Written by John Nakulski, Co-Founder Konnekt, and reprinted from Audiology Now magazine edition 94 with permission from Audiology Australia:
Funding for Hearing Health
Government funding for hearing aids is well understood, but there is less awareness of the options available for assistive technology. This guide outlines eight ways to fund two of the most useful appliances for people who are hard-of-hearing.
1. Captioning phones
Classed as ‘communications aids’, these phones enable captioned phone calls, extra volume, and optional video calls to read lips, faces and gestures.
2. Headphones/headsets
Classed as ‘assistive listening devices’ (ALDs), headphones and headsets enable improved listening to TV, music, phones, tablets and computers. Frequency compensation and noise cancellation are also avaiable.
Funding Programs for Hearing Technology
The table below provides details of eight programs that offer funding for captioning phones and headphones/headsets to eligible people.
Konnekt-Telstra Captioning Videophone Program
Key Criteria
Care-home resident, or Telstra or Belong customer; needs captions or lipreading for calls
Konnekt-Telstra Captioning Videophone Program
Captioning Video Phone
Rent monthly; $5, or $10 if Internet required; includes calls and support
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Key Criteria
Aged under 65 when you first apply; assessed for need; GST-free supply
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Captioning Video Phone
Purchase (incl. annual support), rent, or trial
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Headphones, Headsets
Covered as low-cost assistive technology, or consumables
My Aged Care Home Care Package (HCP)
Key Criteria
Aged over 65, not in a care home, ACAT-assessed.
My Aged Care Home Care Package (HCP)
Captioning Video Phone
Purchase (incl. annual support), rent, or trial
My Aged Care Home Care Package (HCP)
Headphones, Headsets
Yes, with Home Care Provider approval, if required to meet an assessed need.
My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) via a local approved provider
Key Criteria
Aged over 65, not in a care home; simply 15-min assessment; no HCP or insufficient budget.
My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) via a local approved provider
Captioning Video Phone
Up to $1000/year towards purchase, rent or trial.
My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) via a local approved provider
Headphones, Headsets
Yes, with Home Care Provider approval, if required to meet an assessed need.
My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) via geat2GO
Key Criteria
As above; no local provider with available goods, equipment and assistive technology (GEAT) funding.
My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) via geat2GO
Captioning Video Phone
Up to $1000/year towards purchase.
My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) via geat2GO
Headphones, Headsets
Yes, with Home Care Provider approval, if required to meet an assessed need.
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP)
Key Criteria
Veterans, windows, dependants; Gold card, or White card with accepted condition relating to clinical need for the equipment.
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP)
Captioning Video Phone
Covered as equipment outside RAP Schedule; health-provider letter must support clinical need, trial with documented outcomes is recommended.
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP)
Headphones, Headsets
RAP item AA04 TV Listening Device.
JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
Key Criteria
Work 8+ hours/week; EAF also funds workplace assessments and modifications.
JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
Captioning Video Phone
Yes, where required for workplace or home office.
JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
Headphones, Headsets
Yes, where required for workplace or home office.
Hearing Services Program (HSP)
Headphones, Headsets
Fully subsidised if categories as an assistive listening device (ALD).
Konnekt-Telstra program
Apply to Konnekt. The small prgram fee is sometimes paid by HCP, CHSP or NDIS
My Aged Care
Due to HCP limits, clients with no other disability are often wait-listed or directed to CHSP. CHSP application is fast (15-20 mins). If the client cannot find a local approved aged-care provider with available funding for goods, equipment and assistive technology (GEAT), then geat2GO is the fallback option. Geat2GO allows people to order goods, equipment and assistive technology through the national GEAT provider under the CHSP.
To view or print this article on a single page including a compact table, download the original PDF article.
Apply Now for Captioning Videophone Funding
Learn more about the 8 types of government funding or apply now for a Konnekt Captioning Videophone using the Konnekt-Telstra Program.