WA grandcarers to receive boost to payments

Western Australian grandparents who care for their grandchildren are set to receive a significant boost to their payments.

Grandcarers who are registered under the Grandcarers Support Scheme will now receive $1000 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 start in early November, with the new rate to be backdated to July 1, 2021.

"Many grandparents don't expect a family crisis that leaves them to raise their grandchildren," Premier Mark McGowan said.

"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."

To be eligible for the Grandcarer Support Scheme, grandcarers must have primary, full-time care responsibilities for the child or children they tend to.