$243.90 Australia Cost of Living Concession in May 2025: If you’ve heard buzz about a $243.90 Cost of Living Concession (COLC) landing in Australian bank accounts in May 2025, you’re not alone. With the rising cost of living putting pressure on households, many are eager to know if this payment is real, recurring, or just a one-off relief effort. The truth is: while the $243.90 COLC payment was real, it was a one-time payment made in June 2024 by the South Australian Government. As of May 2025, there is no new $243.90 COLC scheduled. However, eligible residents can still expect a standard payment of $255.60 for the 2024–25 financial year, paid later in the year.
$243.90 Australia Cost of Living Concession in May 2025
In short, while the $243.90 Cost of Living Concession in May 2025 is not a current offering, it was a genuine, one-off payment issued in June 2024 to eligible South Australians. The good news is, if you qualify, you can still receive the standard $255.60 COLC in 2024–25. With energy and everyday expenses on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the financial help available.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| $243.90 COLC Payment | One-off payment issued in June 2024 to 210,000+ households as part of South Australia’s winter relief. |
| Current COLC for 2024–25 | Standard annual payment increased to $255.60 for all eligible recipients. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Must live in South Australia, hold a valid concession card or receive an eligible payment, and meet low-income provisions. |
| Application Deadline | Apply before December 31, 2024, to qualify for 2024–25 payments. |
| Other Supports | Energy and water concessions, transport discounts, and medical heating/cooling subsidies also available. |
| Official Website | sa.gov.au/concessions |
What Is the Cost of Living Concession (COLC)?
The Cost of Living Concession is a payment made by the South Australian Government to help households manage essential everyday expenses like electricity, water, gas, and council rates. It’s designed to support people on low or fixed incomes, especially seniors, veterans, and Centrelink recipients.
Unlike many rebates or bill-specific subsidies, the COLC is paid directly into your bank account, so you can choose how to use it based on your most urgent needs.
The $243.90 Payment: What Happened in 2024?
In June 2024, South Australians who qualified for the regular COLC received an additional $243.90 payment to help combat rising winter energy bills. This move was part of a $266 million cost-of-living relief package included in the 2024–25 state budget.
The payment was automatic, meaning if you already received the regular COLC, you didn’t need to apply separately. It helped more than 210,000 households, especially during the colder months when energy use spikes.
However, this payment was not intended to be ongoing. It was a one-time bonus, not part of the standard COLC cycle.
COLC for 2024–25: What You Need to Know
For the current financial year (2024–25), the regular COLC has increased to $255.60 across the board. This payment will be made to eligible homeowners, tenants, and seniors from August to December 2024.
That means no $243.90 payment in May 2025, but you may still be eligible for the standard concession if you meet the requirements.
Who Is Eligible for the COLC?
To receive the COLC in 2024–25, you must:
- Live in South Australia
- Reside at the address for which you’re applying
- Hold an eligible card or receive one of the following:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- An eligible Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payment
- Meet income and residency conditions as of July 1, 2024
If your circumstances haven’t changed since last year, you don’t need to reapply. New applicants must apply by December 31, 2024.
How to Apply for the $243.90 Australia Cost of Living Concession in May 2025?
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official concessions portal.
- Check your eligibility using the online tool.
- Complete the application form with your name, address, concession details, and banking information.
- Submit by December 31, 2024.
- Wait for confirmation and payment between August and December 2024.
If you have questions, contact ConcessionsSA:
Other Financial Help You May Be Eligible For
Besides COLC, the South Australian government offers additional supports, including:
- Energy Bill Concession: Up to $274.85 annually
- Water and Sewerage Concessions: Up to $560.60 combined
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession: $274.85 per year for people with qualifying medical conditions
- Emergency Services Levy (ESL) Remission: Up to $46 per household
- Public Transport Concessions: From Jan 2025, available to all Centrelink Health Care Card holders
- School & Sports Vouchers: Two $100 vouchers per child for school and sporting activities starting in 2025
How to Claim Australia’s $250 and $750 Pension Payments in 2025: Check Process!
Australia $300 Energy Rebate Update: Millions Receive Cost-of-Living Support This Month
Centrelink Confirms $281.4 Payment for Aussies in 2025 – Full Details Inside
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the $243.90 Cost of Living Concession available in 2025?
No, the $243.90 payment was a one-time relief provided in June 2024. There is no similar payment scheduled for May 2025.
When will the regular 2024–25 COLC payment be made?
Between August and December 2024, depending on your application status.
Do I need to reapply each year?
Not if your eligibility and personal details haven’t changed. New applicants, however, must apply by December 31, 2024.
Can renters get the concession too?
Yes. Both homeowners and tenants are eligible if they meet the income and residency requirements.
Can I receive multiple concessions?
Yes. You can receive the COLC in addition to other rebates like the Energy Bill Concession or Medical Heating and Cooling Concession.