FROM January 1, the South Australian Government is expanding eligibility for household concessions to include more people in shared rental accommodation. 

A 2023 review revealed many shared renters missed out on concessions due to a housemate’s income or tenancy agreement, impacting those relying partly on Centrelink. 

Previously, a housemate earning as low as $3000 per year could disqualify a renter from the energy concession, while the Cost-of- Living Concession was lost if a housemate earned over $24,000 annually. 

The changes remove co-resident income assessments, opening eligibility for those previously excluded. 

This addresses situations where, for example, an age pensioner’s adult child moving home could result in concession loss. 

In supported residential facilities and rooming houses, multiple low-income residents will be able to claim the COLC.