WA foster and grand carers are receiving a $377.14 energy bill payment through the new Gold Card, with further discounts and benefits to follow.
Western Australian foster and grand carers registered for the Cook Labor Government’s Foster and Grand Carer Gold Card have begun receiving a one-off Energy Bill Relief Payment of $377.14.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY
The first payments are reaching eligible households this week, as the State Government encourages more foster families and grand carers to register for the Gold Card through the ServiceWA app.
The Gold Card was introduced as part of the 2026–27 State Budget to recognise the important role foster carers, family carers and grand carers play in supporting children and young people in need. It provides eligible carers with discounts, credits and other benefits designed to help with everyday living expenses.
The $377.14 payment is made once per household and is deposited into the nominated account held by the Department of Communities. Eligible carers who register between 1 July and 30 September 2026 can receive the payment.
Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski said the first payments would help carers continue their work supporting children across Western Australia.
“I am pleased the first round of Gold Card payments are now reaching foster and family carer households across Western Australia, supporting them to continue their extraordinary work in our communities,” Ms Stojkovski said.
“I encourage all eligible foster families who haven't registered for their Gold Card yet to sign up and gain access to a wide variety of offers and benefits over the next twelve months, including the current Energy Bill Relief Payment.”
“The Cook Labor Government wants as many foster families as possible to benefit from the Gold Card and the support it can provide with living expenses.”
Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the initiative recognised the contribution made by grand carers who provide full-time care for their grandchildren.
“Grand carers deserve recognition and support for the vital part they play in keeping children safe and cared for, and that is exactly what the Gold Card is delivering to them this week,” Mr Swinbourn said.
“I strongly encourage all eligible grand carers in WA to claim their Gold Card through the ServiceWA app and access the latest energy relief payment for themselves and their families.”
“I look forward to the year ahead as we continue to add discounts and benefits for some of the State's most selfless families providing care for children.”
Mr Swinbourn also encouraged grand carers who need help using the ServiceWA app, or who want another way to apply, to contact their local Member of Parliament for assistance.
The Government said additional concessions and support measures would be introduced through the Gold Card during the next 12 months. These benefits are intended to assist families caring for some of the State’s most vulnerable children and young people.
Eligible carers can register through the ServiceWA app by logging in with a myID account at Standard identity strength. They must then link the Foster and Grand Carer Gold Card service, follow the registration instructions and check their ServiceWA inbox for a reference number.
Eligibility includes existing foster and family carers, including community and pre-adoptive carers, who provided care for a child for at least 14 nights between 1 January and 30 June 2026. Special Guardianship Order carers and grand carers receiving the Grandcarers Support Scheme payment while acting as the full-time primary carer for a grandchild are also eligible.
New foster and family carers can access the Gold Card during their first 26 weeks after registration. Carers approved between 1 January and 30 June 2026 are also eligible during the transition period, regardless of how many days of care they provided.
Foster, family and Special Guardianship Order carers who do not want to use ServiceWA can contact Fostering Connections on 1800 182 178 or visit a local Department of Communities office for help registering.
Current carers can contact Fostering Connections on 1800 182 178 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or email fosteringconnections@communities.wa.gov.au. Eligible grand carers can also contact the WA Seniors Card Centre on 1800 671 233.
The Gold Card forms part of the Cook Government’s wider cost-of-living support program. More than one million Western Australian motorists have claimed the $100 Fuel Support Payment, while the Western Australian Student Assistance Payment has delivered more than $63 million directly to families since launching in July.
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