Qld seniors missing out on up to $11k in govt support

Seniors in Queensland are missing out of thousands of dollars of government support, with up to $1100 in cost-of-living rebates and $10,000 for home security for those living in certain suburbs sitting untouched. See if you’re eligible.

Thousands of senior Queenslanders are missing out on up to $1100 in cost-of-living rebates, with cashbacks on electricity, water and car registrations sitting untouched.

Seniors in youth crime hotpots including Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa have also been urged to take advantage of up to $10,000 to boost home security – part of a new $15m trial.

The state government has urged older Queenslanders to check what support was available to help relieve spiralling cost-of-living pressures.

“Thousands who could be eligible have not applied and are missing out on the cashback, as well as not taking advantage of free legal and financial support services,” Seniors Minister Craig Crawford said.

“I also suggest seniors and their families visit their local neighbourhood centre for advice, where they can also get involved with fun social activities like a community garden, Tai Chi, bridge or armchair yoga.”

Seniors wanting to upgrade their home security in Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa can also access enhanced window locks and shutters and CCTV as part of the new youth crime security trial.

Seniors in youth crime hotpots including Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa have been urged to take advantage of up to $10,000 to boost home security.

To be eligible seniors must be aged 60 or over, be a pensioners concession card holder, unable to afford the works and unable to receive similar assistance through alternative government programs.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said with almost 900,000 seniors across Queensland, the government was keen to ensure all support available was being accessed.

“Our amazing seniors have worked all their lives to help build our state, and they continue to play a vital part in keeping our communities thriving.

“Rebates and concessions are available for all sorts of things like household budgets, local services, legal matters, personal safety, drivers’ licences, smoke alarms and staying safe from scams.

“Seniors contribute so much to their local communities and it’s important that they feel safe and supported.”

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the government was “committed to supporting Queensland’s seniors to live safely and independently in their own homes when that is the best option for them”.

“This trial will give eligible senior residents in Townsville, Mount Isa and Cairns the opportunity to improve security features and have greater peace of mind at home,” she said.