Concessions
Cost of Living Concession
On 14 May 2015, the State Government announced a new 'Cost of Living Concession' to replace the concessions formerly available on Council rates to pensioners, low-income earners and self-funded retirees holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
By changing regulations (in the Government Gazette of 14 May) the State Government has now formally abolished these concessions on Council rates. The abolition took effect from 1 July 2015.
However, this abolition was made with a promise to introduce, in law, a new 'Cost of Living Concession' of up to $200 annually for a wider range of recipients.
Therefore, although there are no longer any concessions available on Council Rates, you may be eligible for a Cost of Living Concession (COLC).
The Cost of Living Concession is a once-off annual payment made to eligible tenants and homeowners and can be used to assist with the costs of everyday living.
You may be eligible to receive this concession if you:
- Rent your accommodation and it is your principal place of residence; AND
- Hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card (EDA, TPI, War Widow or with 80 or more overall impairment points under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004); OR
- Are in receipt of an eligible Centrelink allowance; OR
- Are on a low income; OR
- Hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; OR
- Hold a Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card.
People who have already received the COLC in a previous financial year, do not need to reapply, unless their circumstances change.
For more information on a range of State Government Concessions available, please click here or phone the ConcessionsSA Hotline (9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday) - 1800 307 758