***From November 30, 2024 the City will stop accepting applications for this program, allowing time for existing applications to be processed and finalised prior to Christmas closures. The 24/25 funding program round will reopen on Monday January 6, please check back in to submit your application from this date.
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
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, with submissions closing on 31 May 2025 or until funding is exhausted, 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.
Applicants will receive the outcome of their application by email within 45 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.
For further information read the Guidelines.
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 Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs 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
- Purchase, or install the relevant item that will help maintain your independence in your home. You have three months from the date of the tax invoice/receipt to lodge your application.
- Complete the application form online or pick up a hard copy from our Civic Centre, Blue Gum Community Centre, or Willagee Community Centre
- Please ensure you provide:
- A copy of the receipt or tax invoice from the item or service
- Proof of age, e.g. a driver’s license, seniors card or passport
- Proof of low income
- Proof of residence within the City of Melville (e.g. driver’s licence or utility bill)
Receiving Your Funding
Applications can take up to 30 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.
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.