In the latest State Budget, the South Australian government has announced a series of targeted changes to concessions, aimed at easing cost of living pressures and providing better support to vulnerable groups. These changes come after a detailed concessions review, ensuring the new measures are equitable and effective. Here are the key improvements:

From July 2024

Cost of Living Bonus

To provide immediate financial relief, the state government will pay an additional $243.90 Cost of Living Concession to households who received this support in 2023–24. This one-time payment, which will be delivered directly into the bank accounts of more than 210 thousand households, is designed to help low-income families and individuals manage rising expenses.

Equitable Cost of Living Concessions

From July 2024, tenants and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive the same rate as homeowners — meaning $255.60 in 2024–25. Previously these households were only entitled to receive half of the full amount.

Expansion of the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme

Recognising the critical need for support during financial crises, the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme will be expanded. The maximum payment doubles to $800 while the debt cap has been removed. Payment frequency is also increasing to every two years where needed. This means more households in financial distress can access emergency payments to cover their electricity bills and ensuring continuous access to power.

Increased Access to Support with Funeral Costs

The budget also addresses the sensitive issue of funeral costs by increasing access to low-cost funerals. The asset limit (for deceased estate and immediate relatives) has been increased from $3,000 to $4,000. This expansion of Funeral AssistanceSA ensures that more low-income families can give their loved ones a dignified farewell without the burden of prohibitive costs.

Improved Home Dialysis Electricity Concession

For patients undergoing home dialysis, the government will improve the home dialysis electricity concession. This enhancement includes higher subsidies (to $274.85) to cover the increased electricity usage, ensuring that patients receive the necessary medical care at home without financial strain.

From January 2025

Household Concessions for Shared Houses

In a move to support diverse living arrangements, the budget will improve access to household concessions for shared houses. This initiative, to be implemented from January 2025, ensures that individuals living in shared accommodation, including those living with disability, can equally benefit from household concessions, promoting fairness and inclusivity.

Increased Access to Low-cost Glasses

Expanding healthcare support, the state will provide more access to subsidised glasses from participating optometrists. From January 2025, all holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Low-Income Health Care Card, as well as young people under state guardianship, will qualify for GlassesSA. This program helps low-income individuals to ensure that clear vision does not become a financial burden.

Public Transport Concessions for all Health Care Card Holders

Public transport will become more affordable for more low-income South Australians as the government provides public transport concessions for all Health Care Card holders. People will no longer need to apply for a separate Transport Concession Card, as the Health Care Card will prove their eligibility for concession travel on Adelaide Metro and regional bus services.

Improving Changing Places Accessibility

The budget includes measures for improving the affordability and accessibility of dedicated facilities for people with disability, including Changing Places accessible bathrooms, by offering SA Companion Card holders a master access key. This initiative ensures that these essential facilities are available and accessible around the clock, promoting inclusivity and dignity for people with disability.

These concession improvements will have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of South Australians doing it tough. Visit the SA Government concessions web page to check if you are eligible for a concession.