Get your wallet ready! Centrelink recipients can claim $243 cost-of-living bonus

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’.


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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.
Key Takeaways
  • The South Australian government will issue a one-off cost-of-living payment of $243.90 to concession holders to assist with increased energy bills during winter.
  • Treasurer Stephen Mullighan announced a $266.2 million cost-of-living package in the State Budget, including a $200 school fee reduction and an expanded sports voucher program.
  • The Cost of Living Concession (COLC) will impact around 210,000 South Australians who meet specified eligibility criteria based on their income and concession card status.
Have you or your loved ones benefited from similar initiatives? Share your experiences in the comments below.
 
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And dont forget the $400.00 credit to our electricity accounts being made by the state government this year, thats on top of the $300.00 credit being given to us by the federal government we have solar so I am looking forward to only paying for the supply charge on our electricity account this year, have to love living in WA!!
Yeah I haven't had to pay one cent on my electricity bill since the beginning of COVID
 
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Oh boy, my entire rate last year was only $940. I do live in the country and property values are a little lower I guess.
I will need to look into this. My son wants me to move there near him, I don't know what to do.
Am on the SDC page this morning trying to keep sane, haven't slept all night.
My husband choked on his lunch yesterday and passed away, I'm still reeling from the shock and trying to help my daughter cope with the loss of her much loved step father, it's so hard for her because of her disability.
Sorry, I shouldn't be loading this onto SDC members.Myhusband comes from a large Italian family but they are so fractured through family infighting I have only heard from one.
Need to get my head straight and figure out where to from here.
We feel your heartache and pain, please don't be afraid to reach out.
We are here for you.
 
Every state should get the same assistance from the government. Seems the W.A government look after their people, appreciate their voters!
I'm in WA and I appreciate the help we get for our electricity. Being on jobseeker it is very helpful. But we don't get it in one payment it comes in 2 instalments 1 next month and the last one in December.
 
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Oh boy, my entire rate last year was only $940. I do live in the country and property values are a little lower I guess.
I will need to look into this. My son wants me to move there near him, I don't know what to do.
Am on the SDC page this morning trying to keep sane, haven't slept all night.
My husband choked on his lunch yesterday and passed away, I'm still reeling from the shock and trying to help my daughter cope with the loss of her much loved step father, it's so hard for her because of her disability.
Sorry, I shouldn't be loading this onto SDC members.Myhusband comes from a large Italian family but they are so fractured through family infighting I have only heard from one.
Need to get my head straight and figure out where to from here.
Thinking of you at this time. Sending you prayers and long distance hugs. Stay strong .. xx
 
Oh boy, my entire rate last year was only $940. I do live in the country and property values are a little lower I guess.
I will need to look into this. My son wants me to move there near him, I don't know what to do.
Am on the SDC page this morning trying to keep sane, haven't slept all night.
My husband choked on his lunch yesterday and passed away, I'm still reeling from the shock and trying to help my daughter cope with the loss of her much loved step father, it's so hard for her because of her disability.
Sorry, I shouldn't be loading this onto SDC members.Myhusband comes from a large Italian family but they are so fractured through family infighting I have only heard from one.
Need to get my head straight and figure out where to from here.
Heaps of sympathy 'mylittletibbies'. Try to keep your regular routine and also chat to neighbours and friends if there are any nearby. It would be so good if you and your daughter could visit your son, or alternatively if he could visit you for a few days. The early weeks/months are the hardest when everything seems so raw. Thinking of you. 😢
 
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Heaps of sympathy 'mylittletibbies'. Try to keep your regular routine and also chat to neighbours and friends if there are any nearby. It would be so good if you and your daughter could visit your son, or alternatively if he could visit you for a few days. The early weeks/months are the hardest when everything seems so raw. Thinking of you. 😢
Thank you for your kind words.
Neighbours and friends have been wonderful, the advantages of living in a small country town.
We are gradually coming to terms with the situation. Such a shock, and not being able to do anything despite my best efforts is so hard to accept.
 
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Reactions: Ezzy
Oh boy, my entire rate last year was only $940. I do live in the country and property values are a little lower I guess.
I will need to look into this. My son wants me to move there near him, I don't know what to do.
Am on the SDC page this morning trying to keep sane, haven't slept all night.
My husband choked on his lunch yesterday and passed away, I'm still reeling from the shock and trying to help my daughter cope with the loss of her much loved step father, it's so hard for her because of her disability.
Sorry, I shouldn't be loading this onto SDC members.Myhusband comes from a large Italian family but they are so fractured through family infighting I have only heard from one.
Need to get my head straight and figure out where to from here.
I am very sorry to hear about your husband and all your other challenges. Please know our thoughts are with you. Let us know how we can help.
 
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I am very sorry to hear about your husband and all your other challenges. Please know our thoughts are with you. Let us know how we can help.
Just reading the SDC page every day has been a lifesaver for me at this time and I have really appreciated the messages of support from the members.
I have taken a stand with my waring in-laws, stuck to my husband's wishes and that is the way things will be, I do not want their petty bickering and feuds at my husbands farewell.
I hope they will respect my wishes.
 
This will at least improve the very ungenerous concessions given to SA residents.
Here in WA we get a cost of living allowance on our Seniors Card.
The State Govt give us 50%of our basic council rates, 50% of our water rates, discounted car registration, free drivers licence, free public transport between 9am and 3pm and all weekend, just to mention a few.
If you live more than 100kns from the CBD you also get a yearly fuel cards to the value of $675.
And SA residents are supposed to be grateful for $243.90??
Queensland doesnt get any of the discounts WA gets either except for a couple of hundred off rego annually so come on qld govt wheres some real help for us like WA ? How can this not be accross the board for all pensioners we all come under commonwealth govt ???
 
Why is it that everyone I talk to have already got their COLC payment in June and I still not have received mine?
 

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