Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA is pleased the value of Country Aged Pension Fuel Cards has increased to $575 for regional pensioners in her electorate.
Ms Davies said the Royalties for Regions investment, announced as part of the 2016-17 State Budget, would help pensioners remain mobile and independent by supporting access to transport options.
“The Country Age Pension Fuel Card plays an important role assisting regional pensioners, including age pensioners and people with disabilities, remain independent through the purchase of fuel and taxi services,” Ms Davies said.
“Many regional pensioners travel long distances to access medical and health services and I’m proud that Royalties for Regions is assisting with these travel costs.”
Existing cardholders will automatically be issued a new card this month, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The value loaded onto cards will increase from $565 to $575 from 1 July 2016.
To be eligible for a fuel card, applicants must live in an eligible regional location in WA and receive a Centrelink Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension or Widow B Pension, or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, Social Security Age pension or Income Support Supplement.
Since 2008, the State Government through the Royalties for Regions program has invested a total of $158 million to fund the Country Age Pension Fuel Card Scheme and another
$140.1 million will be invested over the next four years.
The State Government is investing $3.78 billion over the next four years to build vibrant regions with strong economies through Royalties for Regions initiatives in health, community services, education, arts, Aboriginal development initiatives, agriculture, tourism and economic development.
New applicants may apply by presenting a current Pensioner Concession Card and lodging a form at a participating country Post Office.
To find the nearest participating Post Office applicants can call the Fuel Card Information Line on 1300 666 609.
