Centrelink’s $1,100 Cost of Living Payment South Australian households facing financial challenges are encouraged to apply for a range of cost-of-living concessions before the application period ends on December 31, 2024 Eligible households could receive up to $1,100 in financial assistance, which aims to ease the pressure of increasing living expenses.
These concessions are primarily targeted at low or fixed-income households, including seniors, families, single parents, and individuals with disabilities Despite the widespread availability of these benefits, many eligible households have yet to take advantage of the program.
Types of Cost-of-Living Concessions Available in South Australia
The South Australian government provides a variety of financial concessions to assist residents with essential living costs Here’s an overview of the support available.
| 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, more than 400,000 Seniors Card holders will continue to receive free public transport Starting January 1, 2025, public transport concessions will also be extended to all individuals with a Centrelink Health .Care Card.
Extra Support for Families
Families in South Australia can also benefit from several initiatives designed to alleviate educational and extracurricular costs, including.
- Sports Voucher Program: Families will receive two $100 vouchers per child in 2025 to help cover extracurricular activity costs
- School Subsidies: The materials and services charge subsidy for children in government schools will increase to $200 per child starting in 2025
Government’s Encouragement to Apply Before Deadline
Human Services Minister Nat Cook has emphasized the importance of these concessions, particularly for households struggling with the rising cost of living.
“Although a quarter of South Australian households are already receiving these concessions, many others may be eligible but haven’t applied yet” Cook stated She urged all residents to check 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 by contacting the Concessions SA hotline.
Who is Eligible for Cost of Living Concessions
Eligibility for these concessions varies based on the type of relief being applied for Generally, households that qualify hold certain concession cards, receive Centrelink payments, or have low incomes Qualifying concession cards include.
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veteran Gold Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Eligible Centrelink payments that qualify households for these concessions include.
- JobSeeker
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- ABSTUDY
How to Apply for Cost of Living Assistance
Residents can apply for these concessions either online through the official Concessions SA portal or by calling the Concessions SA hotline at 1800 307 758 to request an application form by mail The government urges eligible residents to act promptly to ensure they receive the financial relief they are entitled to.
South Australian Government’s Commitment to Supporting Residents
The South Australian government is deeply committed to providing vital financial relief to vulnerable households during tough times These targeted concessions aim to alleviate the financial strain on residents, ensuring they can access essential services and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
If you think you qualify for any of these concessions, make sure to apply before the December 31 deadline to avoid missing out on this valuable support.
