- Over 307,000 Western Australian seniors sharing in more than $28.9
million Cost of Living Rebate payments
- Singles receiving a payment of $107.12 and couples receiving a
payment of $160.68
More than 307,000 Western Australian seniors are sharing in over $28.9
million in direct financial assistance, thanks to the Cook Government's Cost of
Living Rebate scheme.
The Cost of Living Rebate is paid annually to WA Seniors Card
members, with singles receiving a payment of $107.12 and couples receiving $160.68
this year.
The rebate was launched in 2009 and since then has provided over $421
million in assistance to WA seniors.
This year, WA Seniors Card members who had not registered for the rebate
were sent a reminder letter in March 2024, with a record 60,000 plus applications
received.
The Cost of Living Rebate payments began to be processed last
week, however recipients should note that it can take several days for payments
to be processed by their bank.
Due to unprecedented demand for the rebate this financial year,
payments for newly registered recipients will continue to be processed over the
coming months.
Members who have already registered do not need to reapply each
year unless their bank details have changed. Members can contact the WA Seniors
Card Centre at 1800 671 233 or info@seniorscard.wa.gov.au to check if they are registered or enquire about how to update
their bank details for next year's payment.
The WA Seniors Card program helps seniors save an average of $650 annually
through State Government concessions and discounts and more if they also hold a
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
The card offers some of the most valuable State Government concessions
and rebates in the country. Card members have access to free off-peak public
transport, concessions on local government rates and water service charges, and
the $400 Safety and Security Rebate.
Members can also
take advantage of the annual Discount Directory which offers a wide range of
discounts on goods and services from participating businesses across the State.
Launched today,
the 2024-2025 Discount Directory is now available to members at selected libraries,
Community Resource Centres or from the offices of local members of Parliament.
WA Seniors Card
members can request a copy to be posted directly by contacting the WA Seniors
Card Centre on 1800 671 233 or emailing info@seniorscard.wa.gov.au.
Applying for the WA Seniors Card is free of charge and is
available to Australian citizens or permanent residents aged over 65, who reside
in Western Australia and work less than 25 hours a week in paid employment.
Further details on eligibility, benefits and applications are
available via the WA Seniors Card website at www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"The WA Seniors Card Cost of Living Rebate provides vital funds
directly to seniors.
"Western Australian Seniors Card
members continue to have access to some of the most valuable range of State
Government concessions and rebates.
"This includes free off-peak public
transport, and concessions on local government rates and water service charges.
"The Cook Labor Government has also
reinstated the Safety and Security Rebate, providing members a rebate of up to
$400 after the purchase of an eligible home security or safety item.
"I would also encourage Seniors Card
members to pick up their copy of the 2024-2025 Discount Directory which was
launched today, to take advantage of the wide range of discounts on offer."
