Western Australian grandcarers will benefit from a significant boost to the payments they receive under the Grandcarers Support Scheme after the McGowan Government delivered on its election commitment to increase their financial support.
Grandparents who are caring for grandchildren and registered under the Grandcarers Support Scheme will now receive $1,000 per annum for each child in their care.
The increase will more than triple the financial assistance provided to eligible grandcarers looking after two or more children, and more than double the financial support paid to grandcarers with a single child in their care.
The increased payments will commence in early November, with the new rate to be backdated to July 1, 2021. This will ensure top-up payments can be made to any grandcarers who have already received payments at the old rate within the current financial year.
To be eligible for the Grandcarer Support Scheme, grandcarers must have primary, full-time care responsibilities for the child or children they tend to.
The Grandcarer Support Scheme is delivered through a partnership between the Department of Communities and Wanslea Limited. Since the scheme was established, it has delivered more than $5 million in support to Western Australian grandfamilies.
The announcement of the funding boost coincides with National Grandparents Day, which celebrates the achievements of grandparents and fosters loving family connections across generations.
More information on the Grandcarers Support Scheme can be viewed online.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Many grandparents don’t expect a family crisis that leaves them to raise their grandchildren.
“The delivery of our commitment to triple the cash payment for grandparent carers ensures that WA grandcarers have the financial assistance they need to better support themselves and their grandchildren.
“It’s fitting we deliver this commitment on National Grandparents Day.
“Thank you to all Western Australian grandparents who give so much to their families and communities – we are a better community because of your support and nurturing.”
As stated by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:
“The Grandcarers Support Scheme delivers an important financial boost to grandparents who are primary and full-time carers for their grandchildren.
“This increased financial support for grandcarers recognises the demands and pressures that grandparents often face in looking after their loved ones, and will help them to provide a nurturing and loving home for their grandchildren.
“I would like to thank Wanslea for their ongoing commitment to supporting and advocating for WA grandfamilies as they work to help deliver the Grandcarers Support Scheme.
“Today also marks National Grandparents Day, which is an opportunity to recognise the important role of all grandparents – those raising their grandchildren, supporting their families in other ways and making valuable contributions to their local communities.”
