One in four South Australian households get a cost-of-living concession payment. This helps over 215,000 households. But, many eligible Aussies are missing out on this help.
The deadline to apply for the 2024-25 concessions is December 31st, 2024. It’s a chance to get up to $1,100 a year for low and fixed-income households. This money helps with things like energy, water, and medical costs.
With the cost of living going up, it’s key for South Australians to look into government help. This can make a big difference in their household budgets.
| Measure | Description | Funding | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transport Concessions | Extension of concessions to all Centrelink Health Care Card holders | $10.6 million over four years | Approximately 15,000 people |
| Sports Voucher Program | Two $100 grants per family in 2025 to support children’s extracurricular activities | $54.6 million over four years | Around 100,000 children |
| Materials and Services Charge Subsidy | Doubling of the subsidy from $100 to $200 for government school students | $24 million in 2024-25 | Up to 120,000 school children |
| Free 24/7 Public Transport for Seniors | Provision of free public transport for Seniors Card members | Not specified | More than 400,000 Seniors Card holders |
| Cost-of-Living Concession Payment | Permanent doubling of the concession for renters and self-funded retirees | $36.6 million over four years | Thousands of South Australian households |
Major Highlights
- Over 215,000 South Australian households (25% of the state’s total) are currently accessing cost-of-living concessions
- Eligible households can receive up to $1,100 in annual financial assistance, covering energy, water, and other essential expenses
- The deadline to apply for 2024-25 concessions is December 31st, 2024
- New applicants can apply online or request an application form by calling the Concessions SA hotline
- Eligibility is based on circumstances as of July 1st, 2024, so it’s important to apply before the deadline
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Cost of Living Support Package Worth Up to $1,100 for Eligible Households
The South Australian government has launched a support package to help with rising costs. It’s worth up to $1,100 for those who qualify. This move aims to ease the financial stress for those struggling with affordability.
Who Can Apply for Financial Assistance
This support is for low-income and vulnerable people. It includes:
- Pensioners and older South Australians
- Families and single parents
- Individuals with disabilities or on fixed incomes
- Recipients of Centrelink payments like JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and Parenting Payment
To apply, you need an eligible concession card. This could be a pensioner concession card or a low-income health care card.
Types of Available Concessions
The package offers several concessions to help. These include:
- Discounts on energy, water, and sewerage bills
- Assistance with medical heating and cooling costs
- Reductions on the emergency services levy
- Additional financial relief for the cost of living
Important Application Deadlines
Applicants must apply by December 31st, 2024. Your eligibility is based on your situation as of July 1st, 2024. So, apply on time to get the help you need.
The South Australian government is helping its residents with the cost-of-living package. It’s worth up to $1,100 for eligible households. If you’re eligible, don’t miss out on this support. Apply before the deadline.
New Benefits and Extensions for South Australian Residents in 2025
The South Australian government is introducing new benefits and extensions to help its residents. These changes will start on January 1st, 2025. They aim to ease the financial strain caused by inflation and changes in disposable income.
One big change is the extension of public transport concessions to those with a Centrelink Health Care Card. This will help about 15,000 people. It makes public transport more affordable and accessible for them.
The Sports Voucher program will also grow. Families will get two $100 grants in 2025. This will help pay for kids’ sports activities. The program will support around 100,000 young athletes.
Another update is doubling the materials and services charge subsidy for school kids. It will go from $100 to $200 in 2025. This will cost $24 million and help up to 120,000 students.
Seniors will also get more help. Over 400,000 Seniors Card members will enjoy free 24/7 public transport. This will improve their mobility and independence.
The Cost-of-Living Concession payment for renters and self-funded retirees will also double. This will give a big boost to their budgets. The investment of $36.6 million over four years will help thousands of people.
These new initiatives show the government’s dedication to supporting South Australian residents. They aim to reduce the effects of inflation and changing economic conditions on disposable income.
Household Energy Bill Relief and Additional Support
The cost of living keeps going up, and the South Australian government is helping out. They’ve extended the Energy Bill Relief Fund for 2024-25. This fund gives up to $300 to all Australian homes and up to $325 to eligible small businesses to ease energy bill stress.
Households will get $75 every three months on their electricity bills if they’re with an energy retailer. If they’re in an embedded network, they’ll get a one-off $300 rebate. Small businesses will get $81.25 every three months or a one-off $325 rebate.
To get this help, you must live in South Australia. You also need an active account with a retailer or embedded network operator. For businesses, you must use less than 160MWh of electricity each year. The government wants everyone who can to apply before December.
