Frequently Asked Questions

What types of AT items does SAEAS help to fund?

• Bathing/showering/toileting AT items
• Beds/mattresses/bed accessories
• Change tables
• Electronic voice aids
• Environmental control units
• Orthoses and custom footwear
• Pressure care AT items
• Specialised seating
• Transfer AT items
• Walking and standing aids
• Wheelchairs (includes customisation) and scooters
• Wigs

There are maximum subsidy levels for each AT item category. If the subsidy does not cover the full cost of the AT item, 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 disability and/or are frail aged
• Do not receive other government funding
• Are living in a government funded disability supported accommodation facility
• Are not an in-patient of a public or private hospital or residential care facility
• Cannot claim AT items through private health insurance
• Have not been released from hospital or an extended care centre within 30 days, where AT items required is related to the hospital admission

SWEP will receive your application and an administration officer will process and triage 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's Customer Service line on 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937).

Depending on the AT item, 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 AT item, a gap funding form may be sent to you to complete. This form will advise SWEP as to how the remainder of the cost is to be paid.

When funding is available, SWEP will call you to ascertain an ongoing need for the AT item or customisation and then place an order.

Phone: 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937) and one of the SWEP staff will organise to get the AT item repaired for you.

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), you will be directed to the After-hours Emergency Service which is manned by SWEP staff.