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Mobility Aid Funding in Australia
National & State Programs
Mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and hoists are essential for independence but can be costly. Fortunately, a wide range of funding bodies across Australia provide support for people with physical disabilities, whether you're a child, adult, senior, veteran, or someone injured in an accident. This guide covers all major national and state-based schemes, as well as other options like private health insurance and community grants.
This page focuses solely on physical mobility equipment. It excludes funding for hearing or vision aids.
National Funding Programs
The following schemes are available across every state and territory:
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Who it's for: Australians under 65 with a permanent and significant disability.
What's covered: Assistive technology like manual or powered wheelchairs, walkers, hoists, scooters, ramps, and home modifications.
Access: Requires NDIS plan approval. An OT or AT assessor provides supporting documentation and quotes.
Funding model: No fixed cap — funding must be "reasonable and necessary" and falls under Capital Supports.
My Aged Care (CHSP & Home Care Packages)
Who it's for: Australians over 65 (or over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) not eligible for NDIS.
What's covered: CHSP offers small subsidies (up to ~$1,000/yr) for items like walkers, shower chairs; HCP provides larger budgets (up to ~$52,000/yr) for wheelchairs or lift chairs.
Access: Requires an ACAT assessment. Items must be approved in your care plan.
Funding model: Subsidised or consumer directed. Some co-payments may apply.
DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs â€" RAP Program)
Who it's for: Veterans and war widows with Gold or White cards.
What's covered: Mobility devices including powered or manual wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, beds, hoists, ramps, and home modifications.
Access: Via GP or allied health provider who submits prescription to DVA-approved suppliers.
Funding model: Equipment is provided on long-term loan. Fully funded and maintained by DVA.
State-Based Funding Programs
Each state and territory offers its own disability equipment funding, particularly for people not eligible for national schemes.
| State/Territory | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | SWEP (State-Wide Equipment Program) | Subsidises mobility aids and home modifications for people with long-term physical disabilities or frailty. Items include wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, transfer equipment, and bathroom aids. Requires OT assessment and prescription. |
| TAC (Transport Accident Commission) | Covers mobility aids for people injured in Victorian road accidents. | |
| WorkSafe Victoria | Provides mobility and rehab equipment for those injured at work. | |
| New South Wales | EnableNSW | Provides subsidised assistive technology including mobility aids, scooters, shower chairs, and hoists for people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Annual co-payment applies. |
| icare NSW | Funds equipment for people seriously injured in motor vehicle or workplace accidents. | |
| Queensland | MASS (Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme) | Offers subsidies for manual and powered wheelchairs, walking aids, hoists, shower chairs, and pressure care. Requires OT/PT assessment and application through MASS-eApply. |
| NIISQ (National Injury Insurance Scheme QLD) | Covers lifetime mobility aid costs for people with serious road accident injuries. | |
| South Australia | SA Equipment Program | Supports South Australians with permanent disabilities who are not eligible for NDIS. Includes mobility equipment and home modifications. |
| Lifetime Support Scheme | Provides funded mobility equipment and rehab support for those with serious road accident injuries. | |
| Western Australia | CAEP (Community Aids and Equipment Program) | Provides subsidised mobility aids and assistive technology for people with permanent disabilities or frailty not covered by NDIS. Requires OT referral. |
| Tasmania | TasEquip | Equipment loan service offering wheelchairs, walkers, hoists, shower chairs, and more to Tasmanians with disability or chronic illness. Available to non-NDIS clients with OT assessment. Visit TasEquip. |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACTES (ACT Equipment Scheme) | Provides mobility aids and home support equipment for eligible ACT residents with long-term disabilities who are not part of the NDIS. Applicants must hold a Pensioner or Low-Income Health Care Card. Visit ACT Health. |
| Northern Territory | Territory Equipment Program (TEP) | Offers subsidies or loans for mobility equipment to eligible NT residents with long-term physical disabilities. Available to non-NDIS clients with a referral from a health provider. Visit NT Health. |
Other Sources of Support
Private Health Insurance
Some extras policies offer rebates for mobility aids like manual wheelchairs and walking frames. Coverage varies, check your insurer's policy details.
Charities & Community Grants
Organisations like Variety the Children's Charity, The Lions Club, or local community foundations may provide financial support for equipment when other funding options are not available. Visit their websites or ask your OT for more information.
Need Assistance with Funding?
Our team can guide you through the funding process, connect you with occupational therapists, or help you find the right mobility equipment. Contact us for personalized support.
Need Help Navigating Funding?
Occupational therapists and mobility equipment providers can help determine which funding scheme applies to you, prepare required documentation, and submit applications or quotes. Most programs require clinical justification, so speak to your allied health provider early.
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