How to Access / Apply Continence Aids Payment Scheme CAPS Funding

ADACSS prepare this Step by Step Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) - Application Process.

What is CAPS?

The Continence Assistance Payment Scheme (CAPS) is a government initiative designed to help individuals with incontinence purchase essential continence aids without financial strain. By providing financial support, CAPS aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by incontinence.

How to Apply for CAPS

Eligibility:

To be eligible for CAPS, you must:

  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have permanent residency rights  
  • Be at least 5 years old 
  • Have permanent and severe incontinence confirmed by a registered health professional  
  • Have an eligible neurological condition or other condition that causes your incontinence  

CAPS Application Process:

  1. Step by Step Online Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) - Application Process through myGov:

    • Medicare Online Account: If you have a Medicare online account linked to Sign in to myGov, you can apply directly online.
    • In your Medicare online account,
    • select Services,
    • then Continence aids payment scheme and
    • follow the prompts to complete your application.
    • Express Plus Medicare App: Use this app to apply conveniently from your mobile device.
  2. Paper-Based Application:

    • CAPS Application Form: Download and complete the form from the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
    • Health Report: A registered health professional must complete Section 3 of the form to verify your medical condition.

Key Tips for a Smooth Application:

  • Accurate Information: Ensure all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Complete Health Report: A comprehensive health report is crucial for processing your application.
  • Document Submission: Submit all required documents, including the completed health report.
  • Online Account: If applying online, ensure your Medicare online account is linked to myGov.

Payment Details:

  • Payment Amount: The maximum annual payment for 2024-25 is $694.80 per person.
  • Payment Frequency: You can choose between annual or bi-annual payments.
  • Payment Method: Payments are made directly to your nominated Australian bank account.
  • Payment History: You can view and print your payment history online through your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app.

Managing Your CAPS Payment:

  • Changes in Circumstances: Notify the CAPS team of any changes to your circumstances, such as address, bank details, or health condition.
  • Nominating a Representative: You can nominate a representative (i.e ADACSS Shop)  to manage your CAPS payments on your behalf.

For more information and assistance, please contact the ADACSS Shop team , shop@adacss.com.au .

What to do if you have questions about your CAPS application?

By following these steps and seeking timely assistance, you can effectively navigate the CAPS application process and receive the support you need.

You can call the CAPS team to report a change in your circumstances or if you have questions about CAPS payments. The CAPS team is part of Services Australia and operates from 8.30am to 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.

 

If you’re applying on someone else’s behalf, you need to complete the entire CAPS application form from the Department of Health and Aged Care website. You can also use the form if you can’t apply online.

You may need to give us extra documents when you apply. We’ll tell you what these are in your application. If there’s something missing from your application, we’ll ask you for it. 

  • Get your registered health professional to complete a health report- Before you apply for a payment under CAPS, you must get your registered health professional to complete Section 3 - Health Report in the CAPS application form.

You need to give the whole form to your health professional, but they only need to complete the health report. They need to include their details and information about your condition.

What to do to avoid CAPS approval delays?

To avoid delays, make sure the Section 3 - Health Report is complete and the details are correct when submitting the application. We can’t process your application without the health report. 

  • Start your application-If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov, you can apply online. 
  • If you don’t have a myGov or Medicare online account you’ll need to set them up.
  • Make sure you have the Health Report completed by your health professional verifying your medical condition before you apply. You’ll need to upload the Section 3 - Health . Report to your online application. You don’t need to upload the whole form.

For more information and assistance, please contact the ADACSS Shop team , shop@adacss.com.au .