Health Care Cards.
Additional Support for Families
Families can benefit from additional initiatives designed to ease the financial burden of educational and extracurricular costs:
- Sports Voucher Program: Families will receive two $100 vouchers per child in 2025 to help cover extracurricular activity costs.
- School Subsidies: The subsidy for materials and services charges in government schools will increase to $200 per child, starting in 2025.
Encouragement from the South Australian Government
Human Services Minister Nat Cook stressed the importance of these concessions, particularly for vulnerable households struggling with the rising cost of living.
“With costs rising across the board, we know a quarter of South Australian households are already benefiting from these concessions. However, there are still many more eligible households that have yet to apply,” Cook stated. She urged residents to check their eligibility and submit applications before the December 31 deadline. Applications can be made online or by calling the Concessions SA hotline.
Who is Eligible for These Cost-of-Living Concessions?
Eligibility for these concessions generally includes households that hold a qualifying concession card, receive a Centrelink payment, or have a low income. The following concession cards qualify:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veteran Gold Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Eligible Centrelink payments include:
- JobSeeker
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- ABSTUDY
How to Apply for the Centrelink Cost-of-Living Payment?
Residents can apply for these concessions online through the official Concessions SA portal or request an application form by post by calling the Concessions SA hotline at 1800 307 758. It’s important to act quickly to ensure eligibility and access the support available.
These programs reflect the South Australian government’s commitment to supporting residents during difficult financial times. By providing targeted assistance, the government aims to reduce the financial strain on vulnerable households, ensuring access to essential services and opportunities.
If you believe you qualify for any of these concessions, now is the time to apply. Don’t miss out on the chance to relieve the financial pressure on your household.
