Household Assistance Scheme still available in regional Queensland

The Australian Government’s Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) is an important program that provides assistance to people that may require extra help switching to digital TV, particularly older Australians, veterans, people with disabilities and their carers.

The Scheme opened in regional Queensland in June 2011 and will remain open across the switchover region until 25 January 2012. This means that eligible people can still receive assistance through the Scheme even after analog TV is switched off on 6 December 2011.

The Scheme is available to people who have a working TV, have not yet converted to digital TV and receive the maximum rate of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement. Assistance includes the supply and installation of a high definition set-top box by a Government-contracted installer and, where necessary, upgrading of antennas and cables.

Eigible people should have received a letter from Centrelink with details of how to opt in. If you, your friends or a family member, might be eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme contact Centrelink on 1800 556 443.