South Australian households experiencing financial strain are encouraged to apply for various cost-of-living concessions before the application deadline on December 31, 2024. Eligible households could receive up to $1,100 in financial aid, designed to ease the pressure of increasing living expenses.
Targeting Low and Fixed-Income Earners
These concessions are specifically aimed at low or fixed-income earners, including seniors, families, single parents, and individuals with disabilities. Despite the wide availability of this assistance, many eligible residents have yet to claim their benefits.
Centrelink Support for South Australian Residents
The South Australian government provides a range of concessions to help households manage 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 |
Additionally, free public transport is available for over 400,000 Seniors Card holders. Starting January 1, 2025, this concession will extend to all individuals holding Centrelink Health Care Cards.
Additional Benefits for Families
Families can access extra support through programs designed to reduce educational and extracurricular expenses, including:
Sports Voucher Program
- Families will receive two $100 vouchers per child in 2025 to help cover the cost of extracurricular activities.
School Subsidies
- The materials and services charge subsidy for government school children will double to $200 per child in 2025.
Government’s Encouragement to Apply
South Australian Human Services Minister Nat Cook emphasized the importance of these concessions in helping households manage the rising cost of living.
“With rising costs affecting everyone, we know that a quarter of South Australian households are already benefiting from these concessions. However, many eligible residents still haven’t applied,” Cook stated.
She urged residents to verify their eligibility and submit their applications for the 2024-25 Cost of Living Concession before the December 31 deadline. Applications can be submitted online or through the Concessions SA hotline.
Eligibility Criteria for Cost-of-Living Concessions
Eligibility requirements differ based on the specific concession but generally apply to households that:
- Hold a qualifying concession card
- Receive a Centrelink payment
- Have a low income
Qualifying Concession Cards
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veteran Gold Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Eligible Centrelink Payments
- JobSeeker
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- ABSTUDY
How to Apply for Centrelink Cost-of-Living Payments
Residents can apply in one of the following ways:
- Online: Submit applications through the official Concessions SA portal.
- By Phone: Call the Concessions SA hotline at 1800 307 758 to request an application form via post.
The government encourages applicants to act promptly to secure the financial support they are entitled to.
FAQs
What is the deadline to apply for these concessions?
The deadline to apply is December 31, 2024.
How much financial assistance can I receive?
Eligible households may receive up to $1,100, depending on the type of concessions applied for.
Who qualifies for free public transport?
Currently, Seniors Card holders enjoy free public transport. From January 1, 2025, this benefit will extend to all Centrelink Health Care Card holders.
