Australian Government Funding for Konnekt Videophone
There are 8 types of government funding available for Konnekt Videophone and Captioning Videophone:
- Konnekt-Telstra Captioning Videophone Program, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, need captions, or read lips
- NDIS, for people under 65
- MyAgedCare Home Care Package (HCP), for people over 65 living independently
- MyAgedCare CHSP, for those over 65 not on a HCP
- geat2GO, for those seeking CHSP who have no local provider
- DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), for veterans, widows and dependants
- JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), for the workplace
- State-based programs, to help cover the gaps
Dementia Support Australia offers free carer advice and personalised strategies, including for those in residential care.
Select one of the links above, or answer a few questions to learn which services may help you.
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
Eligibility
- You require captions or lip reading to understand, or you have deafness, or are severely hard-of-hearing
- For Telstra or Belong customers living independently, OR
- * New * For residents of Government-subsidised Care Homes
Process
- Enquire or apply online via Konnekt (not via Telstra), or
- Download a PDF Program Agreement form for the Independently Living or
- Download a PDF Program Agreement form for Care Home Residents
2. NDIS
For people under 65
- NDIS funds trial, rent-buy or purchase, 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
Eligibility
- You or your Support Manager may need a recommendation from an Occupational Therapist, Audiologist, Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist or other relevant health professional
Process
- Self-managed or plan-managed? Konnekt invoices you or your Plan Manager directly
- NDIA-managed? A go-between NDIS-Registered Provider is required
3. MyAgedCare Home Care Package (HCP)
For people over 65 living independently
- MyAgedCare HCP can fund trial, rent-buy or purchase
- HCP can also fund monthly fees, and usually Konnekt-managed Internet (locked for Videophone use only)
Eligibility
- HCP is designed for those living independently (not in residential care)
Process
- Already have a HCP? Ask us for a quotation and invoice for your Provider.
- Waiting on your HCP application? Start with our rent-buy plan; about half* of your rental payments can be refunded after your Provider purchases.
- To apply for HCP, call MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422 or apply online.
- For those without multiple needs, the wait can be long. Start with CHSP…
4. Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
5. geat2GO
For those over 65 not on a HCP
- MyAgedCare CHSP funds up to $1,000 towards purchase or trial, or up to $1,000/year for rental
- Urgent need? If waiting for HCP, or HCP used up, geat2GO funds up to $2,500/year, with ACAT assessor approval
Eligibility
- MyAgedCare has a fast application process for CHSP
Process
- Call 1800 200 422 or apply online; you can get a referral code for GEAT (Goods Equipment & Assistive Technologies) over the phone
- Find a local Home Care Provider with available GEAT funds
- No local provider? Contact Indigo Solutions to use the geat2GO program
- A Home Care Package (HCP) can later fund monthly fees
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
Eligibility
- You have an assessed clinical need
- You hold a DVA Gold Card or White Card
Process
- Obtain an assessment from a relevant health professional or a Care Home Registered Nurse (RN)
- A successful 30-day trial will support your application for purchase funding
- Contact Konnekt for more information
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
Eligibility
- You have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or will last at least two years and disability must limit, restrict or impair your ability to work
- You are self-employed or have active employment for at least 8 hours per week, and meet the other EAF Guidelines
Process
- Submit an EAF application online, or ask a friend or your employer to help
- Or call JobAccess on 1800 464 800 and get an Adviser to help you apply
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
Programs and eligibility vary across states and territories
- ACT Equipment Scheme and Loan Services
- NSW EnableNSW Aids and Equipment Program AEP
- NT Territory Equipment Program TEP
- QLD Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme and Communication Aids
- SA DHS Equipment Program
- TAS TasEquip
- VIC State-Wide Equipment Program SWEP / VAEP
- WA Continuity of Support, Indigo, NED Equipment Database
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.
Eligibility – The person requiring support must:
- Experience behaviours resulting from diagnosed or suspected dementia that impact care or be at risk of this in the community
- Behaviours may include confusion, depression symptoms, difficulty with daily activities, or expressing the desire to go home
Process
- Obtain consent from the person or nominated carer to receive services and apply to DSA
Contact Konnekt to receive more detailed information about Australian government funding, or to get help with your application.
Outside Australia: Contact your local Konnekt partner to find out about government funding availability in your country.
Available worldwide
Konnekt has sales/support partners across Australia / Asia, Europe, United Kingdom, North America, New Zealand and Africa.