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.

 

[Barbara V]

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.

There's a form available at post office to fill in,it has to be signed to prove your age to get the card

 

[mylittletibbies]

I thought we where going to get help with the power bills n July but instead its gone up 2.5%.

Perhaps the help is we are lucky it didn't go up 5%.

 

[Jest]

would you please in future name the state who the aricle refers to. It is peeee me off to open and find it is not qld.

 

[havingadoggyday]

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.

Thanks for reply,I did not know this unless it's only in Tasmania.We were explained at Centrelink that my husband who has a seniors health care card,but not on pension ,is supposed to get the special price on meds like any pensioner do I. have low income health care card as I am 5 years younger and have always been a homemaker and didn't work.
Again our constant experience is you only get the cheap scripts here if you buy generic,All other meds incure a fee,som 2 or 3 dollars more,some antibiotics, up to $5 more when it's not generic,so good luck to you in Tasmania.My sister who is 70 and has just qualified for the full pension,has found the same generic $6.70 non generic and its more,and this is at Chemist warehouse that charges $1 less for generic pensioner scripts than all the other chemist in NSW.Interesting you found the same with the specialist,receptionist always says we don't take concession cards here,and not only has he got the card but see many specialist as has a terminal illness some changing $650 for a consult.Only upside,we reached our yearly limit after 6months so now medicate covers us for a lotmore when you claim the difference.Cheers

wa looks after elderly sa lies still have not got $243 promised by sa gov back in june

Every state has its own rules.So.e get screwed on one thing but get another,our local council won't even give you discounted rates if you have a pensioners card and we are in NSW with some of the lightest rates around Love you Shellharbour council

 

[JenniferR59]

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

It would be great if the Victorian government would offer seniors better deals like this one!