State government doubles Cost of Living Concession payment to help people on low incomes

The state government says it cannot make everyday items cheaper, but it will provide some relief, targeted to those on very low incomes.

Eligible South Australians will have their Cost of Living Concession payment doubled to help alleviate surging everyday costs like petrol prices.

Fulfilling an election commitment, Premier Peter Malinauskas on Sunday announced this Thursday’s state budget would include $39.3m to fund an increase in the annual payment, which is received by about 185,000 people.

The move will mean a homeowner-occupier eligible for the payment will receive $449, while tenants and homeowner-occupiers who are self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will receive $224.60.

The Cost of Living Concession is only paid to one person per household. Recipients must satisfy a set of criteria as of July 1 on the relevant financial year, ahead of the payments landing in bank accounts from August.

They must live at the property and hold an eligible card, including pensioner concession card, DVA gold card, low-income healthcare card or commonwealth seniors health card.

Rising petrol prices are just one of the factors making it hard to make ends meet. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Mr Malinauskas said the rising cost of living was disproportionately hurting those on low and fixed incomes.

“While the government can’t click its fingers and make the cost of everyday items cheaper, what we can do is provide targeted relief to those who need it most,” he said.

Mr Malinauskas and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan spoke about the policy and the government’s free flu jab scheme during a visit to Olympic Bingo in the CBD on Sunday.

Mr Mullighan urged the public to check whether they are eligible for the payment and register online if necessary.

He said it was not clear whether the rate would drop back down in future years or the higher rate would stay.

“We’ll weigh that up over the next 12 months,” he said.

Applications to receive the payment can be made online at sa.gov.au.