Seniors left empty-handed after rebate delay

Seniors could be stung three times by this year’s bungled Seniors Card Cost of Living Rebate, according to Greens WA spokesperson for Seniors, Lynn MacLaren.

“Firstly, this year’s rebate increase is grossly disproportionate to actual rises in the cost of living. Secondly, there is confusion about whether all seniors will actually receive the payment at the promised time. Thirdly, as a final insult, this so-called yearly rebate won’t reach people’s pockets until at least 15 months after the first payment,” Ms MacLaren said.

“The rebate has risen by a measly 2.25% since last year, which has no correlation whatsoever to the record price rises we’ve seen in essential services such as gas, water and electricity. In real terms, seniors are actually worse off than last year,” added Ms MacLaren.

This year most seniors will receive their rebate in the last week of July or the first week of August, 15 months after the first payment. 

However, there is still confusion about when new card holders, who applied before the May 31 cut-off, will receive their payment.

In 2009, seniors received their Cost of Living Rebate at the end of April after many delays, caused by technical difficulties in the implementation of a new system.

“According to WACOSS, almost 80,000 people have been identified as experiencing financial hardship and difficulty paying essential services bills. Many of these are over 60’s. These financially vulnerable people need this payment as soon as possible.

“Many people assumed that the payment would be made in the first half of the year, a reasonable assumption given that in 2009 that was what happened,” Ms MacLaren said.

If seniors missed the 31 May 2010 cut off to apply for a seniors card and, therefore the rebate, they will have to wait until July 2011 to receive their first payment.  

For further information and media enquiries please contact Kirsty Lawson on 0428 207 007