The state government is expanding eligibility for a range of household concessions for South Australians living in shared rental accommodation from 1 January, providing greater cost-of-living relief.

A 2023 Concessions Review, commissioned by Human Services Minister Nat Cook, identified thousands of people living in shared accommodation settings were missing out on concessions because of the income of their housemate or their type of tenancy agreement. This included those whose household relied in part on a Centrelink income.

Under existing criteria, renters in shared accommodation can lose access to the energy concession if a housemate has an annual income as low as $3,000 and miss out on the Cost-of-Living Concession (COLC) if their housemate earns more than $24,000.

The changes, which come into effect from 1 January 2025, will see the co-resident income assessment scrapped, unlocking eligibility for renters who have previously not been eligible due to their housemate’s income.

For example, an Age Pensioner who has an adult child move back into the home, under current arrangements, could lose access to some of their concessions, even if their child only works part-time.

Supported Residential Facilities and rooming houses, which are required to have relevant written tenancy agreements, can currently only have one person claiming the COLC, despite almost all residents being on low incomes.

As part of a $115 million concessions boost in the 2024-25 State Budget, a bonus COLC payment of $243.90 was made to about 212,000 households in June. 

The Budget also permanently doubled the COLC for renters and self-funded retirees who now get the same as homeowners. These higher payments started in August.

Applications for the 2025/26 Cost-of-Living Concession will be assessed on circumstances as at 1 July and paid in August. People can find out more information by calling the Concessions Hotline 1800 307 758 or visiting the website.