About the Cost of Living Concession
The Cost of Living Concession is $270.60 for 2026-27. It is not tied to your electricity bill: it is paid into your bank account to help with general living costs such as council rates, energy and medical bills.
You can qualify through an eligible card, an eligible Centrelink payment or a low-income test. Without a card, the income limit is $958.70 a fortnight for a single person, $1,016 for a single person with children and $1,780.60 for a couple.
It is paid between August and December. Apply by 31 December to get it for that year. If you already receive it and nothing has changed, it continues without a new application.
Who can get it
- You live at the property, assessed on your circumstances on 1 July.
- You hold an eligible card, receive an eligible Centrelink payment, or meet the low-income test.
- Tenants must have a written rental agreement.
| Card or payment | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Pensioner Concession Card | Yes |
| Low Income Health Care Card | Yes |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Yes |
| DVA Veteran Gold Card | Yes |
How much you can get
| Household | Fortnightly income | Yearly income |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $958.70 | $24,926 |
| Single with children | $1,016 | $26,416 |
| Partnered | $1,780.60 | $46,295 |
How to apply
- Apply online with ConcessionsSA, using the same household concessions form.
- Apply by 31 December to receive the payment for that financial year.
- If you received it before and nothing has changed, you do not need to reapply.
How it is paid: By bank transfer, between August and December each year.
Contact: ConcessionsSA, 1800 307 758. Official information.
Moving or switching retailer?
Concessions applied by your retailer do not always move with you. When you move house or switch, give your card details to the new retailer and check the next bill. See how to claim a concession.
Other energy help in South Australia
- Energy Bill Concession: Up to $291.27 a year.
- SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer: 20% off Origin's standard electricity charges.
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: $291.27 a year.
- Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme: One-off payment towards an electricity debt.
- Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): Discounted efficient appliances and upgrades.
See every program on our South Australia rebates page.
Common questions
$270.60, paid by bank transfer between August and December.
Look in your bank statement from August for a payment of $270.60 described as SA GOV COLC or DHS Controlled.
Yes. They are separate concessions, and the same ConcessionsSA form covers both.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.