New arrangements for continence aids funding

Many older Australians rely on continence aids to maintain their comfort, dignity and independence. For years, the Australian Government's Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) has helped eligible people with permanent and severe incontinence to cover the costs associated with these essential products.

However, an important change has occurred whereby people receiving Support at Home funding are no longer eligible for CAPS and will need to access continence aids differently. Disposable continence aids now come under the service type known as 'clinical care consumables' and can be accessed directly through the Support at Home program rather than through the separate government CAPS scheme.

From February 2026, all funding for disposable continence products will be managed through a participant's Support at Home budget. As a clinical care consumable product, your quarterly budget will be charged, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost to any participants for these continence products.

Anyone previously approved for a former Home Care Package is automatically approved for clinical care services and can immediately access clinical care consumables with an appropriate clinical recommendation.

However, if you were assessed for Support at Home after 1 November 2025, you will need pre-approval for clinical care services in your Notice of Decision and MAC Support Plan to access continence aids from your quarterly budget.

• All washable or reusable continence products can be purchased using separate AT-HM funding or previously accumulated unspent HCP funds.

Incontinence can impact your confidence, health, wellbeing and skin integrity, and may even limit your involvement in social activities. So please talk to us if you have any concerns, and we will arrange the necessary approvals for you to direct your funding where it is most needed.