Government urges pensioners and seniors to apply for cost-of-living rebates

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.


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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.
 

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When I got mine the first thing I did when I got my seniors card was phone the WATER CORPORATION and they organised the discounts for me, rates etc……It really is not much but better than nothing. There is a once a year payment, this year it was $104, supposed be for the cost of living, or inflation i think……but nice to look forward to when the new financial year begins…….one side of the card allows for free transport outside peak hours……I really thought it was Australia wide……I live in WA…
 
When I got mine the first thing I did when I got my seniors card was phone the WATER CORPORATION and they organised the discounts for me, rates etc……It really is not much but better than nothing. There is a once a year payment, this year it was $104, supposed be for the cost of living, or inflation i think……but nice to look forward to when the new financial year begins…….one side of the card allows for free transport outside peak hours……I really thought it was Australia wide……I live in WA…
Why are your rates etc, not much?
I live in WA and I get $750 off my council rates and 50% to a maximum of $600 off my water rates and 50% off water usage up to a certain amount, not to be sneezed at.
 
Why are your rates etc, not much?
I live in WA and I get $750 off my council rates and 50% to a maximum of $600 off my water rates and 50% off water usage up to a certain amount, not to be sneezed at.
I think it might be because I don’t have a pension, only a seniors card….The concessions you’re getting are definitely not to be sneezed at……. I hope that others who don’t have any reductions will get in touch with the water corporation to get their entitlement …….It still is the water corporation who does it all, isn’t it?..
 
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I think it might be because I don’t have a pension, only a seniors card….The concessions you’re getting are definitely not to be sneezed at……. I hope that others who don’t have any reductions will get in touch with the water corporation to get their entitlement …….It still is the water corporation who does it all, isn’t it?..
Water Corp do their own rebates and organise council rates rebates for you. That also includes the Emergency Services Levy.

Any other rebates, such as car rego, drivers licence etc you need to apply for yourself to the appropriate body.

Spud Shed do 5% discount on Tuesdays, I think, if you show your seniors card. You can get a book from Seniors that shows all the stores, entertainment venues, etc that do Seniors Card discounts. It's quite extensive.
Many tradies also do senior/pensioner discounts, if you ask.
 
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Water Corp do their own rebates and organise council rates rebates for you. That also includes the Emergency Services Levy.

Any other rebates, such as car rego, drivers licence etc you need to apply for yourself to the appropriate body.

Spud Shed do 5% discount on Tuesdays, I think, if you show your seniors card. You can get a book from Seniors that shows all the stores, entertainment venues, etc that do Seniors Card discounts. It's quite extensive.
Many tradies also do senior/pensioner discounts, if you ask.
Thanks for that….i meant to download the book….I’ll do it now while I remember :giggle:
 
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I have a concession health card ,the old low income health card,live in NSW and find it useless.I have seen three different specialists,they all say they don't take them,council.wont take them or waterboard or rego or licence etc only get a small discount on electronic and gas thank god.Even my meds are not at the normal rate as my doctor doesn't want me taking the generic brands as say that they sometimes have different delivery systems which can be bad for me.So lucky western Australian
 
When I got mine the first thing I did when I got my seniors card was phone the WATER CORPORATION and they organised the discounts for me, rates etc……It really is not much but better than nothing. There is a once a year payment, this year it was $104, supposed be for the cost of living, or inflation i think……but nice to look forward to when the new financial year begins…….one side of the card allows for free transport outside peak hours……I really thought it was Australia wide……I live in WA…
No I'm NSW you can use your opal card all day for $2.50 and get on and off everything.comes in very handy
 
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What about Victoria?
These particular rebates are provided by the State Government and apply to WA.
Just google Pensioner Concessions Victoria and you will be able to find out if Victoria has any of these
concessions, or download the Victorian Concessions Booklet.
Each state is different.
 
I have a concession health card ,the old low income health card,live in NSW and find it useless.I have seen three different specialists,they all say they don't take them,council.wont take them or waterboard or rego or licence etc only get a small discount on electronic and gas thank god.Even my meds are not at the normal rate as my doctor doesn't want me taking the generic brands as say that they sometimes have different delivery systems which can be bad for me.So lucky western Australian
Yes, we are very lucky here in WA.
To move to NSW, as my son wishes us to be closer, would be quite a large yearly financial loss and I love living in WA. Pity other states aren't as generous as WA.
 
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
Seniors card can be applied for after 60
 
I have a concession health card ,the old low income health card,live in NSW and find it useless.I have seen three different specialists,they all say they don't take them,council.wont take them or waterboard or rego or licence etc only get a small discount on electronic and gas thank god.Even my meds are not at the normal rate as my doctor doesn't want me taking the generic brands as say that they sometimes have different delivery systems which can be bad for me.So lucky western Australian
You don't pay full price for other brands when you are on the Age Pension, not in Tassie anyway, I can't take Generics so I get the named Brands and they cost me a little bit more than the Government priced $6.70. It sounds like you are not retired yet and can't get access to the cheaper prices. And Specialists don't generally drop their fees for anyone.
 
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wa looks after elderly sa lies still have not got $243 promised by sa gov back in june
 
wa looks after elderly sa lies still have not got $243 promised by sa gov back in june
I was shocked when I moved to SA about 10 years ago by the lack of government support for their pensioners.
Was happy to move back to WA two years later.
This is not meant as a derogatory comment about SA, I loved my stay there in Victor Harbour.
 
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
Couldn't agree more - the state or states need to be in the heading. You get excited thinking we are eligible for something and then blahh - it's not for our state.
 
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