Our Funding Options for Children

We provide services according to the principles of family-centred intervention (FCEI).   FCEI aims to support and empower families and understands that every family has unique needs and ways of doing things.

There is a range of government funding options to ensure all Australian children with hearing loss can access hearing technology. Your audiologist can provide further information on these funding options and assist you with the necessary forms and applications. 

These funding options include:

Hearing Support for Children who are Temporary Residents 

Many children in Australia benefit from government-funded programs such as the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, children on temporary resident visas are not eligible for these programs. 

To ensure these children don’t miss out on vital hearing care, Hearing Australia’s Social Purpose Program provides fully funded support to help reduce communication barriers — enabling children to learn, play, and thrive. 

Who can get this support?

A child may be eligible if they: 

• Are under 18 years old 
• Hold a Temporary Resident Visa that is valid for more than six months 
• Have a diagnosed permanent or long-term hearing loss and either: 

• already have hearing aids, 
• need hearing aids, or 
• have a cochlear implant and could benefit from hearing support

Families must provide a copy of the child’s visa or other proof of status. 

Note: New Zealand citizens with a Special Category Visa who live permanently in Australia are already eligible for the HSP under the Community Service Obligations (CSO) program, not this stream. Children who turn 18 will transition to self-funded services. 

A story of inclusive care

For more than a decade, families like Ezlin’s have been supported through our paediatric services, and the Social Purpose Program ensures this vital care continues. Children on temporary resident visas who are diagnosed with permanent or long-term hearing loss can continue to access life-changing services without financial barriers. Read more about Ezlin's journey and how the Social Purpose Program helped her family access care. 

Supporting children like Ezlin is a reminder of the power of inclusive care. It’s comforting to know that borders don’t define the quality of care we provide. In the words of Fred Hollows, ‘An eye is an eye,’ and indeed, ‘An ear is an ear.’

For more details on what’s funded and how to access support, please download our factsheet.

Factsheet: Hearing support for children who are temporary residents