There are various sources of funding for non-compensable injury including:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Continence Aids Payment Scheme
- Statewide Equipment Program
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability. NDIS is currently being rolled out in different locations.
Eligibility
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
- Be aged less than 65 when you first access the scheme
- Be an Australian citizen, live in Australia and hold a permanent visa or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
How much is NDIS for?
NDIS can fund the reasonable requirement for your continence needs. This is something that can vary and will be part of the initial planning.
Remember once you receive funding via NDIS, you will no longer be eligible for SWEP or CAPS.
To find roll out dates, or how to go about applying visit: NDIS <www.ndis.gov.au>
Continence Aids Payment Scheme
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is an Australian Government Scheme that provides payment to assist people that have permanent and severe continence issues to meet some of the costs of incontinence products. The payment is made directly into a nominated bank account each year.
Eligibility
A person is eligible for CAPS if they are aged five years or older and meet either one of the following requirements:
- Permanent and severe loss of bladder and/or bowel function (incontinence) due directly to an eligible neurological condition; or
- Permanent and severe loss of bladder and/or bowel function (incontinence) caused by another eligible condition, provided the applicant has a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or entitlement, whether as a primary cardholder or a dependent of a cardholder; or
- Permanent and severe loss of bladder and/or bowel function (incontinence) caused by another eligible condition and has a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card or entitlement, whether as a primary cardholder or a dependent of a cardholder.
For more detailed information see CAPS – Eligibility
How much is the CAPS payment?
The first payment is based on a pro-rata rate from the date the application is received by Medicare. All future payments are made in July each year.
The CAPS payment for 2017-2018 is $583.20 and is indexed annually.
State-wide Equipment Program
The Victorian State-wide equipment program (SWEP) provides subsidised equipment and aids (including continence supplies) for people with a permanent or long-term disability.
People are eligible for funding if they:
- Are a permanent Victorian Resident or hold a temporary or permanent protection Visa or are an asylum seeker
- Have a long-term disability and/or are frail aged
- Are not an inpatient of a public or private hospital or permanent residential care facility
- Cannot claim products through private health insurance policy (including the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or WorkCover (WC)
How to access equipment
You will need to be assessed by a registered continence prescriber (Urology or continence Nurse). An eligibility form will need to be completed as well a prescription form based on your needs.
Independence Australia Independence Australia is the current equipment supplier for SWEP.
Funding
SWEP will provide $1,200 per calendar year to eligible people for some continence supplies (catheters, external drainage, leg bags, overnight bags, straps and washable continence underwear). If your equipment cost exceeds this amount, you or a third party will have to pay the remainder.
