Understanding funding options
Making hearing care accessible and affordable
At Hearing Australia, we understand that hearing aids can be a significant investment, and we believe that everyone should have access to the support and devices they need without financial burden. Whether through government-funded programs, flexible payment plans, or private health insurance support, we want to help you better understand the options available to you. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how these funding options work, and how they can help you get the hearing care you deserve.
Funding option 1: The Hearing Services Program (HSP)
The Australian Government funds the HSP to help eligible individuals by providing a subsidised hearing services. If you qualify, you’ll receive a voucher that helps cover all or part of the cost of hearing aids and related services. This makes high-quality hearing aids more accessible.
The HSP also offers an optional maintenance program, ensuring that your hearing aids stay in great working condition.
Who is eligible for the HSP Voucher Program?
To qualify you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 26 or older, and meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a Pensioner Concession Card;
- Hold a Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold or White Repatriation Health Card (specifying hearing loss); or
- Receive a sickness allowance from Centrelink.
Additionally, the following individuals may also be eligible:
- Dependents of a person in one of the categories above;
- Members of the Australian Defence Forces; or
- Referred clients of an Australian Government-funded vocational rehabilitation service.
Please note that Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders aren’t eligible for the HSP.
Funding option 2: The CSO Program
The CSO (Community Service Obligations) Program helps individuals with more complex hearing and communication needs. This includes eligible adults with severe hearing loss, children, young adults under 26 and Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islanders over 50.
The Australian Government funds the CSO program and Hearing Australia is the only provider of CSO funded hearing services.
Funding option 3: Flexible ways to pay for hearing aids
If you're not eligible for the Australian Government’s Hearing Services Programs, there are still payment options to help make hearing care more accessible:
- Pay in full: You can make a one-off payment for hearing aids or products using EFTPOS, credit card, or direct deposit.
- Buy now, pay later with humm: You also have the option to pay for your hearing aids in instalments. Credit is provided by Humm BNPL Pty Limited , subject to eligibility and approval. Once approved, you can take your hearing aids home and pay it off over time. Speak with your clinician to learn more about available instalment options.
- Private Health Insurance: Some private health insurance providers assist with the cost of hearing aids. Contact your insurer to find out about your eligibility and available rebates. While you don't need a GP referral to see us, your insurer may require a hearing test result. If this is the case, we can provide a letter for your insurer upon request.
How to apply for the funding programs
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the HSP, you can apply online for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program; give us a call at 134 432 or visit your local Hearing Australia Centre. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you with the application process.
Once you’re approved, you’ll have access to a variety of services, including hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, and ongoing care, all designed to ensure that you get the most out of your hearing aids.
At Hearing Australia, we’re dedicated to removing the barriers to accessing hearing care. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Speak to a clinician today to explore your options.
For furtherer information on the Hearing Services Program, go to www.health.gov.au/our-work/hearing-services-program
