We offer one-off or short-term financial assistance to eligible older residents living independently or in residential care in our City to help them maintain their independence and continue to lead fulfilling lives. Find out more below.
About the Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund
All City of Melville grants are currently on hold to accommodate a comprehensive review. Following council review and approval of a new Community Grants and Sponsorships policy in July, it is anticipated the Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund will reopen on Thursday, 23 July 2026, continuing our commitment to supporting a caring, inclusive community.
We offer the Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund to help eligible older residents to help maintain their independence in their own home. The fund offers up to $300 per financial year to support a choice of one-off services so that you can continue living independently in the community or in residential care within our City. This fund is designed to provide targeted cost of living relief, helping our older residents navigate rising expenses and maintain their wellbeing, independence and connection to community life.
Applicants will receive the outcome of their application by email within 45 working days of the City receiving a completed application. Once an applicant is informed that an application is successful it can take another 15 working days before a reimbursement is received into the nominated bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fund you must:
- Be a City of Melville resident
- Be over the age of 60 (or over the age of 50 for First Nations people)
- Have a valid Health Care Card
- Not have already received funding in the same financial year
Eligible Services
The fund is for short-term or one-off services to assist older people with living independently. Eligible services include:
- Domestic assistance and carers
- Personal care
- Social support
- Meal preparation
- Transport services
- Personal alarms and house alarms
- Technology, including mobile phones or internet
- Safe and Found WA service
- Home maintenance
- Access modifications for the home including rails, ramps etc.
- Occupational therapy
The service must be essential to the wellbeing, rehabilitation, and safety of the recipient for it to be considered and funded through the Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund. It must also be delivered by a business with a valid Australian Business Number.
See our examples of eligible and ineligible items
How to Apply for the Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund
The Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund will reopen for applications on Thursday, 23 July 2026.
Receiving Your Funding
Applications can take up to 45 working days to be processed once received. We will contact you as soon as possible with an outcome. If successful, you will be reimbursed into your nominated bank account within 15 working days.
Other Funding Options
If you’re not eligible for the Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund, please see some more options and other organisations that can help you out with rebates and financial assistance.
Australian Government - My Aged Care
If you need some help around the house or think it’s time to look into aged care homes, My Aged Care is here to help.
Western Australian Government - Safety and Security Rebate
If you are a WA Seniors Card member, you can apply to receive the Safety and Security Rebate which allows a claim of up to $400 per household towards the purchase of eligible home security or safety item.
Anglicare WA - Financial Independence and Security
Anglicare WA’ has a full range of support services to help you develop and maintain financial independence and security.
Commonwealth Home Support Program
The Commonwealth Home Support Program can be used for funding goods, equipment and assistive technologies or home modifications. See My Aged Care for more information.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels supplies seniors with meals straight to their door. Find out more information through Meals on Wheels.
Safety and Security Rebate
If you have a WA seniors card you can apply to receive the Safety and Security Rebate which can go towards the purchase of eligible home security or safety items. Find out more through WA Seniors Card website.