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State Government of Victoria, Australia, Department of Human Services

Disability Services

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Eligibility and how to apply

The Aids and Equipment Program offers eligible people with a disability subsidies or reissued aids and equipment, and home and vehicle modifications to help them live safely and independently in their own home.
 
The Information on this page:

Who is eligible

If you are a child or adult with a long-term or permanent disability, are frail, and are a permanent resident of Victoria, or on a Permanent Protection Visa - resolution of status(RoS) (subclass 851) or an asylum seeker, you may be eligible for aids and equipment.
You are not eligible if you:

  • Live in a commonwealth funded residential aged care facility
  • Are receiving aids and equipment through other government funded programs, such as Workcover, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
  • Are able to claim the cost through a private health insurance provider
  • Are an inpatient of a public or private hospital or within 30 days of discharge from a public hospital.

Aids and Equipment brochure

For information about the program, you can download the Aids and Equipment Program Brochure in English.

How to apply

If you believe you are eligible, contact your local Aids and Equipment issuing centre.
You will also need to arrange for an assessment from a prescribing therapist, usually an allied health or health professional, to determine the most appropriate and cost effective aid or piece of equipment for you.
A general application form for aids and equipment will need to be submitted to your local Aids and Equipment issuing centre , along with a copy of the prescribing therapist’s assessment report.

Types of equipment and subsidy available

The list of aids and equipment subsidised by the aids and equipment program includes:

  • Wheelchairs, mobility aids, beds and hoists
  • Pressure care equipment
  • Shower chairs
  • Grab rails and ramps
  • Home modifications
  • Vehicle modifications

Aids, such as the following, can be applied for under the program:

  • Electronic communication aids
  • Oxygen
  • Lymphodema Compression garments
  • Continence aids
  • Wigs.

For a list of available aids and related subsidy information, download the following fact sheet:

Information for people on CACP and EACH packages

From 1 February 2008 people receiving a Community Aged Care Package (CACP) and both types of Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) packages, may be able to apply to the Aids and Equipment Program.

Community Aged Care Package recipients are eligible to access all items currently available through the Aids and Equipment Program's equipment and subsidies, in line with existing guidelines.

Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) and Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACH D) package care recipients are eligible to apply for power wheelchairs, scooters and home modifications.

Further information

Contact your local Aids and Equipment issuing centre 

or

Disability Services
Department of Human Services
Level 7, 50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Phone: 1300 650 172 (local call fee within Australia, except mobile phones)
Fax: (03) 9096 9140
Email: disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au
TTY: (03) 9096 0133 (for people who are deaf or have a hearing, speech or communication impairment)