Published Friday, 06 June, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
More rebates to give senior Queenslanders peace of mind: Minister
Communities and Seniors Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today announced the new South-East Queensland Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme and the generous new statewide electricity rebates will be available from July 1, 2008.
The water rebate, announced in this week’s State Budget, will be available to eligible pensioners living in the South East Queensland Water Grid region.
Ms Nelson-Carr said she wanted as many eligible seniors as possible to take advantage of the new rebate which will be phased in over the next three years.
“The first water rebate of $40 per annum will apply in 2008-09, rising to $70 in 2009-10 and $100 in 2010-11,” she said.
“It will help offset the cost of water prices on pensioners in the region, and it's on top of the existing statewide Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme which is worth up to $180 per annum in concessions.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Bligh Government has moved swiftly to increase the seniors electricity rebate, following news of a 5.38% rise in the electricity tariff.
“The Bligh Government is increasing the rebate by an additional $20 per annum, or 14%, to more than cover the 5.38% tariff rise,” she said.
“This is really good news for around half a million eligible senior Queenslanders.”
The Electricity Rebate Scheme applies statewide and is available to seniors with a Pensioner Concession Card, Queensland Seniors Card, and some veterans with a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card receiving a War Widow or Special Rate TPI pension.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the electricity rebate was around $0.39 per day or $144 per annum, with the $20 increase from July 1 taking it up around d $0.45 per day or $165 per annum.
“The Electricity Life Support Concession will also increase to help meet additional costs faced by pensioners requiring life support devices,” she said.
Under the new schedule, the Electricity Life Support Concession will increase from $295.68 to $336 per annum for a home-based Oxygen Concentrator, while the rebate for a home-based Kidney Dialysis Machine will increase from $197.64 to $225 per annum.
The Electricity Life Support Concession is available to holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Queensland Seniors Card, and other social security beneficiaries, such as those with a Health Care Card.
“I encourage senior Queenslanders to contact the department to find out about eligibility and what other concessions and discounts are available,” said Minister Nelson-Carr.
To find about more about the Queensland Government's range of concessions and savings for seniors, call 131 304 during business hours.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lindy Nelson-Carr's Office 3235 4280.
The water rebate, announced in this week’s State Budget, will be available to eligible pensioners living in the South East Queensland Water Grid region.
Ms Nelson-Carr said she wanted as many eligible seniors as possible to take advantage of the new rebate which will be phased in over the next three years.
“The first water rebate of $40 per annum will apply in 2008-09, rising to $70 in 2009-10 and $100 in 2010-11,” she said.
“It will help offset the cost of water prices on pensioners in the region, and it's on top of the existing statewide Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme which is worth up to $180 per annum in concessions.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Bligh Government has moved swiftly to increase the seniors electricity rebate, following news of a 5.38% rise in the electricity tariff.
“The Bligh Government is increasing the rebate by an additional $20 per annum, or 14%, to more than cover the 5.38% tariff rise,” she said.
“This is really good news for around half a million eligible senior Queenslanders.”
The Electricity Rebate Scheme applies statewide and is available to seniors with a Pensioner Concession Card, Queensland Seniors Card, and some veterans with a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card receiving a War Widow or Special Rate TPI pension.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the electricity rebate was around $0.39 per day or $144 per annum, with the $20 increase from July 1 taking it up around d $0.45 per day or $165 per annum.
“The Electricity Life Support Concession will also increase to help meet additional costs faced by pensioners requiring life support devices,” she said.
Under the new schedule, the Electricity Life Support Concession will increase from $295.68 to $336 per annum for a home-based Oxygen Concentrator, while the rebate for a home-based Kidney Dialysis Machine will increase from $197.64 to $225 per annum.
The Electricity Life Support Concession is available to holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Queensland Seniors Card, and other social security beneficiaries, such as those with a Health Care Card.
“I encourage senior Queenslanders to contact the department to find out about eligibility and what other concessions and discounts are available,” said Minister Nelson-Carr.
To find about more about the Queensland Government's range of concessions and savings for seniors, call 131 304 during business hours.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lindy Nelson-Carr's Office 3235 4280.