Ask your doctor to confirm that you have a long term or permanent disability
All programs within SWEP require your doctor to confirm that you have a permanent or long term disability by completing the fourth page of the application form.
Have your needs assessed
You need to be assessed by an appropriate health professional (external to the program) so they can determine the correct type of aid or equipment or modification for you. This includes an assessment of whether you or your carer can safely use the equipment, for example a wheelchair or scooter. Your health professional will prescribe the aid or equipment and complete the documents that are relevant according to the type of aid, equipment or modification that you need.
Submit your application form
Once your assessment is complete, you need to send your application form and supporting documents to SWEP to determine if you are eligible.
Aid or equipment or modification provided
Once your eligibility is confirmed SWEP will provide you with a reissued item, or order the new aid, equipment or modification you need. Reissued aids and equipment are provided where possible. If the aid or equipment you need is not available straight away, your item may be ordered if there are funds available. However if funds are not available immediately your application may need to go on a waiting list. SWEP will advise you if your application will be placed on a waiting list. Priority is given to people with greatest need.
Do I have to pay anything?
You may need to make a (non-refundable) contribution for any difference between the subsidy amount and the full cost of any new aid or equipment that is purchased for you. The health professional that helps you with your application and/or SWEP will discuss this with you if required.
Can I claim money back for equipment or modifications that I have already bought?
It is important to note that SWEP does not reimburse you for the cost of aids, equipment or modifications either before or after you have applied for assistance from the program.
How is equipment supplied by SWEP maintained?
SWEP will cover the cost of most repairs and maintenance of equipment supplied. SWEP will advise you of both your and SWEP’s responsibilities when your equipment is supplied.
Who owns the aids and equipment?
SWEP remains the owner of the aid or equipment where it has contributed more than 50% towards the cost of the item. If you have contributed more than 50% towards the cost of the item, you can choose to:
retain ownership of the item and be responsible for the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs, or
transfer ownership of the item to SWEP. This means the cost of most ongoing repairs will be covered by SWEP.
The aid or equipment provided to you through the program is on loan to you for as long as you need it, except for the following items which do not have to be returned:
home and vehicle modifications, which become the property of the owner
personal use items, such as surgical shoes and non-disposable continence aids
low cost items like shower chairs and over toilet aids
Returning aids and equipment on loan
When you no longer require the aid or equipment you should contact SWEP to arrange the return of the equipment.
What happens if I need a replacement aid?
Aids and equipment should be maintained in good condition and used only for the purpose intended.
The subsidy timeline for each equipment category recognizes people's changing needs and offers flexibility in the capacity of the scheme to meet people's needs throughout key life stages, by enabling funding for replacement of items to be considered after a given time frame.
Copyright 2010 Ballarat Health Services - Damian Georgiou
