Australian Government Funding

1. Konnekt-Telstra Captioning Videophone Program

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, need captions, or read lips

• Get the Konnekt phone, most accessories, service and support for $5 per month, no more to pay, all calls included
• Just $5 per month extra if Internet is required
• Fast, great value, and ideal for those with no other funding

2. NDIS

For people under 65 when they first apply

• NDIS funds trial, rent-buy or purchase as well as Videophone accessories, and most payments are GST-exempt 
• Monthly fees can be included as a prepaid annual subscription, and can be paid from a different category such as Daily Living

3. My Aged Care Home Care Package (HCP),
changing 1-Jul-2025 to Support At Home (SAH)

For people over 65 living independently at home

• My Aged Care HCP can fund trial, rent-buy or purchase of Konnekt Videophones and accessories
• It can also cover monthly service fees, and usually Konnekt-managed Internet (locked for Videophone use only)
• From 1 July 2025, HCP will transition to Support At Home (SAH)
  • Relevant item: Support Item 39_02_11 “Assistive Technology – Independent”
  • Inclusion List: “5. Communication and information management” (Distant communications)
• Urgent tip (moving into residential aged care): If you’re about to enter a residential aged care facility, ask your Provider to purchase the Konnekt Videophone now, while you’re still eligible under your Home Care Package. Funds may no longer be available after you move.

4. Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

For those over 65 but not on a HCP

• My Aged Care CHSP provides up to $1,000 per year for equipment purchase, trial, or rental.
• CHSP can also fund most Videophone accessories within the same annual limit.

5. geat2GO

CHSP provider of last resort

• geat2GO can fund up to $1,000 per year towards assistive technology, including Konnekt Videophones and accessories.
• If you’re waiting for a HCP or your current HCP funds are exhausted, geat2GO can fund up to $2,500 per year with ACAT or O.T. assessor approval.

6. DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)

For veterans, widows and dependants

• DVA RAP can fund purchase, and sometimes the Konnekt on-going fees paid as an annual software subscription

7. JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)

For the workplace

• EAF funds assistive technology and workplace modifications
• EAF can also fund a workplace assessment
• Some people have one Captioning Videophone for home, and one for their workplace

8. State-based Equipment Programs

To help fill the gaps

• Generally for people living independently or in transition
• May help non-residents, people with no local provider, on a waiting list or with insufficient funds

9. Transport and Work Accident Insurance

For recovery from injuries

• Transport accident cover assists rehabilitation from motor accident injuries affecting the brain, hearing, vision, mobility or dexterity
• Work accident cover assists recuperation from work-related injuries, and supports return to work

10. Hearing Services Program (HSP)

For headphones, TV listening and personal amplifiers

• HSP covers hearing aids, some hearing services and some communication aids
• HSP covers Konnekt’s headphones, headsets, TV streamers and personal amplifiers; see Accessories
• A Captioning Videophone provides support during rehabilitation from illness, injury or surgery

Dementia Support Australia (DSA)

Free services for carers, including for those in residential aged care

Dementia Support Australia provides free services to carers for those at home or in residential care, to reduce the impact of changed behaviours related to dementia.

Based on individual circumstances, a Dementia Consultant develops personalised strategies and advice and offers practical ways to implement them.  This can include a home visit, telephone support and other assistance to suit.