Share on:

South Australian cost of living payment

The South Australian Cost of Living Concession (COLC) for 2024-25 is a big help for families. It gives $255.60 to each eligible household. This is to help those who are struggling with the cost of living.

More than 215,000 households in South Australia get help with things like energy and water bills. They also get help with emergency services levies. This means eligible households could get up to $1,100 a year to help them out.

Major Highlights

  • The South Australian Cost of Living Concession provides $255.60 per eligible household for 2024-25.
  • Over 215,000 SA households, around a quarter of the state’s population, qualify for the payment and other concessions.
  • Eligible households can receive up to $1,100 annually through various cost-of-living, energy, water, and other concessions.
  • The payment is made directly into recipients’ bank accounts via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
  • The application deadline for the 2024-25 concession is December 31.

The Living Payment System

The South Australian government’s cost of living allowance aims to help those struggling financially. It’s a household budget supplement to ease living expenses subsidy. Let’s dive into the details of this support program.

Payment Amounts and Timing

In the 2024-25 financial year, the payment is $255.60 per eligible person. This amount goes up each year to keep pace with living costs. Payments are made from August to December, based on when you apply.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Reside at the property where the payment is claimed
  • Hold an eligible concession card or receive specific Centrelink payments
  • Meet low-income criteria based on individual or household circumstances as of 1 July 2024

Application Deadlines

The deadline to apply for the 2024-25 cost of living payment is 31 December 2024. It’s important to note that tenants and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders now get the same amount as homeowners. This effectively doubles their previous concession.

“The cost of living payment is a vital safety net for South Australian households struggling with the rising costs of daily life. By providing this targeted financial assistance, we aim to alleviate the pressure on families and individuals in need.”

– [Government Official], Minister for Families and Social Services

Payment Details2024-25 Cost of Living Payment
Amount$255.60 (indexed annually)
TimingIssued between August and December
Eligibility
  • Reside at the property
  • Hold eligible concession card or receive Centrelink payments
  • Meet low-income criteria as of 1 July 2024
Application Deadline31 December 2024

Who Can Access Financial Support in South Australia

In South Australia, many people and families can get help with living costs. You might get help if you have a Pensioner Concession Card or a Veteran Gold Card. Also, if you get JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or Parenting Payment from Centrelink, you could get discounts and rebates.

The government has made it easier for more people to get this help. Now, about 2,200 people in shared homes and disability housing can get utility rebate, family payment boost, and energy concession programs. These programs aim to help low-income families in the state.

Financial Support ProgramKey Details
Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme (EEPS)Provides up to $800 every 2 years for electricity customers in financial hardship
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)Offers interest-free loans for essential household items to low-income individuals
Financial Counselling ServicesOffer free, confidential financial education and support to those facing financial difficulties

These programs and others are here to help South Australians deal with rising costs. They offer ways for people and families to ease financial stress and stay well.

financial-support-south-australia

“The government’s expansion of financial support measures in South Australia is a vital step in ensuring that no one is left behind during these challenging times.”

Cost of Living Payment and Additional Concessions

South Australians can get help with rising costs through various concessions. These include rebates for energy and utilities, medical and transport benefits. There’s also support for school and sports activities.

Energy and Utility Concessions

Eligible homes can get up to $274.85 for energy, $398.40 for water, and $162.20 for sewerage. These concessions help with household costs, easing the financial strain.

Medical and Transport Benefits

Those with medical needs get a $274.85 concession for heating and cooling. There’s also a $46 Emergency Services Levy concession. From 2025, all Health Care Card holders will get up to $2.25 off public transport.

School and Sports Support

  • Families will get two $100 Sports Vouchers annually per child from 2025, doubling the subsidy.
  • The school materials and services charge subsidy will also double to $200 per child in government schools.

These efforts aim to ease financial pressure on South Australian families. They ensure kids can enjoy sports and education without extra costs.

Concession TypeBenefit Amount
Energy Concession$274.85
Water Concession$398.40
Sewerage Concession$162.20
Medical Heating/Cooling Concession$274.85
Emergency Services Levy Concession$46
Sports Vouchers (per child, per year)$100
School Materials and Services Charge Subsidy (per child)$200
Public Transport Concession (per trip)Up to $2.25
household support

“A family with two school-aged children could save an additional $600 in 2024-25 through the doubling of the sports voucher subsidy.”

Application Process and Payment Distribution

To apply for the Cost of Living Concession (COLC) in South Australia, visit the government’s website, SA.GOV.AU. You’ll need your Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs file number. Also, recent tax and utility bills are required.

Homeowners must provide their Emergency Services Levy Assessment ownership number. The online form is easy to use.

The concession is paid once a year into your bank account. For 2024-25, eligible households will receive $255.60. This amount is shown as “Concessions COLC” in your bank statements.

If you need help, call the ConcessionsSA Hotline at 1800 307 758 or email concessions@sa.gov.au. They’re there to assist you.

The South Australian government has set aside $266.2 million for cost of living relief in 2024. This will help over 210,000 households. It’s a big effort to support low-income families and individuals.

FAQ

What is the South Australian Cost of Living Concession (COLC) for 2024-25?

The COLC for 2024-25 gives 5.60 to each eligible household. It’s part of a package to help low-income families with rising costs.

Who is eligible for the COLC payment?

You need an eligible card or get certain Centrelink payments. You must live at the property and apply by 31 December 2024.

What other financial support is available in South Australia?

People with Pensioner Concession Cards and Veteran Gold Cards get help. So do those with Low Income Health Care Cards and Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards. JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and Parenting Payment recipients are also eligible.

What other concessions can South Australians access?

South Australians can get discounts on energy, water, and sewerage. There are also medical heating and cooling, and Emergency Services Levy concessions. Families can get Sports Vouchers and help with school costs.

How do I apply for the COLC and other household concessions?

Apply online at SA.GOV.AU. You’ll need your Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs details. Also, recent tax and utility bills, and your Emergency Services Levy Assessment number if you own your home.

Lenore Taylor is a prominent Australian journalist and current editor of Above the law INC. Her distinguished career spans three decades, earning prestigious accolades including the Walkley Award (2003), Graham Perkin Journalist of the Year (2007), and UN Environmental Journalism Award (2009). She's renowned for her political and environmental reporting.

Leave a comment