Easing cost of living pressure for low income households

Up to 10,000 low or fixed income households could be missing out on the State Government’s annual Cost of Living Concession, which provides up to $210.70 toward bill relief or expenses.

From this month, more than 135,000 South Australian owner-occupier households will receive a one-off, annual Cost of Living Concession, with the majority of households to receive $210.70. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card homeowners will receive $105.40.

The concession is paid directly into bank accounts for thousands of households to assist with their bills and expenses. This can be particularly useful at this time of year, as winter utilities and council rates begin to be billed.

It is not too late for eligible households to apply, with applications for the 2019–20 concession open until 31 October 2019.

Eligible households include those who:

  • hold a concession card such as a Gold Card or Low Income Health Care Card
  • receive an eligible Centrelink payment such as Newstart Allowance, or
  • meet low income provisions.

If you believe you may be eligible for the payment

You can:

Applications can be lodged online and newly eligible applicants will receive their payment by the end of the year.

Homeowners who received the concession last year automatically receive this year’s payment in August, if their circumstances remain unchanged.

Cost of Living Concession payments for eligible tenants are made in February each year.

Page last updated 4 October 2023