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South Australia Concessions Guide
State concessions for pensioners and concession card holders in SA
South Australia provides a comprehensive concessions program for people on low or fixed incomes. A standout feature of SA's system is the single application form — one form covers energy, water, sewerage and emergency services levy concessions. This guide covers the main concessions available through the SA Government concessions portal and the DHS Concessions Hotline: 1800 307 758.
1. Cost of Living Concession (COLC)
- BenefitAnnual cash payment (indexed annually, paid quarterly)
- PurposeHelps with general living expenses — council rates, energy, medical bills
- Payment methodElectronic funds transfer (EFT) to your bank account
- Payment periodPaid between August and December each year
- DeadlineApply by 31 December to receive COLC for that financial year
ℹ️ One Form, Four Concessions
SA's Household Concessions Application form lets you apply for the Cost of Living Concession, energy concession, water and sewerage concession, and Emergency Services Levy remission all at once. Complete it online at sa.gov.au or call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758.
2. Energy Concessions
- BenefitAnnual rebate credited to your electricity bill (indexed annually)
- How it worksCalculated as a flat daily rate, credited to your electricity bill
- CoversEnergy including electricity, gas, LPG and fuels used for energy
- RequirementAccount in cardholder's name at principal residence
- BenefitAdditional energy concession for medical heating/cooling needs
- EligibilityClinically verified medical condition requiring frequent heating or cooling
- How to applyThrough SA Government with medical verification
3. Water and Sewerage
- BenefitConcession on water and sewerage charges at principal residence
- Top-up availableAdditional payment if annual water bills exceed certain amounts
- Residential parksCombined energy, water and sewerage concession available
- How to applyIncluded in the single Household Concessions Application form
4. Emergency Services Levy (ESL)
- BenefitRemission on the Emergency Services Levy for your principal residence
- NoteYou may already be receiving this if you get the water concession
- How to applyIncluded in the single Household Concessions Application form
5. Motor Vehicle Registration
- Pensioner (PCC)50% fee reduction on one vehicle and one trailer
- Incapacitated ex-service66.667% fee reduction on one vehicle
- Driver licenceReduced fees for licence renewal
- CTP insuranceExemption from stamp duty on compulsory third-party insurance
6. Public Transport
- BenefitApproximately 50% off the adult fare
- CoversAdelaide Metro buses, trains and trams
- Seniors CardFree travel between 9:01am and 3:00pm weekdays
- RequirementValid concession card or SA Seniors Card
7. Other SA Concessions
Additional concessions available to eligible South Australians:
- GlassesSA — low-cost glasses (or free for serious eye conditions) through approved providers
- Personal Alert AssistanceSA (PAASA) — subsidised personal alert systems for safety at home
- Funeral AssistanceSA — basic funeral assistance for those on low or fixed incomes
- Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme (EEPS) — one-off emergency payment for financial hardship (once every 2 years)
- Australia Post — concession stamps at reduced rate for PCC holders
Need Help Understanding Your Entitlements?
Concessions are just one piece of your retirement income puzzle. Explore how they fit with your Age Pension, super and investment strategy.
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Last reviewed: February 2026