Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney today told WA Seniors Card holders to expect their annual Cost of Living Rebate (COLR) payment to be deposited into nominated bank accounts from July 18.
This year, cardholders will share in $33.4million worth of payments with singles to receive $150 and couples $225 respectively with the rebate designed to support Western Australian seniors with their everyday living expenses.
"Since this rebate was introduced in 2008, the State Government has made $42million in payments to support WA seniors with their everyday living expenses," Mrs McSweeney said.
"In 2010-11, the COLR payment was made to 245,288 card holders and this year we expect this number to increase where a significant $9.1million in additional funding has been invested to increase the amount of rebate paid to both singles and couples.
"New cardholders who completed and returned their application forms for the rebate by the end of May will receive their payment from July 18. If an application for the rebate was processed later than this date, seniors will get their payment by the end of September.
The Minister said seniors with nominated bank accounts for payment would see 'COLR2011' as description of their rebates.
"From today WA Seniors Card holders will also start to receive information in their mailbox outlining what benefits and concessions they can access all year round which some may not be aware of," she said.
"I urge seniors to maximise the use of their cards by taking advantage of a range of benefits worth up to $1,200 annually and on offer throughout the year."
Mrs McSweeney said concessions included 50 per cent off motor driver licences; up to 25 per cent discounts off annual water charges; and free public transport between 9am and 3.30pm weekdays, public holidays and, this year, during Seniors Week in November. WA Government rebates, including the Safety and Security Rebates for WA Seniors Card holders, worth up to $550 for single households and $625 for couples' households are also available.
As part of this year's State Budget, the Minister also announced the expansion of the WA Seniors Card eligibility to allow seniors who work 25 hours or less per week averaged over a 12-month period to be able to apply for a card worth more than $10.5million over four years.
For more information about applying for the 2011 COLR, seniors should contact the Seniors Card Centre on 6217 8855 or Freecall for country callers on 1800 671 233.
For more information about card holder benefits, visit http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/serviceareas/seniorscard/Pages/default.aspx
Minister's office - 9222 8950
