South Australian residents facing financial challenges are encouraged to apply for a variety of cost-of-living concessions before the application period ends on December 31, 2024. Eligible households can receive up to $1,100 in financial aid, offering much-needed relief from the rising costs of living.
According to Yahoo Finance, these concessions are aimed at supporting low or fixed-income individuals, including seniors, families, single parents, and those living with disabilities. However, many eligible households have yet to claim their benefits, despite the program’s extensive reach.
Available Centrelink Support for South Australian Households
The South Australian government offers various concessions to help residents manage essential living expenses. Below is a summary of the available financial relief:
| 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 |
Additionally, over 400,000 Seniors Card holders can access free public transport. Starting January 1, 2025, this concession will extend to all individuals with Centrelink Health Care Cards.
Additional Assistance for Families
Families can also take advantage of various programs designed to help reduce the costs of education and extracurricular activities, including:
- Sports Voucher Program: Families will receive two $100 vouchers per child in 2025, which can be used for extracurricular activities.
- School Subsidies: Starting in 2025, the subsidy for the materials and services charge for children attending government schools will increase to $200 per child.
Government Encouragement to Apply
Human Services Minister Nat Cook has emphasized the importance of these concessions for households struggling with the rising cost of living.
“With the increasing cost of living affecting everyone, we know that a significant number of South Australian households are already benefiting from these concessions. However, there are still many more who might be eligible but haven’t applied yet,” Minister Cook stated.
She urged residents to check their eligibility and apply for the 2024-2025 Cost of Living Concession before the December 31 deadline. Applications can be submitted online or by calling the Concessions SA hotline.
Eligibility Criteria for Cost of Living Concessions
Eligibility for the various concessions depends on the type of support being applied for. Generally, households that meet the following criteria are eligible:
- Hold a qualifying concession card
- Receive a Centrelink payment
- Have a low income
Qualifying concession cards include:
- 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 Centrelink Cost of Living Payment
Applications can be made through the official Concessions SA portal or by calling the Concessions SA hotline at 1800 307 758 to request an application form by mail. Residents are encouraged to act quickly to ensure they receive the support they are entitled to.
These concessions reflect the South Australian government’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable residents during financially difficult times. By offering targeted assistance, the government helps alleviate some of the financial burdens on households, ensuring that families and individuals can continue to access essential services and opportunities.
