For the vast majority of people, making the switch to digital TV will be a relatively straightforward and inexpensive exercise. However, the Australian Government understands that some people will need help to get ready for digital TV. The Government will therefore be providing in-home assistance to eligible households in the Mildura, regional South Australia, Broken Hill, regional Victoria and eastern Queensland switchover areas. Lessons learned from these areas will help inform the broader approach taken for the rest of Australia.

What is the Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme (HAS)?

The Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme will help eligible households to receive digital free-to-air TV signals. The Scheme will supply, install and demonstrate a high definition set top box.

This package is free of charge, with a maximum of one per couple (including if you move house or change residence) and will be provided by qualified government-contracted installers.

Hills TechLife delivered the Household Assistance Scheme in the Mildura/Sunraysia switchover area in the first half of 2010.

On 16 June 2010, Hills TechLife and Skybridge (Australia) Pty Ltd, were both selected as the successful contractors in the Riverland, Spencer Gulf and Mt Gambier and South-East of South Australia and Broken Hill switchover areas.

On 12 October 2010, Hills TechLife and Skybridge (Australia) Pty Ltd, were both selected as the successful contractors in the regional Victoria switchover areas.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for help provided:

  • You or your partner receives the maximum rate of one of the following payments:
      - Age Pension
      - Disability Support Pension
      - Carer Payment
      - Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, or
      - Department of Veterans’ Affairs Income Support Supplement.
  • You own a functioning TV.
  • You do not currently have access to digital TV on any of the TVs that you own. (If you can watch ABC 2 or SBS TWO, then you probably do have access to digital TV).
  • You live in a switchover area that is currently switching to digital TV.

Please note that the upgrading of external antennas or cabling can only be undertaken if you own your place of residence and your household is not located in a multi-dwelling unit with a shared antenna system.

As of July 2010, if you meet the above eligibility criteria and you require a satellite service to access digital TV you will be provided with a satellite dish, provided you do not reside in a multi-dwelling unit with a shared antenna system. If you do not own your own home, you must seek your landlord or property owner’s written consent to the installation prior to the installation appointment.

Before receiving the installation, you will be asked to sign an official declaration stating that you do not already have access to free-to-air digital TV on any of the TVs that you own. Please be aware that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. The Digital Switchover Taskforce and Centrelink can make enquiries to ensure you are entitled to the Household Assistance Scheme.

Applying for the scheme

How do I apply?

Letters inviting potentially eligible individuals to opt into the scheme will be sent out approximately six months before each area is due to switchover. The letter will invite you to contact Centrelink to check your eligibility.

If you are eligible, a service contractor will then call you to make an appointment for a qualified installer to come to your home and provide the installation. The service contractor or installer will not charge you for this service. If you have any doubts about the identity of the contractor, please call 1800 20 10 13.

Please note that the demonstration of the set top box by the installer and the reference material that they leave behind will be in English.

When can I apply?

The Household Assistance Scheme is available for six months before and one month after the switch to digital in your region. Check mySwitch for information on when your region is switching.

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