Thousands of South Australians are getting some relief from cost-of-living pressures with a one-time cash boost.
The South Australian government is making good on its election promise to double the cost-of-living allowance payment, which replaces council fee rebates for low-income people and some allowance cardholders.
Owner-occupants will receive $449, while renters could pocket $224.60.
Social Services Minister Nat Cook said last week that the government had already put $78 million into the bank accounts of South Australians who needed it most.
“Cost-of-living pressures are having a big effect on many: inflation continues to rise, interest rates have risen, and the price of gasoline and many essential items have also increased,” he said.
“The Cost of Living Allowance helps South Australians on low or fixed incomes with their general living expenses such as council fees, medical and energy bills.”
Who is eligible for this payment?
Certain concession cardholders, such as retirees and veterans, and people receiving Centrelink payments are eligible for this one-time double payment.
See the full list of Centrelink eligible cards and payments here.
What about those who are not in 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 taxes of less than $20,610.20.
For a single parent with children, the threshold rises to $21,866 per year, while a couple’s combined annual income before taxes must be less than $38,235.60.
The assessment is based on the applicant’s circumstances on July 1, 2022.
Renters may be eligible if they do not live with anyone who earns more than the low-income provisions. Exceptions apply if members of your household receive a Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) allowance, or are your spouse, common-law partner or dependent.
Do you have to request this?
People who previously received a cost-of-living award payment, and their living circumstances and income have not changed, do not need to reapply and do not need to do anything else to receive the duplicate payment.
Other eligible individuals will be paid double the fee 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 along with their bank details. Find the application form here.
Can all members of my household request this payment?
The grant can only be paid to one person per household.
When will I expect to receive this payment?
All existing applicants and people who applied before July 1, 2022 will receive their payments at the end of this month.
New eligible applicants who apply by December 31, 2022 will be paid when approved.
Tenant payments were advanced this month from March.
Will it show up in my bank account automatically?
All payments will be credited to bank accounts electronically.
Where can I find more information about this payment?
This SA Government web page has all the information on cost of living allowance payments.
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