How do I apply?

There are different eligiblity criteria for the range of programs that SWEP partners with. Please refer to the programs and services page to see what you are eligible for. You need to be assessed by an appropriate health professional/AT Practitioner from your local area who will help you determine the most suitable assistive technology (AT) item(s) or modification(s) needed, as well as which program or service you. This includes an assessment of whether you or your carer can safely use the AT item(s).

If you are applying to SWEP for the first time, you may need to complete the Eligibility Form with all your personal details. If so, you will need to make an appointment to see your treating doctor/specialist/AT Practitioner to complete the last page of the Eligibility Form on your behalf. This is to confirm that you are eligible to receive assistance from SWEP.

More Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Are you currently supported by one of the SWEP Programs? The below information may be helpful to you

Are you moving interstate?

Protection & Use of your Health Information

Collection

SWEP collects personal information such as your name, address and date of birth; information about your medical condition/disability; assistive technology/product needs; and information related to the management of your applications for funding.

Use

Your information is used by our staff (healthcare professionals), to provide you with the best care and AT solution.
Your referring Doctor or AT Practitioner (i.e. Respiratory Physician, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist etc.) may access information essential to the management of your applications.
Your information may also be used for other purposes such as quality audits, research and training. Your identifying details are removed from information used for these purposes.

Accuracy

Information is added to your record each time you contact the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP). Please advise our Customer Service Team if your details have changed to help us keep your information accurate and up to date.
If you believe that information held about you is not correct, you have the right to ask that it be corrected.

Protection

SWEP has a legal and moral obligation to protect your privacy. Our staff are obliged to comply with our policies about the collection, use, disclosure, storage and disposal of consumer information. Database records, both paper and electronic, are securely stored. Only authorised staff may access your consumer information. SWEP retains records in line with legal requirements.

How may you access your information

You have the right to access your consumer record under the Freedom of Information Act. A written application is required and you may be charged a fee. Please speak to a member of our team, who can advise of the right person to help you with this.

Privacy Policy

For Consumers

Your privacy is important to us.
It is SWEP's policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our website. Accordingly, we have developed this privacy policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate, disclose and otherwise make use of personal information. We have outlined our privacy policy below.

1. We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where appropriate, with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.
2. Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for which information is being collected.
3. We will collect and use personal information solely for fulfilling those purposes specified by us and for other ancillary purposes, unless we obtain the consent of the individual concerned or as required by law.
4. Personal data should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used, and, to the extent necessary for those purposes, should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
5. We will protect personal information by using reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
6. We will make readily available to consumers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
7. We will only retain personal information for as long as necessary for the fulfilment of those purposes.

We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with these principles in order to ensure that the confidentiality of personal information is protected and maintained. SWEP may change this privacy policy from time to time at SWEP's sole discretion.

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of people using the Australian healthcare system.

Your healthcare provider/AT Practitioner is the person or organisation that has assessed your needs and made an application for AT item(s) to SWEP. Your healthcare provider/AT Practitioner must discuss your rights and responsibilities under the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights with you. You can download a summary of the Charter using the links below. This summary outlines what this charter means if you are seeking or receiving care from a Victorian healthcare service. It tells you what you can expect from services, and what to do if you have a question or concern. You can find out more about the Charter at  Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights (second edition) - A4 Accessible | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Please contact your healthcare provider/assistive technology Practitioner if you do not understand your rights under the Charter.