Frequently Asked Questions

What types of AT items does SAEAS help to fund?

• Bathing/showering/toileting
• Beds/mattresses/bed accessories
• Change tables
• Electronic voice aids
• Orthoses and custom footwear
• Pressure care
• Specialised seating
• Transfer equipment
• Wheelchairs (includes customisation) and scooters
• Wigs - Wig FAQ here

There are maximum subsidy levels for each AT equipment category. If the subsidy does not cover the full cost of the equipment, you or a third party will need to pay the remainder. AT item subsidies can be found under the SAEAS Available AT Items and Subsidy Section.

You are eligible for funding if you:

• Are a permanent Victorian Resident or hold a temporary or permanent protection Visa or are an asylum seeker
• Have a long-term condition/disability and/or are frail aged
• Do not receive other government funding for equipment
• Are not an in-patient of a public or private hospital or permanent resident of a residential care facility
• Cannot claim the full costs of the equipment/products through your private health insurance policy
• Have not been discharged from a public hospital or an extended care centre within 30 days, where equipment/products required is related to the hospital admission

SWEP will receive, triage and process your application. Once your application is processed, a letter will be sent to you informing you of the status of your application. If you do not receive a letter within two weeks, please contact your AT Practitioner or SWEP on 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937).

Depending on the equipment, further documents may be needed to complete the application process. These will be sent to either you or your AT Practitioner. Please ask your AT Practitioner or call SWEP to clarify any questions you may have about these documents.

If the subsidy does not cover the full cost of the equipment, a gap funding form may be sent to you to complete. This form will advise SWEP how you wish the remainder of the cost of the equipment to be paid.

When funding is available, SWEP will call you to check if the equipment or customisation is still needed and then place an order.

Phone: 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937) and one of our friendly team members will discuss repair options.

SWEP and Chemtronics provide an emergency after-hours service 24 hours per day, every day of the year including public holidays. When you call 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937) during normal business hours please press 1 to talk to a member of our repairs team. Outside normal business hours you will be directed to the after-hours emergency service which is manned by SWEP staff.

Please see the SAEAS AT items & Available Subsidy section or call SWEP on 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937) for further information on eligibility.

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