Get your wallet ready! Centrelink recipients can claim $243 cost-of-living bonus
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As the crisp air ushers in the chillier months, many Australians are bracing for the inevitable rise in energy bills that winter brings.
But there's a silver lining for South Australians on Centrelink: The state government has announced a warm gesture to help ease the financial burden during this period.
In a move that's sure to bring some relief to concession holders, the South Australian government has unveiled a one-off cost-of-living payment of $243.90.
This timely financial boost, detailed in the State Budget, is designed to support South Australians ‘at the onset of winter when energy bills increase for many households’.
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan highlighted the $51.1 million investment as a key element of a broader $266.2 million cost-of-living package, which aims to provide targeted assistance to families and concession card holders.
This package includes a welcome $200 reduction in school fees and an expansion of the sports voucher program, which will now offer two $100 vouchers per year, up from one.
For the first time, these vouchers can also be used for music programs, adding a harmonious note to the initiative.
‘This is a budget specifically designed to make sure that our state can secure the full benefits of all the transformative economic developments that are heading our way, but it’s also a budget which responds to the challenges that confront us today,’ Mullighan said.
A significant $36.6 million pledge has been made to double the cost-of-living concession for renters and senior card holders over the next four years.
The government has also made a bold move to support first-home buyers by abolishing stamp duty on all new property purchases, removing the previous cap of $650,000. This is alongside a predicted $248 million surplus for the 2024-25 financial year.
Now, let's talk eligibility. The Cost of Living Concession (COLC) is a benefit that can only be claimed by one person per household.
If you received a COLC last year, you're in luck, as you'll automatically receive the additional payment in June. This is expected to impact around 210,000 South Australians.
To qualify for the COLC, you must:
Eligible cards include the Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, TPI, EDA, War Widow, cards issued under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act with 80 or more impairment points, Low Income Health Care Card, and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
For tenants, it's important to note that you must not live with anyone who earns more than the low-income provisions unless they are receiving an allowance from Centrelink or the DVA or are your spouse, domestic partner, or dependent.
On the other hand, eligible low-income families who rent and those who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Card will see their COLC permanently doubled from $122 to match the $243.90, benefiting about 73,000 people.
Speaking of relief, the Australian Energy Regulator also announced lower price caps to reduce power bills in Australia’s southeastern states starting 1 July.
This means households in New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria will see their electric bills decrease due to these lower price caps and government rebates. You can read more details about the power bill change here.
Have you or your loved ones benefited from similar initiatives? Share your experiences in the comments below.
But there's a silver lining for South Australians on Centrelink: The state government has announced a warm gesture to help ease the financial burden during this period.
In a move that's sure to bring some relief to concession holders, the South Australian government has unveiled a one-off cost-of-living payment of $243.90.
This timely financial boost, detailed in the State Budget, is designed to support South Australians ‘at the onset of winter when energy bills increase for many households’.
Centrelink announced a one-off cost-of-living payment of $243.90 for concession holders in June. credit: Shutterstock
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan highlighted the $51.1 million investment as a key element of a broader $266.2 million cost-of-living package, which aims to provide targeted assistance to families and concession card holders.
This package includes a welcome $200 reduction in school fees and an expansion of the sports voucher program, which will now offer two $100 vouchers per year, up from one.
For the first time, these vouchers can also be used for music programs, adding a harmonious note to the initiative.
‘This is a budget specifically designed to make sure that our state can secure the full benefits of all the transformative economic developments that are heading our way, but it’s also a budget which responds to the challenges that confront us today,’ Mullighan said.
A significant $36.6 million pledge has been made to double the cost-of-living concession for renters and senior card holders over the next four years.
The government has also made a bold move to support first-home buyers by abolishing stamp duty on all new property purchases, removing the previous cap of $650,000. This is alongside a predicted $248 million surplus for the 2024-25 financial year.
Now, let's talk eligibility. The Cost of Living Concession (COLC) is a benefit that can only be claimed by one person per household.
If you received a COLC last year, you're in luck, as you'll automatically receive the additional payment in June. This is expected to impact around 210,000 South Australians.
To qualify for the COLC, you must:
- Reside at the property you've listed as your home.
- Hold an eligible card, receive an eligible Centrelink payment, or meet low-income provisions.
Eligible cards include the Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, TPI, EDA, War Widow, cards issued under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act with 80 or more impairment points, Low Income Health Care Card, and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
For tenants, it's important to note that you must not live with anyone who earns more than the low-income provisions unless they are receiving an allowance from Centrelink or the DVA or are your spouse, domestic partner, or dependent.
On the other hand, eligible low-income families who rent and those who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Card will see their COLC permanently doubled from $122 to match the $243.90, benefiting about 73,000 people.
Speaking of relief, the Australian Energy Regulator also announced lower price caps to reduce power bills in Australia’s southeastern states starting 1 July.
This means households in New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria will see their electric bills decrease due to these lower price caps and government rebates. You can read more details about the power bill change here.
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