Starting January 1, 2025, South Australians will see major changes to cost-of-living relief programs, making financial support more accessible for low-income renters, pensioners, and shared households. These updates come as part of the state government’s commitment to reducing financial pressure on vulnerable residents.
The most significant change is the removal of the housemate income rule, which previously disqualified renters from energy and cost-of-living concessions if their housemates earned even modest incomes. With this restriction gone, thousands of residents will now qualify for much-needed financial support.
Key Changes
| Concession | Old Rule | New Rule (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Concession | Lost if housemate earned over $3,000 annually | Housemate’s income no longer considered |
| Cost-of-Living Concession | Lost if housemate earned over $24,000 annually | Housemate’s income no longer considered |
| Pensioner Households | Lost if an adult child moved in | Pensioners keep concessions despite housemates |
| Rooming House Residents | Only one person per house could claim | All eligible residents can apply |
The government acknowledges that the previous system was unfair, excluding many people who genuinely needed support. These changes will simplify eligibility criteria and ensure low-income renters and shared households receive the relief they deserve.
Increased Government Support
Since the 2022 election, the South Australian government has committed over $250 million to cost-of-living and energy concessions. Key areas of investment include:
1. Doubling the Cost-of-Living Concession
The cost-of-living concession has been doubled to match the support homeowners receive, ensuring renters aren’t left behind. Eligible individuals will now receive $255.60 in financial relief.
2. Increased Energy Bill Assistance
With energy prices on the rise, the government has allocated additional funds to support low-income households in covering their electricity and gas bills.
3. More Inclusive Support
- Age Pensioners: Previously, if an adult child (even working part-time) moved in, pensioners risked losing concessions. This rule has been removed.
- Rooming House Residents: Before, only one resident per house could claim the concession. Now, all eligible residents can apply.
Human Services Minister Nat Cook stated that the goal is to make concessions simpler, fairer, and more consistent, ensuring that financial aid reaches those who need it most.
Who Can Apply?
The deadline to apply for the 2024-25 concession is December 31, 2024. Eligible individuals include:
| Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Pensioners, Centrelink recipients, and low-income earners | December 31, 2024 |
| Must be a South Australian resident and meet income criteria | Apply before deadline |
| Includes people in shared housing and transitional housing | Act fast to secure benefits |
Eligible residents are encouraged to apply early to ensure they don’t miss out on financial support.
Addressing Cost-of-Living Pressures
These updates reflect a growing awareness of the financial struggles faced by low-income renters, pensioners, and shared households. The removal of outdated rules acknowledges modern living arrangements, where:
- Adult children are staying in family homes longer
- More people rely on shared housing to cut living costs
- Cost-of-living pressures continue to increase across Australia
By expanding eligibility and boosting financial aid, the South Australian government is taking important steps to support vulnerable households in a time of rising costs.
If you think you may be eligible, apply now and take advantage of these much-needed financial relief programs.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $255.60 concession?
Low-income earners, pensioners, and Centrelink recipients in South Australia.
How do shared renters benefit from the new rules?
They can now apply for concessions without being affected by housemates’ incomes.
When do the new concession rules start?
The updated rules take effect from January 1, 2025.
What is the deadline to apply for the 2024-25 concession?
Eligible individuals must apply by December 31, 2024.
Do pensioners still qualify if an adult child moves in?
Yes, pensioners no longer lose benefits if an adult child moves in.
