Turn around times have greatly improved

Our new computer system is in, we are processing funding applications much quicker, though please be patient as we make sure all of your information is transferred correctly. Allow 3-5 working days for Health and Well Being goods, though food and fuel vouchers are done the same day. If you have changed your address or would like to supply your phone number and email address please email the Gumala office.

We are addressing problems in service delivery

With the new administration, the amount of funds that are being distributed to members has increased greatly, particularly with the introduction Health and Well Being funds for all members (who don't already receive Pensioner Health and Wellbeing).

With the vast number of applications coming in every day we are flat out doing the daily food vouchers, and do have a backlog with a 5-10 day turn around on other goods. This means we are not always able to return phone calls about the status of your application. Rather than calling you back while the application is being processed, we will call you if there is a problem, or when your application is finalised and you can pick up your goods.

We realise people would like to know how their application is going and would like to pick up their goods as soon as possible. To address this situation we have:
-put on more staff in the Member Services Unit.
-developed a new computer system that will be in place in the next week or two so that we can answer your queries and process your applications more quickly.

Health and Well Being 2009

The Health and WellBeing Program is running again this year. Remember to include a quote from your supplier: 

• please be patient as we have many, many applications all coming in at once. 
  
• food vouchers are usually processed at the end of the same day. 
  
• PLEASE allow 5-10 working days for your other orders to go through, we are getting through them as fast as possible.
  
• please do not ring to see how your application is going unless it is a food voucher. It won't make the process any faster, we don't have time to ring you back to say how it is going. 
• we WILL call you if there is a problem with your application. 
• we WILL ring you as soon as your application has been processed.
  

Health and Wellbeing: When can I pick up my white goods or electrical goods?

If your application is within the guidelines and we have an account set up with your supplier requests for electrical items, kitchen appliances, fridges and washing machines etc can be processed within 7 days.

Health and Wellbeing: When will my bills be paid?

Payments which need to be made by credit card or B-Pay such as electricity bills are paid Tuesdays and Fridays.

Health and Wellbeing: When will my food voucher be ready?

Food vouchers are finalised in a batch around 4pm. Late requests, after 2.00pm may not be processed the same day, though urgent requests get special consideration.

What is the difference between Pensioner Health & Wellbeing and the other Health & Wellbeing Program

• Members who are listed as Elderly and Infirmed have provided proof (letter from Centrelink) that they are receiving the Age Pension or a Disability Pension can receive Pensioner Health and Wellbeing.

• Anyone who is over the age of 18 and a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner is eligible for Health and Wellbeing, one-off payment that will conclude on 31 December, 2008.

Is Health & Wellbeing happening next year?

You will be informed if a version of this program is to be run in 2009. Currently there are no plans to repeat Health and Wellbeing.

Is it too late to claim Health and Well Being funds for 2008?

Health and Wellbeing concludes on 31 December, 2008.
You will need to register as Gumala Traditional Owners before this date. GAC will receive applications for 2 weeks into 2009 to give latecomers an opportunity to apply for benefits through the Health and Wellbeing program.

How long will my Health and Wellbeing application take?

We have a large number of requests each day. To make sure we get them all done as quickly as possible we need to process them in batches:-

• Food vouchers will be processed around 4pm. Requests received after 2pm may not be processed the same day.

• White goods, bills etc take from 3-7 days. 

• Payments for utilities such as electricity are paid by credit card on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Processing may be held up if we need to chase information like signed application forms, quotes, set up new accounts with new suppliers or if the request is outside the guidelines. 

How do I apply for funds?

To apply for funds please follow these steps: -

1. Call us or call in to request the relevant form, you can pick them up from the Gumala office in Tom Price or we can mail, email or fax them to you. 

2. Request a quote from the supplier

3. Fax back to Gumala the completed and SIGNED application form and the quote

4. We will check your membership status and balance of funds

5. On approval, a Purchase order or Credit card authorisation will be faxed to the supplier and you can pick up your goods, or proceed with your treatment.

NOTE

• For Dental and Ancillary Treatment Gumala will pay for your initial appointment, to allow for your assessment and a quote to be sent to Gumala.

• Funeral funds are allocated to a nominated family member and are for the burial, direct family to attend, and the wake; the funds are not meant for general attendance

• A voucher for fuel to attend a funeral can be requested from your Health and Well Being funds