Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:31 am GMT
As the cost of living continues to impact families across Western Australia, the state government is stepping up its efforts to provide relief, particularly for seniors. The latest initiative allows WA Seniors Card members to enjoy significant savings on fuel, reflecting the government’s commitment to support older residents facing rising expenses.
New Fuel Savings for Seniors
In a fresh partnership with United Petroleum, the WA Government is offering WA Seniors Card members a discount of four cents per litre on fuel purchases. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures that seniors experience, especially as costs everywhere continue to rise.
- Discount Details:
– Save 4 cents per litre off fuel prices at United service stations
– Registrants can save up to $70 annually
– Over 400 United Petroleum locations across Australia, including 34 in WA
To take advantage of this offer, seniors must register online for either the United fuel discount card or the United app.
Who is Eligible?
The WA Seniors Card program is designed for Western Australians who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 65 or older
- Work less than 25 hours per week
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
The program is free, ensuring that financial restrictions do not become a barrier for seniors who want to benefit from the available discounts.
Complementary Cost of Living Measures
The fuel discount is just one part of a broader strategy by the WA Government to help seniors navigate the high cost of living. Additional initiatives include:
- Regional Pensioner Travel Card:
– Offers $675 annually towards fuel and taxi travel.
– Over 55,000 regional pensioners have already benefited.
- State Government Concessions:
– Access to discounts on public transport, water rates, and local government rates.
- Safety and Security Rebate:
– A $400 rebate for eligible home security and safety improvements, with more than 30,000 claims processed this year.
- Cost of Living Rebate:
– Provided over $28 million in direct support to registered cardholders this financial year.
These programs are designed to ease financial strain and offer assistance to those who may be facing challenges due to increased living costs.
More About the WA Seniors Card
The WA Seniors Card program also includes various discounts available from numerous businesses on a wide array of goods and services, detailed in the WA Seniors Card Discount Directory for 2024-2025. Seniors can contact the WA Seniors Card Centre at 1800 671 233 or email info@seniorscard.wa.gov.au for more information or to request a directory copy.
Government’s Commitment to Cost of Living Relief
During a recent appearance on ABC radio, WA Deputy Premier Roger Cook addressed growing concerns that relief measures are not reaching enough West Australians. Despite criticisms, Cook affirmed the government’s commitment to continuing its relief initiatives, including the popular free admission programs for places like the Perth Zoo and Rottnest Island.
Cook stated, “We understand that the rising cost of living is a significant concern for many families. Our government is dedicated to ensuring that we provide assistance to those who need it most, especially our senior community.”
Seniors across WA have expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts. This fuel savings initiative, alongside other supports, reflects a focused approach to ensuring that older residents can maintain their quality of life despite economic challenges.
A Continuous Dialog with Residents
The WA Government remains open to feedback and suggestions from the public as it continues to roll out cost-of-living initiatives. Regular engagement through various forums and platforms allows for better understanding of community needs and adjustment of programs accordingly.
The recent fuel discount program illustrates a proactive response aimed at improving affordability for seniors. As seniors’ needs evolve, the authorities emphasize the importance of ongoing support measures to enhance their economic resilience.
Conclusion
The WA government’s partnership with United Petroleum to offer fuel discounts to WA Seniors Card members highlights a significant step towards easing financial burdens for older residents. With various supporting programs in place, the government’s strategy reflects an ongoing commitment to ensure that the senior community feels secure in the face of rising living costs. By actively providing tools and resources for savings, the state creates a more inclusive approach to cost-of-living relief, allowing seniors to enjoy their independence while navigating financial challenges.
If you want to learn how to sign up for discounts or find out about the programs available, you can check out the WA Seniors Card website or get in touch with the Seniors Card Centre.
