Centrelink cash payment for thousands of Aussies

Thousands of Aussies are getting a $449 cash boost – here’s how to find out if you are eligible

  • 192,000 South Australians will receive a one-off cash payment of up to $449
  • The payment is available to concession card holders and low-income earners
  • The extra cash will help ease the pressure of the ongoing cost of living crisis 
  • Premier Peter Malinauskas said it is the largest ever state government payment

Low-income earners and pensioners are receiving one-off, doubled cost of living concession payments aimed at providing relief for those doing it tough through this period of high inflation.

Around 192,000 South Australians (more than ten per cent of the state population) will receive up to $449 in cash directly into their bank accounts under a scheme announced earlier this year in the state budget.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said it was the largest ever state government payment to concession card holders and low-income earners.

192,000 South Australians will receive a one-off payment up to $449, designed to help ease the pressure of inflation

‘With the rising cost of living pressures, inflation and an influx of interest rates, this payment could not come at a better time,’ he said.

‘This one-off, doubled cost of living concession payment was what we promised – and we´re now delivering on it.’

Under the concession scheme, home owner-occupiers will receive $449, while renters will get $224.60 per household.

Homeowner-occupiers who are self-funded retirees with a commonwealth seniors health card will also receive $224.60 per household.

Dave Matthews has cut back on his grocery shopping to cope with the rising cost of living. Picture: Facebook

Dave Matthews has cut back on his grocery shopping to cope with the rising cost of living. Picture: Facebook

Low-income earners and concession card holders will be able to access the one-off payment through their Centrelink accounts

Low-income earners and concession card holders will be able to access the one-off payment through their Centrelink accounts

The cost of living concession replaced the council rate concession to help people on low or fixed incomes with their general living expenses such as council rates, energy and medical bills.

All existing and eligible new customers who applied by July 1 should receive their payment by the end of this month.

New applicants have until the end of this year to apply for the payments.

To obtain the concession, you must live at a property and receive a Centrelink payment, hold an eligible card or meet low income provisions.

Tenants must not be living with anyone who earns more than the low income provisions, unless they either get an allowance from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans´ Affairs, or are your spouse, domestic partner or dependant.

To apply, you will need your Centrelink customer reference number, DVA file number or a copy of your most recent tax assessment.