Centrelink $1,100 cost-of-living relief – Apply now

Eligible low and fixed-income households in South Australia can get up to $1,100 in cost-of-living relief. This package aims to help over 215,000 households. That’s about a quarter of all households in the state.

The South Australian government is giving out various concessions. These include payments for living costs, energy, water, and medical expenses. Human Services Minister Nat Cook says many low or fixed-income households are finding it hard due to high inflation.

The government wants eligible households to apply for these concessions. Many have not yet taken advantage of the support. This help is great for older South Australians, families, single parents, or people with disabilities.

Major highlights

• Up to $1,100 in cost-of-living relief available for eligible low and fixed-income households in South Australia
• Over 215,000 households, around a quarter of all South Australian households, can access government concessions
• Concessions cover essential expenses like cost-of-living, energy, water, sewerage, and medical costs
• Government urges eligible households, including pensioners and families, to apply for support
• Deadline to apply for 2024-25 Cost of Living Concession is December 31, 2024

$1,100 cost of living relief: Breaking Down South Australian Support Packages

The South Australian government has launched a range of utility relief, budget supplement, and living expenses aid packages. These are designed to help families struggling with the cost of living. The aim is to ease the financial burden caused by inflation and rising costs.

Cost of Living and Energy Concessions

The state offers several key concessions to reduce living expenses. These include:

• Cost of Living Concession: $255.60 per household
• Energy Concession: $274.85 per household
• Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: $274.85 per household

Water and Sewerage Support Measures

The government also provides targeted help for water and sewerage bills:

• Water Concession: Up to $398.40 per household
• Sewerage Concession: $162.20 per household

Medical and Emergency Services Assistance

The government has introduced measures to support vulnerable households:

• Emergency Services Levy Concession: $46 for fixed property
• Free public transport for over 400,000 Seniors Card members, with plans to extend concessions to all Centrelink Health Care Card holders from January 1, 2025
• Sports Voucher program: Two $100 grants in 2025 to help cover children’s extracurricular activities
• Materials and services charge subsidy for government schools: Doubling to $200 per child from 2025

These utility relief, budget supplement, and living expenses aid measures show the South Australian government’s dedication to supporting its people during tough times.

“Families, like the McKay-Sadlers, are experiencing substantial financial strain due to rent increases, with their new rent reaching $460 per week, up from $385 per week.”

Eligibility Requirements and Application Deadlines for Payment Access

To get help with living costs in South Australia, you need to meet certain rules. You must have a concession card like the pensioner card or a low-income health card. Or, you could be getting a Centrelink payment or have a low income.

The last day to apply for the 2024-25 Cost of Living Concession is December 31, 2024. The government wants you to apply early. You can check online or call the Concessions SA hotline for details.

Right now, more than 215,000 households in South Australia get help with living costs. This is about a quarter of all homes. They could get up to $1,100 a year in support through different programs.

“We’re committed to ensuring that cost-of-living relief reaches the South Australians who need it most. I encourage everyone who may be eligible to apply before the deadline to access this important support.”

The government is also making more people eligible for help. For example, over 400,000 Seniors Card members will get free public transport anytime. And, families will get $100 sports vouchers for kids’ sports starting in 2025.

By applying for these cost reduction measures and household assistance programs, South Australian families can get much-needed financial help. It’s a big help during tough economic times.

Additional Government Support Measures for Vulnerable Households

The Albanese Labor Government is taking steps to help Aussies with financial struggles. They’re increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 10%. This will help nearly a million households, costing $1.9 billion over five years.

They’re also making changes to JobSeeker Payment. Single recipients with a partial capacity to work will get more money. This means an extra $54.90 every two weeks for close to 5,000 people. Women make up 36% of these recipients, and 14% are First Nations individuals.

The Government is also freezing deeming rates until June 2025. This will help around 876,000 people. It’s a big relief for those on Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, and Parenting Payment (Single).