South Australian households facing financial difficulties are urged to apply for a range of cost-of-living concessions before the December 31, 2024 deadline. Eligible residents could receive up to $1,100 in financial assistance to help manage the rising costs of living.
According to Yahoo Finance, these concessions are intended for low-income or fixed-income earners, including seniors, families, single parents, and people with disabilities. However, many eligible households have not yet claimed their benefits.
Types of Support Available to South Australian Households
The South Australian government offers several concessions to help ease financial pressures on residents, covering 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 | $46.00 |
Additionally, over 400,000 Seniors Card holders will continue to receive free public transport, with this concession expanding to all Centrelink Health Care Card holders starting January 1, 2025.
Extra Support for Families
Families can also access a range of initiatives aimed at reducing costs associated with education and extracurricular activities. These include:
- Sports Voucher Program: Families will receive two $100 vouchers per child in 2025 to help cover the cost of sports and other extracurricular activities.
- School Subsidies: The subsidy for materials and services charges for children in government schools will increase to $200 per child, effective in 2025.
South Australian Government’s Call for Action
Human Services Minister Nat Cook has emphasized the importance of these concessions for vulnerable residents who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. She pointed out that a quarter of South Australian households are already benefiting from these concessions but stressed that many eligible households have not yet applied.
“Rising costs are affecting everyone, and we want to make sure that those who need support most are aware of the help available to them,” Cook said. She encouraged residents to apply for the 2024-25 Cost of Living Concession before the December 31 deadline. Applications can be completed online or by contacting the Concessions SA hotline for assistance.
Who Qualifies for These Concessions?
Eligibility for these concessions generally includes households that meet certain criteria, such as holding a qualifying concession card, receiving a Centrelink payment, or having 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 for these concessions can be submitted online through the official Concessions SA portal. Alternatively, residents can call the Concessions SA hotline at 1800 307 758 to request an application form by post.
With the deadline approaching, the South Australian government encourages all eligible residents to take action and apply for the financial relief they are entitled to. By providing these targeted concessions, the government aims to reduce the financial strain on vulnerable households, ensuring they have access to essential services and support during these challenging times.
