Christmas top up for South Aussies doing it tough
The state’s Human Services Minister is urging those struggling to make ends meet over Christmas to apply for funding help before the end of the year.
As many South Australians feel the financial bite of Christmas giving the state government is urging many to apply for a financial concession.
Human Services Minister Nat Cook said those eligible for the Cost of Living Concession could receive an annual $261.90 payment this festive season.
She said this financial year, more than $58 million had been paid to more than 222,000 tenants and homeowners on low or fixed incoes to help cover essential costs like council rates and electricity.
New customers must apply by December 31 to receive the concession this financial year.
In January 2025, the COLC was expanded to include renters and landlords in shared accommodation by removing the co-resident income assessment.
This change came after the 2023 Concessions Review, which found some people were missing out because housemates earned above the income limit or held different tenancy agreements.
The Christmas season can be tough for people already struggling to cover everyday costs. That’s when this extra support matters,” Cook said today.
She said in one form, low-income earners could apply for four household concessions, Cost of Living, energy, water and sewerage, and emergency services.
Council of The Ageing chief executive Miranda Starke said many older South Australians were “feeling the pincy of the rising cost of living”.
“Our recent Voices of Older South Australians report revealed that nearly half of those surveyed are cutting back on heating, cooling, food and even healthcare as cost pressures intensify,” she said.
“At a time when many would like to be planning social get togethers, Christmas lunch and gift-giving, a growing cohort of older people are finding these costs particularly stressful.
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“When you’re facing rising costs, every bit of support matters.”
While one recipient, Don Wood, urged others to take up the funds saying it “really does make a difference”.
“Things are tough for a lot of us right now,” he said.
