Understanding funding options
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) - Subsidised hearing services
The Australian Government funds the HSP to help eligible individuals by providing 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 - Supporting people with complex hearing needs
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 Torres 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: NDIS – Tailored services and support
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides individualised support for eligible Australians with permanent disability, and their families and carers.
The NDIS funds a wide range of hearing services tailored to each person’s needs, including Assistive Technology, Auslan services, and Early Intervention programs. As a registered NDIS provider, we are here to help participants access the support they need to improve their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Who can apply for NDIS?
You may be able to apply for the NDIS if you:
- Are under 65 years of age
- Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or meet certain special category visa requirements
- Have a permanent disability that affects your daily life or you would benefit from Early Intervention
Although people may access the NDIS and the HSP at the same time, they cannot get the same supports from both programs at once.
For participants eligible for the HSP, the NDIS may fund additional reasonable and necessary hearing supports not available through the HSP such as certain Assistive Listening Devices and Auslan interpreting. For participants not eligible for the HSP, all hearing services are funded under the NDIS.
Funding option 4: 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 may also have the option to pay for your hearing aids in instalments. Credit is provided by humm^, 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 may 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, Voucher or CSO Programs, 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.
Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program
^Credit may be provided by Once Credit Pty Limited (ABN 99 112 319 632, Australian Credit Licence No. 386194), a subsidiary of humm group limited, and subject to Once Credit’s T&Cs, eligibility criteria and relevant fees. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program
