The Australian government offers the Continence Aids Payment Scheme to support Australians with the cost of continence products. If you have bowel or bladder problems and need continence products, you can learn about the scheme here, from eligibility to the application process.
CAPS reduces the cost of continence products for people with severe or permanent incontinence conditions. According to reports, around 4.8 million people in Australia have bowel or bladder problems and require continence products.
The scheme provides a tax-free one-time or biannually payment to eligible individuals. The payout amounts are paid to the eligible individuals based on the government budget. The scheme benefits millions of people with the rising cost of living and healthcare.
What makes you eligible for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme?
Interested in claiming the Continence Aids Payment Scheme, you should first check the eligibility conditions below to ensure your eligibility:
- You must be at least 5 years old, and you are a permanent Australian resident/ citizen/ or have permanent residency rights for a long time.
- You must have severe or permanent incontinence, which is confirmed and registered by a professional health expert.
- You must have a qualified neurological or other condition that causes severe or permanent incontinence.
Exclusion:
- When your incontinence is treatable, or temporary, or nighttime bed wetting only conditions, you may not qualify for the benefit.
- You get help through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program and have White or DVA Gold card.
- You are living in a government-funded aged care home facility, home care, or your plan has government support.
- You are in prison for a crime or have been living outside Australia for three or more years.
- You receive the funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which also includes the continence support.
How much will you receive under the Continence Aids Payment Scheme benefit?
Now, the Australians wondering about the scheme’s benefit should know the payment rate for the 2025-26 is $717.10 per person. The payment rate can be hiked or lowered based on the government budget.
With the annual or biannual payment, you can buy the continence products from pharmacies or supermarkets, or order them online. You can ask your healthcare professional about the types of products that will meet your condition and help you get some relief.
If you are confused about the continence products, you can check the Continence Health Australia product list here and buy the product accordingly from the supplier of your choice.
How to apply for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme?
If you meet the Continence Aids Payment Scheme eligibility conditions and wish to receive the support, you can complete the application process in the following way:
- You can download a copy of the CAPS Application form and guidelines, or you can use your Medicare account to apply through your myGov account. You can also apply through the Express Medicare mobile application for the aid.
- The part of the application will be filled out by your healthcare professional, so get it filled out by the professional who has diagnosed your conditions.
- Now, submit your application with the supporting documents either online or mail it to the Service center.
Once you have completed the Continence Aids Payment Scheme application, you should wait for the approval, and if your application is rejected, you will receive a letter from the authority. ‘
When will you receive the aid under CAPS?
If your CAPS application is approved, you will receive your payment based on your choice, such as whether you wish to receive the one-time payment or the biannual payment. Here are the CAPS payment dates based on the payment selection:
- If you go for the one-time payment, you will receive the payout in July, start of the financial year.
- If you go for the biannual payment, you will receive the payout in July and January of the financial year.
The payment will depend on when you apply for the scheme; for instance, if you apply for the scheme in October and go for a biannual payment, you will receive the portion of the payment and the next payment in January.
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme is a boon for people with serious and permanent bladder or bowel problems, as it can cover the cost of continence products and provide some financial relief.
Disclaimer: Continence Aids Payment Scheme details are for general awareness only. Confirm eligibility and payments with official Australian government sources.