The state government’s once-off additional Cost of Living Concession payment of $243.90 lands in the bank accounts of more than 210,000 South Australian households this week.

Payments have begun rolling out to households that received last year’s Cost of Living Concession, with all payments to be made by the end of the week.

The payment aims to provide immediate and targeted support to South Australians on low or fixed incomes at the onset of winter when energy bills increase for many households.

Everyone who received the 2023-24 Cost of Living Concession, whether a homeowner, tenant or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder – will receive the same amount of $243.90.

It will be paid automatically into bank accounts by electronic funds transfer and can be identified by the payment description ‘Concessions COLC’.

People whose bank details have changed, or who have become eligible in the past year should update them by completing the online household concessions form or contacting the Concessions Hotline 1800 307 758.

This once-off additional Cost of Living Concession payment is part of the $266.2 million cost of living relief package announced in the 2024-25 State Budget.

This package also included $36.6 million over four years to permanently double the Cost of Living Concession for tenants and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders so they get paid the same as homeowners from 2024-25.

This means that from 1 July 2024, all eligible recipients will get the new standard amount of $255.60, with this payment to be made from August.

Ross Womersley, CEO of South Australian Council of Social Service, has welcomed the concessions initiatives. 

“In 2021 our major State of Concessions report found the state’s concessions system was fundamentally broken – above all else, it was unfair and wasn’t helping as many people in need that it should have been.

“The Labor Party committed to reviewing the concessions system in the leadup to the 2022 election, and this review was conducted in 2023.

“As part of the review we hosted a community panel made up of everyday South Australians – some of whom receive concessions, and some who don’t – and we are very pleased that the government has listened to the findings of the panel and many other stakeholders, and made the concessions system fairer and more equitable for those South Australians who need this assistance the most.

“These measures are a significant and welcome package of reforms that will provide real and timely assistance to South Australians in financial stress.”

Miranda Starke, Chief Executive of Council on the Ageing SA also welcomes the extra Cost-of-Living Concession payment.

“We were glad to hear that renters and Commonwealth Senior Health Card holders will have their concession amount doubled to match that of homeowners. 

“COTA SA were pleased to be a part of the State Government’s concession review and to bring the voices of older South Australians to the table. 

“More older people than ever before are retiring with a mortgage, and a growing number are renting. 

“They are having to make hard decisions about whether they heat or cool their home, put food on their table or fuel in their car.

“This relief measure is particularly important for the growing population of older renters, who are amongst the most financially disadvantaged, as they juggle the increasing cost of living, often on low and fixed incomes.”

For more information and eligibility, go to the website.