Eligible Western Australian seniors will see a small increase to their annual Cost of Living Rebate this year, with the total payment increasing by around $500,000.
The program by the WA Government, in place since 2009, provides annual payments to free WA Seniors Card members, who must be WA residents aged over 64, who are Australian citizen or permanent residents, and work fewer than 25 hours per week.
Last year, the rebate was $93.12 for singles and $139.64 for couples; this year, it has increased to $95.69 for singles and $143.50 for couples. The total cost has risen from almost $25.5 million last year to almost $26 million this year.
According to WA Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch (pictured right), the rebate provides vital funds exclusively to the state’s seniors.
“Western Australian Seniors Card members continue to have access to the most valuable range of State Government concessions and rebates in Australia, including free off-peak public transport, concessions on local government rates and water service charges, and the reinstated $400 Safety and Security rebate,” he said.
“This $26 million Cost of Living rebate package will provide much needed cash assistance to WA seniors.”
The WA Government earlier this year held community forums on its 10-year seniors strategy.
