Cutting red tape for people accessing concession payments

The State Government has reduced tape for people accessing concessions, cutting the average processing time for each application from up to three months to less than one week.

ConcessionsSA provides much needed financial relief to an estimated 184,000 South Australians on low or fixed incomes through rebates toward utilities, the Emergency Services Levy, the cost of living, medical heating and cooling and more.

The efficiencies are an important step in making much-needed funds available to South Australians in need. Other improvements include streamlining our forms through halving the paperwork required of our customers.

Customers are also no longer required to provide such extensive evidence with their hard copy form, such as certain validating documents. Instead new technologies have been harnessed and ConcessionsSA can now verify many elements behind-the-scenes without bothering the customer.

The full rollout of ConcessionsSA efficiencies is expected to be complete by the end of the year, which includes upgrades to the online application process.

Apply for the Cost of Living Concession

There is also a reminder for eligible households to apply for the Cost of Living Concession, which is up to $210.70 that can be put toward expenses such as medical bills or groceries, before 31 October.

It’s estimated that up to 10,000 South Australians on low or fixed incomes could be missing out on this concession.

Eligible households include those who:

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

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

Homeowners who received the concession last year should have already received this year’s payment into their bank account in August, if their circumstances remain unchanged. Payments for eligible tenants for the 2019-20 year will be made in February 2020.

More information

For more information visit the ConcessionsSA website or phone the ConcessionsSA Hotline between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, on 1800 307 758.

Page last updated 4 October 2023