Cost of Living Concessions

To help those on low or fixed incomes with cost of living expenses. The concession is paid per eligible household, per year. For more information on how to apply call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or visit the sa.gov.au website by clicking here(link is external)

Energy concessions

To help with the cost of energy bills a state government concession is available to eligible South Australians on low or fixed incomes. The energy concession covers both electricity and gas payments (including fuels used to generate energy such as LPG bottled gas and petrol).

For more information on how to apply call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or visit the sa.gov.au website by clicking here(link is external)

Medical heating and cooling concession

The Medical Heating and Cooling Concession assists South Australians on a fixed or low income who have a clinically verified medical condition which requires the frequent use of heating or cooling in the home to prevent the severe worsening of their condition. It is available to eligible applicants in addition to the current energy concession.

For more information on how to apply call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or visit the sa.gov.au website by clicking here(link is external)

Water and sewerage concession

The water concession for eligible recipients is up to 30% of an eligible customer’s water bill for a financial year, subject to minimum and maximum amounts. You can find the rates here(link is external).

For more information on how to apply call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or visit the sa.gov.au website by clicking here(link is external)

Residential park resident concessions

People who live in a residential park or a caravan park may be eligible to receive a single combined concession to help with their energy, water and sewerage bills.

People who live in a residential park or a caravan park may also be eligible to receive the Cost of Living Concession.

For more information on how to apply call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or visit the sa.gov.au website by clicking here(link is external)

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

NILS provides no fee, interest-free loans for people living on a low income.

Loans can be used to purchase essential household items like fridges, washing machines and furniture, education essentials (such as computers and text books) and some medical and dental services, but can’t be used for regular household expenses such as rent, bills or food.

For eligibility criteria, further information and a list of loan providers, visit the Good Shepherd NILS website(link is external).

StepUP Loan

The StepUP program is no longer available. However, existing clients can continue to repay their loans until final completion.

 If you are an existing StepUP client and require assistance with your loan, you will continue to be supported by the NAB and can call them directly on 1800 701 599 with any queries.  Interpreters are available if required.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients can access NAB support directly on 1800 966 100.

Wyatt Trust Direct Grants

The Direct Grants Program (Wyatt Trust) provides carefully targeted one-off grants to eligible South Australians.

Applications can only be accepted from professionals working in a recognised organisation, on behalf of eligible clients experiencing hardship. Wyatt cannot accept applications from individuals on their own behalf, and applicants are requested not to contact Wyatt directly.

Only people working in a recognised agency on behalf of clients experiencing financial hardship can submit applications for financial assistance grants. For more information, visit the Wyatt website(link is external).

Department of Social Services Service Directory

You may search the Department of Social Services Service Directory (link is external)to find emergency relief organisations near you that provide immediate financial and/or material support to people in financial crisis. The type of assistance offered by each organisation varies, however may include one-off assistance such as:

• food, transport or chemist vouchers
• part-payment of utility account/s
• food parcels or clothing
• budgeting assistance and/or
• referrals to other services that help to address underlying causes of financial crisis.

National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Helpline is a useful resource for help with debt: call them on 1800 007 007.

Access to grants and loans and advice - Financial Counsellors

Financial counsellors can help you with support you may not get otherwise, including grants and loans. Use the SAFCA tool here(link is external) to find someone who may be able to help you.

Advocacy

SACOSS in 2021 released a report on concessions in SA and has been calling for a review and improvements to concessions. Find out more here.