Seniors in the Mining and Pastoral Region are set to receive extra support for everyday living expenses, thanks to the State Government’s Cost of Living Rebate.
This year, WA Seniors Card holders will share in more than $22 million worth of payments, with singles and couples to receive $83.85 and $128 respectively.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said the rebate was an annual payment introduced by the State Government in 2009 to help seniors with living costs.
“Western Australia is the only State in the country with such a scheme and I’m glad that older residents in the Mining and Pastoral Region are making use of these payments,” he said.
“Given their strong lifetime contribution to our State’s development, it’s only fair that we assist older residents in such a manner.”
Since 2009, the Liberal National Government has provided more than $218 million in payments to support older West Australians with their living expenses.
The Cost of Living Rebate is automatically deposited into registered bank accounts, with all payments expected to reach cardholders by August 1, 2016.
The WA Seniors Card also provides seniors with more than $1,000 in concessions throughout the year, including rebates across a wide range of State Government services from public transport to the cost of vehicle registration and entry to museums, galleries and national parks.
“Pensioners living in regional areas are also eligible for the Country Age Pension Fuel Card,” Mr Grills said.
“Supported by Royalties for Regions, the Country Age Pension Fuel Card provides eligible pensioners with up to $565 a year towards the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel from participating providers.
“I urge all older residents in the Mining and Pastoral Region to take full advantage of the concessions on offer.”
The Cost of Living Rebate is administered by the Department of Local Government and Communities. New cardholders must apply for the rebate on or before May 31 each year.
For more information, phone the WA Seniors Card Centre on (08) 6551 8800 (metro) or 1800 671 233 (country free call) or visit http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 9071 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
