VAST Subsidy SSS & HAS

[Tiny]

This topic seems to be of interest, so thought I'd do some searching to clarify the Satellite Subsidy Scheme (SSS) & the Home Assistance Scheme (HAS).

Apparently some people will be eligible for both Schemes & should definitely read the following document, as you can only have one or the other once per household.


There is a timeline limitation with start & end of subsidy in eligible areas, see document for details.
Or test your eligibility at

Gordon, you are right about Pensioners being eligible for the HAS for VAST, there is some qualifying criteria in the document.

[gordon_s1942]

Tiny, many thanks for that and although I have only briefly read through it, it gives me at least some information.
This has however created a question about those like me who are not in either a normal coverage or Self Help area if they may qualify for the Assistance scheme so I will have to wait untill November rolls around to see if I receive any letters in this regard.
I didnt see Aurora mentioned during my quick read so I am guessing that if any assistance is contemplated, it wont be available untill around 2014 when Aurora is forecast to close down.
I must say I didnt know there were so many 'Self Help' sites and I see 3 I know of not shown to be 'upgraded' whgich fits into a recent News report seen on the local TV channel.

Would Sanity consider this as a Sticky in either VAST or Terrestial digital or both at it affects them equally?

[Tiny]

Hi Gordon,
My interpretation of the document would be that the assistance schemes are available during the times listed in this timetable, first date being start & second date end of subsidy, I'd be applying long before 2014 if I was eligible.
Table 2: Satellite Subsidy Scheme Timetable
Subsidy area Opens Closes
South Australia (regional) 15 July 2010 -31 October 2010
South Australia (remote) 30 September 2011 - December 2011
Victoria 5 November 2010 - 5 March 2011
Queensland (Regional and Remote) 20 April 2011 5 October 2011
New South Wales (South) November 2011*- March 2012*
New South Wales (North) April 2012*- August 2012*
New South Wales (Remote) April 2012*- August 2012*
Northern Territory May 2012*- February 2013*
Tasmania October 2012*- April 2013*
Western Australia November 2012*- October 2013*
* These dates will be published on the Digital Ready website closer to the opening of the subsidy in these areas.

[gordon_s1942]

After my initial reply I went and reread the 'Fine Print' as well as checking the Myswitch Site and would you believe its changed again !!!
I am no longer a 'Expected Poor reception area' with a line towards the nearest translator in Lithgow to now a 'NO Transmitter/No Coverage area' and therefore elidgable for VAST when the applications open .
Now to wait and see if I qualify for the HAS scheme or not.
If I read the information correctly I should receive a letter from Centrelink if I am in a 'Deemed' assistance area sometime in November and the 1st is less than 2 weeks away so now to wait patiently.

[Tiny]

I hope you get the letter Gordon, if you don't you could put in an application anyway.
Don't forget to hide the UEC 4121 you already have in the cupboard.

[gordon_s1942]

what UEC and I aint got no Digital Masser sir, honestly I aint!
The UEC I am 'observing' with belongs to an unrelated cousin who lives down the lane at a house that isnt there along with the Three Bags Full........................

Good suggestion Tiny, I wont miss out if there is the possibilty of a handout.
Like most I already have enough to do my own install so I have to decide should I do it myself and save the Fee or pay the Fee and get it installed 'profesionaly'........Decisions, decisions....
Now Myswitch has changed the wording AGAIN, it puts things in a different perspective.

[beerman]

Gordon and Tiny,

Are you both aware that the Satellite Subsidy Scheme has been suspended in Queensland? The problem has snowballed and is also affecting the Home Assistance Scheme (when a VAST decoder is required). See following link

In the meantime the ACMA seem to be rushing terrestrial self-help retransmission licenses through the system. Seems someone does not want another roof insualtion issue.

[Tiny]

Hi beerman,

actually according the website, Queensland installations have resumed.

[gordon_s1942]

whats a bit of asbestos dust between friends???
My old house is ALL asbestos above the dado rail, Inside and Out including the ceilings.
Below was wooden planks that I replaced with non asbestos Hardie Planks many years ago.
Surely there are some 'competent' tradesman/installers' who know how to do installations on similarly built structures as there are literaly hundreds using pre 1970's Asbestos roofs and walls to avoid the danger of disturbing the deadly fibres.

[beerman]

Hi beerman,

actually according the website, Queensland installations have resumed.

Tiny,

I think you will find that is dated October 14. Five days ago (Oct 20) the Queensland State Government stepped in to ban VAST installations at state government owned properties. All State Schools, Hospitals, state government housing etc etc. Obviously this will not delight councils or residents who opted into the Satellite Subsidy Scheme. See following link for details.

[Tiny]

Thanks for that beerman, so it appears that QLD state owned buildings are banned.
QLD Residential installations have resumed.

[beerman]

Thanks for that beerman, so it appears that QLD state owned buildings are banned.
QLD Residential installations have resumed.

Yep.