Your guide to the SA government rebates that could save you thousands on everyday expenses

Thousands of South Australians will be elegible for a $449 Cost of Living Concession cash boost. It’s one of a number of rebates up for grabs that could save you thousands.

South Australians can make their money stretch further with support from the state government.

A host of rebates and concessions are available to help cover the cost of utilities, council rates, vehicle registration and educational costs – to name a few.

These savings could add up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, for people who are eligible.

See the list below for how you can save on day-to-day living expenses.

HOUSING

For those eligible, there’s a Cost of Living Concession to help pay for council rates or other living expenses. This financial year the one-off payment will be double the standard rate, up to $449 depending on your living arrangement.

Residents may be about to receive a reduction of $46 a year on the Emergency Services Levy.

First homeowners may be eligible for a grant of up to $15,000 to buy or build a new home, provided the market value is $575,000 or less. Stamp duty concessions may also apply.

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Up to $241.63 a year to help cover energy bills, including fuel to generate electricity.
Eligible Origin Energy customers can also get further support through the SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer, which provides 21 per cent off electricity usages and supply charges, as well as flexible payment options and no late fees. If not an Origin customer, you must transfer to get the offer.

South Australian residents may be able to get a discount of 30 per cent on their water bill.

Eligible households may be able to get support for water and sewerage costs. A discount of up to 30 per cent may be applied to the total water bill, up to a maximum of $134.70 to $331.10 depending on the circumstance. The maximum sewerage rate reduction is $123.50 a year.

For people who live in a residential park, they may be eligible for a combined concession on energy, water and sewerage.

For those experiencing hardship and at risk of having their electricity cut off, they may be able to get support through the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme but you can only receive one payment every three years. There is also access to the SA-funded ConnectEd, which provides information, financial counselling, and support to help people manage their utility and phone or internet bills.

EDUCATION

School parents can access $100 off the Materials and Services Charge for 2022 and 2023 school years. The subsidy was announced as part of the SA Budget by Premier Peter Malinauskas in June.

Primary and secondary school students who live five or more kilometres from the closest school can apply for a travelling allowance.

Children can receive a $100 voucher to go towards swimming lessons or other sport. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Remote families with high school-aged children who board while attending school may be able to an allowance to help with costs of travel, boarding and other education-related expenses. To be eligible, the parents must have been approved by Centrelink to receive the federally-funded Assistance for Isolated Children allowance.

Children can receive a $100 voucher to go towards sport, dance or learn to swim fees. Conditions apply.

HEALTH

Low-cost glasses or free contact lenses through GlassesSA. If eligible, the maximum amount for a pair of glasses will range from $25 to $100, depending on the type of lenses. Conditions apply.

People with specific medical conditions who need to run heating or cooling may be eligible for a concession up to $241.36 a year towards power bills. Conditions apply and it needs to be signed off by a medical practitioner.

South Australians with medical needs may be able to get a concessions of more than $200 on power bills. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

People 75-plus, or 65-plus if Aboriginal, may be able to get a free personal alert device so they may call for help in an emergency. The devices have SIM cards, are 4G compatible and have falls detection.

Those with significant or permanent disability may be able to apply for a Companion Card, which means the companion or carer will be given free entry to participating activities where the cardholder buys a ticket.

TRANSPORT

Pensioners may be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction on one vehicle registration and one trailer that they own. They also get a 50 per cent discount on licence feeds and do not have to pay stamp duty on compulsory third party insurance. Other vehicle-related concessions apply for people, such as someone who has lost a leg or served in the military, provided they meet certain criteria.

SA first homeowners may be eligible for a grant of up to $15,000 to buy or build a new home.

Originally published as Your guide to the SA government rebates that could save you thousands on everyday expenses