Vicdeaf - Smoke Alarm Subsidy

Vicdeaf logo, Victorian Government logo, VCOD logo and Able Australia logo

Smoke Alarm Subsidy Initiative

The Smoke Alarm Subsidy for Victorians who are profoundly deaf is continuing until June 2012, thanks to the support of the State Government.

Vicdeaf is administering the scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, Victorian Council of Deaf People (VCOD), Able Australia (formerly known as Deaf Blind Association) and both the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA).

A working party has been established to continue the rollout of the initiative. This group includes representatives from VCOD, Able Australia, Vicdeaf and DHS.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To receive a smoke alarm, you must meet all of the following three criteria:

1. Be profoundly deaf

2. Be over 18 years old or living independently.

3. Be able to provide one of the following:

  • One (1) reference from a service, Deaf club, support or social group where Auslan is the main form of communication.
  • One (1) reference from a member of Vicdeaf, Victorian Council of Deaf People (VCOD) or Able Australia.
  • One (1) written reference from hearservice, Australian Hearing or private audiologist stating that you have a profound hearing loss or a recent (past 6 months) audiogram from an Audiology clinic.

Please note: You are now able to apply for more than one smoke alarm per household, where people who are Deaf and sleep in separate bedrooms, e.g. flat mates or family are living in the same house.

You are not eligible to receive a smoke alarm if you:

1. Live in any of the following:

  • DHS Office of Housing accommodation (e.g. Public Housing)
  • DHS Disability Services accommodation (e.g. Community Residential Unit)

2. Are eligible to receive a smoke alarm or smoke alarm subsidy from any other source of government funding.

HOW TO APPLY?

Download and post an application form: Application Form
OR
Contact Vicdeaf on the details listed below:

Post to:    Vicdeaf
                Attention: Smoke Alarm Subsidy
                Level 4, 340 Albert Street
                East Melbourne VIC 3002

TTY: (03) 9473 1199
Ph: (03) 9473 1111
Fax: (03) 9473 1122
Email: smokealarm@vicdeaf.com.au 

Please note: To receive a smoke alarm, you need to make a $50 co-payment. If it will be difficult for you to meet this cost, you can apply to have the co-payment fee waived but you will need to prove this by either:

1. Holding a valid Health Care card

2. Provide a letter of support from a Case Manager

3. Supply other documents to support your application to waive the co-payment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, be sure to check the FAQs before asking us. You can see the FAQs by clicking here.

MORE INFORMATION?

If you need more information about this subsidy or information about smoke alarms that can help Deaf people, please contact Vicdeaf.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If your smoke alarm was subsidised by this scheme and destroyed in the February 2009 bushfires, please contact Vicdeaf for a replacement free of charge.