July 27th, 2016

Wednesday, 27 July 2016 
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• WA Seniors Card holders will share $22.38 million in payments this year
• Cost of Living Rebate helps seniors meet increased living expenses 

More than 300,000 Western Australian seniors will receive extra cash in their bank account from today, thanks to the Liberal National 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.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson said WA was the only State that provided a cash payment to help support all seniors card holders. 

"Since the rebate was introduced in 2008, the State Government has provided more than $218 million in payments to support older West Australians with their everyday living expenses," Mr Simpson said.

"We know many seniors have lower incomes in their later years, but their expenses stay the same. 

"This rebate is just one way for us to support our seniors, enabling them to put the money towards some of their bills and other 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.

"Western Australian seniors have access to the most generous suite of concessions in Australia and I urge seniors to maximise the use of their WA Seniors Card by taking advantage of these benefits," the Minister said.

Fact File

• 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