The Seniors Enquiry Line regularly receives calls from Seniors seeking support to replace lightbulbs, maintain smoke alarms or complete immediate household repairs.  Did you know that the Queensland Government’s Department of Housing and Public Works offers a service which may be able to assist?

What is Home Assist Secure?

Home Assist Secure provides safety-related information, referrals and subsidised assistance to Queenslanders aged 60 years and over, or people of any age with a disability, who can’t undertake or pay for critical home maintenance without assistance.

Your local Home Assist Secure service may be able to provide information on home maintenance, repairs, minor modifications and safety and security upgrades.  Home Assist Secure, may be able to assist to understand what work is required, plan and assist to contact appropriate tradespeople.    In some cases, Home Assist Secure may be able to assist with repairs or modifications.

Eligibility

The Queensland Government website states that to be eligible for Home Assist Secure services, you must meet all these criteria:

• at least 60 years old or of any age with a disability
• a Pensioner Concession Card holder
• unable to complete the work yourself because it requires technical expertise or is a risk to your health and safety
• unable to have the works completed through alternative assistance, such as through:
• the Commonwealth Home Support Program
• the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• family or friends

If you meet this eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards labour costs for minor home maintenance or modifications if the work is related to your health, safety or security and needs to be done so you can remain in your home.

Home Assist Secure may be able to facilitate referral to cleaning services, mental health supports and other community services if needed.

Home Assist Secure is unable help with repairs or maintenance that’s the landlord’s (lessor’s) responsibility under Residential Tenancies legislation or tenancy agreements.

COVID-19

Home Assist Secure has increased its services in order to support Queenslander Seniors who are impacted by COVID-19. Your local provider will support you to access essential items such as groceries, medication, and health products through contact-less delivery.  Home Assist Secure may also be able to assist with welfare checks to ensure that you have food, medication and are coping with isolation.

More Information

Home Assist Secure can be contacted through the 13 QGOV on 13 74 68.

If you have more questions about Home Assist Secure or require help to find a tradesperson in your area, please contact the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (excluding public holidays)