In the face of rising expenses and the ever-tightening squeeze on household budgets, Western Australian pensioners and seniors have a beacon of relief to look towards.

The state government is actively encouraging those eligible to apply for a series of cost-of-living rebates to ease the financial burden on our most experienced citizens.

The Pensioners and Seniors Concessions Scheme offer concessions on local government rates, water service charges, emergency services levy, and underground electricity connection charges.

With rebates that can reach up to 50 per cent and, in some cases, as high as $750, this opportunity can make a significant difference in managing the cost of living.

WA pensioners and seniors can apply for a rebate under the Concessions Scheme. Credit: Shutterstock

Acting Finance Minister John Quigley has expressed the government's commitment to supporting Western Australians, urging eligible pensioners and seniors to take advantage of these concessions.

‘We want to see as many eligible pensioners and seniors across the State apply as we continue to support Western Australians,’ he said.

To qualify for these rebates, you need to hold one or more specific concession cards, including the Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (if you also have a WA Seniors Card), or a WA Seniors Card.

In addition to the rate rebate, the Cook Government’s Cost of Living Rebate for seniors provides additional financial relief, offering $104 for singles and $156 for couples.

The Regional Pensioner Travel Card has increased in value to $675 a year for residents of regional Western Australia.

To ensure you receive the maximum concession possible, it's crucial to register for the scheme as soon as you receive your eligible concession card.

Once registered, the Water Corporation will inform your local government authority, ensuring that your concession is applied to your rates and charges.

Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch has highlighted the significant impact these concessions can have on reducing cost-of-living pressures.

‘Seniors and pensioners with eligible concession cards such as the Seniors Card should apply as these concessions can make a big difference in easing cost-of-living pressures,’ he said.

I urge those who think they may be eligible to apply today.’

Tip

For more detailed information and to start the application process, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/apply-pensioners-or-seniors-rebate or phone the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951.

Key Takeaways

• WA pensioners and seniors can apply for a rebate under the Pensioners and Seniors Concessions Scheme.
• Eligible applicants can receive concessions on local government rates, water services, emergency services levy, and underground electricity connection charges.
• Rebates can be as high as $750; different caps apply depending on the circumstances.
• The WA government encouraged eligible pensioners and seniors to apply for these concessions to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, with additional benefits like the Regional Pensioner Travel Card also available.

Have you or someone you know benefited from these rebates? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[Suzanne rose]

This is great but wished the heading would include the state it is for.

Some people would get excited thinking their are rebates they can get only to read on and see its for one State only

 

[Robeo56]

This is great but wished the heading would include the state it is for.

Some people would get excited thinking their are rebates they can get only to read on and see its for one State only

I agree entirely, Suzanne Rose

 

[IanB.]

If I may? I'm going to anyway Bit of a crack at your heading ; why "say Aussies get ....." and then add "In the face of rising expenses and the ever-tightening squeeze on household budgets, Western Australian ......... "
Please; make the headline more to the point by including the state in article applies to.
Many of us don't trust "the news in papers/tv/online /radio anymore because annoy false heal lines .

 

[mylittletibbies]

Good old WA, certainly the most generous state with government concessions.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Good old WA, certainly the most generous state with government concessions.

Yep , the rest of the Countries Pensioners can just go away and die you get nothing.

 

[terri]

These rebates are available in other states, perhaps WA is just catching up.

 

[Kericson]

These rebates are available in other states, perhaps WA is just catching up.

No, WA have had these rebates for years. The Government is just reminding people that the rebates are available if they qualify.

 

[Barbara V]

Yes if you have a Seniors card all these discounts are available. Rates ,phone,electricity and a discount off of some food outlets fast food places too .I've had this since 1997 I'm in WA but sure it must apply to other states

 

[Raggy]

What about NSW residents?

 

[Raelene Gerlach]

What about others who are on pensions and they are seniors. Like myself, I live in Tasmania, and the cost of living and taking care of a 13yr old grandson full time is difficult at times with the rising costs of living.

 

[Riceyspicey]

What are the rebates where’do we apply

 

[Raelene Gerlach]

Hi Riceyspicey.
I'm not sure how to apply. I read this on here that WA pensioners can apply but nothing said about the other states. Mmmmm I hope we are included.

 

[DotP]

Yes if you have a Seniors card all these discounts are available. Rates ,phone,electricity and a discount off of some food outlets fast food places too .I've had this since 1997 I'm in WA but sure it must apply to other states

We are recent relocators from Vic , to WA and I have all the cards necessary to claim rebates but there is nothing for phones??? In WA there are great rebates for council rates Max 600.00 and other rebates

 

[mylittletibbies]

Yep , the rest of the Countries Pensioners can just go away and die you get nothing.

Sad really, all States should be the same.

These rebates are available in other states, perhaps WA is just catching up.

WA has had these concessions for as long as I've been a pensioner, which is 12 years, definitely not catching up, probably just advising new pensioners of what is available.
I don't know of any other state that has $675 fuel cards for rural residents.
I have lived in both SA and Vic as well as WA whose concessions are more extensive and higher rebate.
When I lived in SA they had no concessions on council or water rates, the only thing was one payment of, I think $150 cost of living

Hi Riceyspicey.
I'm not sure how to apply. I read this on here that WA pensioners can apply but nothing said about the other states. Mmmmm I hope we are included.

Sorry, don't think so. WA are very generous with concessions.
I've lived in other States where most of these concessions are either very small or in a lot of cases nonexistent.

 

[mylittletibbies]

We are recent relocators from Vic , to WA and I have all the cards necessary to claim rebates but there is nothing for phones??? In WA there are great rebates for council rates Max 600.00 and other rebates

Yes, I've never heard about any phone concessions.
Welcome to WA, a great place to live.

 

[mylittletibbies]

What about NSW residents?

My son lives just out of Grafton and wants me to move there but NSW concessions are pretty lousy compared to WA, house prices higher and house insurance in the Grafton area is astronomical if you can actually get any. Think I might just have to stay put.

 

[mylittletibbies]

What are the rebates where’do we apply

Do you live in WA? These concessions only apply here.
If you do live in WA, go back to the original SDC article and you will see under "Tip"
how to apply

 

[Barbara V]

What are the rebates where’do we apply

Go to PO pick up form for senior card it will be sent to you if over 65. Other discounts e.g. rates on back of rate form there a bottom bit to fill out for seniors . Get in touch with energy companies and Telcos and shop at places that have discounts for seniors,if not displayed always ask I do

 

[Aussie all the Way]

What about others who are on pensions and they are seniors. Like myself, I live in Tasmania, and the cost of living and taking care of a 13yr old grandson full time is difficult at times with the rising costs of living.

If you are on Age Pension you should get discounts on Rates, Rego, Water, Electricity, Home Phone, Caravan Rego, Trailer, Motor Bike, discount at IGA every Wednesday, 5% discount first Wednesday of each month at Kmart. I live in Tasmania as well.