VMSS Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SWEP Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme (VMSS)?
The Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme (VMSS) is funded by the Department of Health Victoria. This program provides people with a long term or permanent disability, as well as those who are frail aged with funding towards the cost of vehicle modifications.
What types of Assistive Technology (AT) iems does the VMSS program help to fund?
- Air conditioning for people with thermo-regulatory conditions
- Conversions of vehicles for wheelchair access
- Modified driving controls
- Oxygen cylinder and wheelchair restraint systems
- Ramps permanently secured to vehicles
- Specialised lifters, carriers and trailers for wheelchairs
- Specialised seating
- modification component of an already modified second hand vehicle in some circumstances.
What will it cost?
There is a maximum subsidy level for vehicle modifications of $10,000 each seven-year period which can be used in part or in whole. If the subsidy does not cover the full cost of the modification, you or a third party will need to pay the remainder.
Am I eligible?
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 not an in-patient of a public or private hospital or residential care facility
- Cannot claim equipment through private health insurance policy
- Have not been released from hospital or an extended care centre within 30 days, where equipment required is related to the hospital admission
How do I apply for the program?
You must be assessed by a SWEP registered Assistive Technology (AT) Practitioner (i.e. Occupational Therapist with post-graduate training in driver assessment and rehabilitation) to determine the most appropriate and safe modification. Your AT Practitioner will complete an online application form based on your needs and submit it on your behalf.
Where can I access an Occupational Therapist?
Please talk to your local health care professional (G.P.) about finding a SWEP registered AT Practitioner near you.
What happens after my application is submitted?
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 on 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937).
Depending on the modification, 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 modification, a gap funding form will be sent to you to complete. This form will inform 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 modification and then place an order.
What are my responsibilities towards the modification?
By accepting funding towards the vehicle modification from SWEP, the vehicle owner assumes ownership and is responsible for ongoing repairs, maintenance, and insurance.
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