Cost of Living Concession: what you need to know

Many South Australians will receive extra help with bills this year. The Cost of Living Concession (COLC) is a once-a-year payment of $261.90 to help with everyday expenses.

What’s changed?

The rules have been updated so more people can get the payment. If you rent and share a home, the income of your housemate no longer affects your eligibility. This change means thousands of low-income renters who missed out before can now receive support.

When payments arrive

Payments start in late August 2025 and are paid directly to your bank account.

• If you received COLC in your own name previously, or were recently approved, you don’t need to do anything.
• If you were eligible on 1 July 2025, your payment will be made automatically.

New applications

Haven’t received COLC before? You can apply now. Visit sa.gov.au/concessions to check eligibility and apply online or call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 for help.

Once your application is approved, your payment will be included in the next weekly payment run. The cut-off to apply for the 2025–26 payment is 31 December 2025.

How many people will benefit?

Around 225,000 households are expected to receive COLC this year. That's about 50,000 more than before. This will deliver around $60 million in direct help to South Australians.

More support available this year

There are other measures designed to ease pressure on household budgets:

• Student MetroCards: price reduced from $28 to $10.
• Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme: higher support and wider access, helping an extra 1,300 households in bill hardship.
• Funeral Assistance Scheme: asset limit increased from $3 thousand to $4 thousand so more people can qualify.
• Changing Places access: improvements for about 10 thousand Companion Card holders.
• Home Dialysis Concession: easier to access and use.
• Seniors Card: free public transport at all times.

What to do next

• Visit the SA.gov.au Concessions page to check eligibility and apply online.
• Or call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 for help.

Remember: If you already received COLC before and were eligible on 1 July 2025, you don’t need to apply again—your $261.90 will be paid automatically.