State Budget 2011-12: Supporting our Community - Expanded criteria for eligibility of WA Seniors Cards announced.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney has announced the expansion of WA Seniors Card eligibility to allow seniors who work 25 hours or less per week, averaged over a 12-month period, to apply for a card.

The announcement demonstrates the State Government's ongoing work in investing in services to support Western Australia's seniors.

"This expanded eligibility means up to 4,500 WA seniors, in addition to the 312,000 existing card holders, can now apply for the WA Seniors Card," Mrs McSweeney said.

"Annually up to $1,200 worth of Government concessions and up to $550 worth of rebates is on offer."

The Minister said the State Government had promised a review of the WA Seniors Card eligibility criteria in 2008 and she was pleased to announce the expansion of the eligibility criteria.

"This $10.5million investment by the State Government will allow about 1,600 more seniors who reside in WA and hold an Australian Government 410 or 405 Retirement Visa to apply for the card," she said.

"The expansion also recognises changes in today's workforce with more seniors choosing to remain in paid employment, or working part-time in their transition to retirement."

WA seniors applying for a card following the expansion of the eligibility criteria will also be able to apply for this year's Cost of Living Rebate (COLR) until July 31 and receive their first payment by the end of September.

Mrs McSweeney said a $9.1million allocation in 2011-12 would increase the previous COLR to WA Seniors Card holders, with singles due to receive $150 and couples $225.

In 2010-11, the COLR payment was made to 248,288 Seniors Card holders with singles receiving $104.80 and couples, who both held a card, receiving $157.22.

Minister's office - 9222 8950