The South Australian Government is expanding access to cost-of-living concessions, providing much-needed financial support to renters living in shared accommodation. Starting on January 1st 2025, a new policy change will make it easier for many people renting shared homes to receive important household concessions, like energy and cost-of-living support.
A recent review of the current concessions system found that many South Aussies were missing out on financial help due to the income of their housemates, or the type of housing they lived in. Under the current rules, renters in shared accommodation could be disqualified from receiving help, even if they were struggling financially.
For example, a person living with a housemate who earns as little as $3,000 a year could lose access to the energy concession.Similarly, if a housemate earns more than $24,000, the other renters in the household could miss out on the Cost-of-Living Concession (COLC), even if they were on a low income.
The new changes will remove the rule that counts a housemate’s income against you. This means that people in shared accommodation will no longer lose out on important concessions just because of what their housemates earn.
This change will especially help people in situations where someone living in the house, like an adult child or a low-income tenant, might have previously caused the household to lose access to concessions. For instance, an Age Pensioner who had an adult child move back in with them could lose access to concessions, even if the child worked only part-time. Under the new system, that won’t happen anymore.
The new rules will also benefit people living in transitional housing, boarding houses, and rooming houses. In the past, only one person in these types of shared living situations could claim the COLC, even though most residents are on low incomes. The new changes will allow all eligible residents in these homes to access the Cost-of-Living Concession, providing more financial relief for people at risk of homelessness.
“We know adult kids are living at home longer, that shared accommodation can reduce living costs and that boarding houses are crucial for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” Lucy Hood MP said.
“That shouldn’t mean parents or renters on fixed or low-incomes, or those accessing transitional housing, should miss out on support.”
The South Australian Government is also increasing funding for the concessions program. In the 2024-25 State Budget, an additional $115 million was allocated to help more people. This includes a one-time bonus payment of $243.90 to around 212,000 households.
The government has also permanently doubled the Cost-of-Living Concession (COLC) for renters and self-funded retirees, making their payments the same as those for homeowners. These higher payments began in August 2024.
To apply for the 2025/26 Cost-of-Living Concession, applications will be based on individual circumstances as of July 1st 2025, and payments will be made in August 2025.
South Australians can find out more and apply by visiting the government’s website at sa.gov.au/concessions or by calling the Concessions Hotline at 1800 307 758.
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