Regional pensioners will continue to benefit from the Country Age Pension Fuel Card thanks to a further investment of $140.1 million over the next four years through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Wendy Duncan MLA, Member for Kalgoorlie, said the investment, announced in the 2016-17 State Budget, will help regional pensioners to remain mobile and independent in regional Western Australia.
“The Country Aged Pension Fuel Card is a key initiative of The Nationals which acknowledges that country pensioners are not able to access metropolitan levels of public transport; often having to rely on their own means to travel. It has been a fantastic program to help country pensioners visit their families and friends, attend medical and other commitments and remain independent through the purchase of fuel and taxi services,” Ms Duncan said.
The cards are available to applicants living in an eligible regional location in WA and who are receiving a Centrelink Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension or Widow B Pension, a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, Social Security Age Pension or Income Support Supplement.
Ms Duncan said that existing cardholders will automatically be issued a new card in July, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. New applicants may apply by presenting a current Pensioner Concession Card and lodging a form at a participating country Post Offices.
The value loaded onto the Country Age Pension Fuel Card will also increase from $565 to $575 from 1 July 2016.
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.
