Thousands of South Australians are being given some relief on cost-of-living pressures with a one-off cash boost.
The South Australian government is fulfilling its election promise to double the cost-of-living concession payment, which replaces the council rate rebates to low-income earners and some concession card holders.
Owner-occupiers are set to receive $449, while tenants could pocket $224.60.
Social Services Minister Nat Cook said in the past week the government had already put $78 million into the bank accounts of South Australians who needed it the most.
"Cost-of-living pressures are having a big effect on so many – inflation is continuing to rise, interest rates have been going up, and the price of petrol and many essentials have risen too," she said.
"The cost-of-living concession helps South Australians on low or fixed incomes with their general living expenses – things like council rates, energy and medical bills."
Who is eligible for this payment?
Certain concession card holders, such as pensioners and veterans, and people who receive Centrelink payments are eligible for this one-off, doubled payment.
See full list of eligible cards and Centrelink payments here.
What about those not on a concession?
If you meet the low-income provisions, you may also be eligible.
To receive the payment, a single person must have an annual income before tax lower than $20,610.20.
For a single parent with children, the threshold is risen to $21,866 a year while a couple's combined annual income before tax should be below $38,235.60.
Assessment is based on an applicant's circumstances on July 1, 2022.
Tenants may be eligible if they do not live with anyone who earns more than the low-income provisions. Exceptions apply if their household members receive an allowance from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), or they are their spouse, domestic partner or dependent.
Do you have to apply for this?
People who previously received a cost-of-living concession payment, and their living and income circumstances have not changed, do not need to reapply and do not need to do anything further to receive the doubled payment.
Other eligible people will be paid the double rate if they apply by December 31, 2022.
Applicants must provide their Centrelink customer reference number, DVA file number or a copy of their most recent tax assessment alongside their banking details. Find the application form here.
Can everyone in my household apply for this payment?
The concession can only be paid to one person per household.
When will I expect to receive this payment?
All existing applicants and people who applied by July 1, 2022, will receive their payments by the end of this month.
New eligible applicants who apply by December 31, 2022, will be paid when approved.
Tenant payments have been brought forward to this month from March.
Will it appear in my bank account automatically?
All payments will be paid into bank accounts electronically.
Where can I find more information about this payment?
This SA government webpage has all the information about the cost of living concession payments.
