Getting aids, equipment and home modifications
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On this page

  1. Nominating a representative
  2. What we can help with
  3. Who is eligible?
  4. Rehabilitation Appliances Program
  5. Need more help?
  6. Using DVA and other aged care services
  7. Help accessing aged care services
  8. Other pages we think may interest you

Aids, equipment and home modifications to help you remain independent and improve quality of life.

The veteran’s guide to living independently booklet has been developed to help you understand the services and supports available. You can view this online or order a hardcopy to be delivered to your home, from the aged care resources page of the website.

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Nominating a representative

You may choose to authorise someone to be your nominated representative when dealing with us. A nominated representative can be a partner, adult relative, trustee, agent, legal representative or organisation. You can set up a nominated representative using MyService or by completing this form - Appointing a third party to represent a DVA client. For more information visit the nominated representative webpage.

Please note that this form only authorises representation with DVA. Other government departments or services may require you to create other arrangements. Information on representation arrangements for other departments can be found on the Help accessing aged care services page.

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What we can help with

If you have an assessed clinical health care need, DVA can provide fully funded aids, equipment and modifications to help you:

  • minimise the impact of your disabilities or dysfunction
  • improve your quality of life
  • enable you to live safely and with independence
  • help your participation in the community
  • be an adjunct to your health treatment or a rehabilitation plan

This help may be available to you through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), see below for more information.

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Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for services if you have a:

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Rehabilitation Appliances Program

The RAP provides eligible DVA clients with a variety of aids, equipment, and home modifications to meet your clinically assessed need as determined by your prescribing health provider.  These can range from assistive listening devices, speech and communication devices, cognition and memory devices, lifting devices, adaptive household appliance, chairs and other supports, palliative care appliances, home modifications, and much more.

Aids, equipment and modifications must be prescribed by a qualified health professional. While some items can be prescribed by a GP, others may require a registered nurse, occupational therapist, or another allied health professional.  Speak to your GP to discuss your needs and they may refer you to a suitable health provider for an assessment. The RAP Schedule outlines which health professionals can prescribe each item. 

The process for accessing RAP products is shown below:

Process Box 1 - Speak to your GP about your needs;<br /> Process Box 2 - Your GP will assess your needs and/or refer you to a health professional (e.g. physio) for assessment;<br /> Process Box 3 - Following assessment, the health professional will issue a prescription;<br /> Process Box 4 - The prescription will be sent to an appropriate supplier or DVA for prior approval;<br /> Process Box 5 - Aids and appliances will then be delivered to you.

More information

For more information on the range of available appliances, access to services and more see the Rehabilitation Appliances Program webpage.

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Need more help?

What if you’re not eligible for services through DVA or we are unable to provide you with services that cover all the help you need? You may be able to receive help through other Australian Government programs such as:

These programs are available to help people over 65* remain living independently. To apply for these services, you will first need to arrange an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. You can do this:

  • online on the My Aged Care website by completing the Apply for an assessment form
  • over the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
    (Weekdays – 8am to 8pm, Saturdays – 10am to 2pm, Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
  • in-person by booking an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer in selected locations. To arrange an appointment, call 1800 227 475 (Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm) or visit any Services Australia service centre for general My Aged Care support.

You are encouraged to get this done as early as you can as it can take time to get your assessment completed and services set up. 

These programs may need an assessment of your income and assets to work out how much you will pay. For more information and details on how to access in-home aged care through other government departments, you can visit the Other in-home aged care programs and DVA webpage or the Assessing your in-home aged care costs webpage. You can also find information on the My Aged Care website or call My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422.

You may also consider checking what is available through state and territory health services and local government community supports.

*The eligibility is 50 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. For more information visit Am I eligible? | My Aged Care web page or call 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation.

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Using DVA and other aged care services

As a DVA client 65 years* or over you can speak with both DVA and My Aged Care for assistance with accessing aged care services. DVA supports access to a range of aged care services. However, when your care needs become more complex, veterans may also use mainstream services organised through other government departments, provided there is no duplication of services.

This means you can receive DVA services alongside other support, as long as the services do not overlap. For example, if you receive DVA funded cleaning services that fully meet your assessed need, you cannot access additional cleaning services through other aged care programs. However, if you are receiving DVA services that only partly meet your needs, you can apply for an assessment through My Aged Care to determine if additional in-home aged care services can be provided.

It is important you consider all government-funded aged care services. This will allow you to select individual services or a combination of services that best suit your overall support needs. Your eligibility for services is determined based on your age and care needs.

What to say when you call – “I need an aged care needs assessment as I need help with [insert the tasks] at home. Can you please organise this for me?”

*The eligibility is 50 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. For more information visit Am I eligible? | My Aged Care web page or call 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation.

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Help accessing aged care services

It’s no secret aged care can be confusing and it’s often difficult know where to start. You don’t have to do it alone. There are many services available through the government as well as independent services that can support you on your aged care journey.

The Help Accessing Aged Care Services page provides information on available support. There are also further support services to help you understand and navigate aged care. You can explore these options by visiting the Getting support in aged care webpage on the My Aged Care website.

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Other pages we think may interest you

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