The NSW Government's popular Cost of Living Service is being expanded as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
$6.6 million in funding will help customers right across the state to access the full range of benefits available to them from the service and a further $7.6 million from the Department of Customer Service will be redirected towards upgrading the service.
Service NSW will also hire extra staff, which will allow for up to 500 customers a day to benefit from the service.
This means that potentially every minute someone will save up to $600 per appointment.
This support will make it easier for customers to find and apply for government rebates and savings, access personalised support with face-to-face appointments gradually resuming from 1 July 2021.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said easing the cost of living for households remains a top priority for the Government in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
"There are up to 70 savings offered by the Government, and more than $4 billion has been collectively saved by families since the program commenced in July 2017," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Service NSW is a one-stop shop that takes the hassle out of finding savings by putting all the relevant information under the one roof."
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this year's Budget would continue to drive our economic recovery from COVID by ensuring more people had money in their pockets to spend on the things that matter most to them.
"This increased investment will give more people the support they need to help them create a better future for themselves and their families," Mr Perrottet said.
"A simple appointment could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Whether it is Active Kids vouchers, energy rebates or Toll Relief, there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars' worth of savings out there to help make life that little bit easier."
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said specialised staff are on hand to do the heavy lifting for customers.
"Gone are the days of having to visit multiple websites and waste time calling different agencies. Our specialised one-stop shop staff can help customers identify their eligibility for savings and help them claim them," Mr Dominello said.
"There have been 70,000 cost of living appointments since July 2018, with the average saving per appointment almost $600, which means more money being spent on the things that matter most.
"As the popularity of this program continues to grow, Service NSW will ensure more staff are made available to best support NSW residents."
Examples of other savings available include pensioner travel vouchers, Low Income Household Rebate and the Regional seniors travel card.
The following are savings among different Service NSW Centres for cost of living appointments:
| Centre | Savings | Highest Individual Saving |
|---|---|---|
| Penrith | $138,000 | $4,738 |
| Central Coast Centres | $2,524,000 | $14,000 |
| Macarthur | $937,000 | $1,793 |
| Armidale | $1,400,000 | $10,000 |
For more information, visit Service NSW.
