❓ Question regarding the distribution of 'Cost of Living Rebate' letters to West Australian seniors, specifically addressing the number sent, cost, and measures to prevent sending to deceased individuals. The answer provides figures and explains the data matching process.
AnsweredQoN 1069Legislative Assembly
Asked
16 April 2024
Member
Portfolio
Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the letters sent out to West Australians with the header "APPLY FOR THE COST OF LIVING REBATE" and directed individuals to the seniorscard.wa.gov.au website, and I ask: (a) How many West Australians received this letter; (b) What was the cost per letter to send these letters; (c) What due diligence was done to ensure deceased persons did not receive this letter; and (d) How many persons received this letter despite being deceased to your knowledge?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 May 2024
Responded by
Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering
Response time
8 days
a) – d)
A total of 83,362 West Australian Senior Card Members not currently registered to receive the Cost of Living Rebate were sent this letter, which cost approximately $1.55 per letter to send.
The Department of Communities (Communities) updates its WA Seniors Card membership records monthly using information obtained from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This information is limited and only includes those who have passed away in Western Australia.
Communities also updates its WA Seniors Card membership records when family members contact the WA Seniors Card Centre to advise when a WA Seniors Card member has passed away.
As at 30 April 2024, Communities is now aware of one person who passed away after the letters were sent.
A total of 83,362 West Australian Senior Card Members not currently registered to receive the Cost of Living Rebate were sent this letter, which cost approximately $1.55 per letter to send.
The Department of Communities (Communities) updates its WA Seniors Card membership records monthly using information obtained from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This information is limited and only includes those who have passed away in Western Australia.
Communities also updates its WA Seniors Card membership records when family members contact the WA Seniors Card Centre to advise when a WA Seniors Card member has passed away.
As at 30 April 2024, Communities is now aware of one person who passed away after the letters were sent.
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