The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (A&EP) assists eligible people to access subsidised aids, equipment and home modifications to enhance their safety and independence, support their family and carers and prevent premature admission to institutional care or high cost services.

To be eligible a person must have a long term or permanent disability or be frail, aged, be a permanent resident of Victoria, and hold a Medicare card.

Equipment is supplied whenever it is available for re-issue, or when there are funds available for new equipment. If new aids and equipment are required and funds are not available immediately, your name will be placed on a waiting list. Priority is given to those people with the greater need.

You may be required to make a non-refundable contribution toward the cost of new items. We will advise you of what contribution is required.

Bendigo Health purchases the equipment directly from the suppliers and does not provide funds to cover the cost of equipment purchased prior to or after an application for assistance has been made to the Aids & Equipment Program.

To apply to the Aids & Equipment Program, please complete the application form available in the list of links below. A letter certifying the disability from your local doctor or specialist, and a professional health assessment may also be required. The assessment is required to determine the most appropriate and cost effective type of aid or equipment needed and will also establish whether the eligible person or their carer have the capacity to safely and effectively use the equipment.

Also see:

• Aids & Equipment Program application form
• Aids & Equipment Program information brochure
• Aids & Equipment Program Guidelines 2008
• Summary list of aids & equipment available through the Aids & Equipment Program
• Aids & Equipment Program - Broadening of eligibility criteria to include people on Community Aged Care and Extended Aged Care at Home packages