State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP)

The Statewide Equipment Program (SWEP), also known as the Aids and Equipment Program (A&EP), provides Victorian people who either have a permanent or long-term disability or are frail aged with subsidised aids, equipment and home and vehicle modifications to enhance their independence and facilitate community participation.

The Foot and Ankle Clinic is a registered SWEP prescriber and supplier and is able to assist eligible clients with the prescription and application forms necessary to access funding and assistance via this program.

Typically as Podiatrists we usually access the SWEP Program for elderly people with critical needs such as Diabetics who require pressure relief orthotics and Medical Grade or Extra Depth and Width Footwear.

How can SWEP help you?

SWEP provides a subsidy towards the cost of equipment and/or modifications. This is to improve independence in your home, assist in community participation and support families and carers in their role. This is provided through a number of programs, reissue equipment, which may be new or as new condition, will be provided where appropriate.

Aids & Equipment Program (A&EP)

The Aids & Equipment Program (A&EP) provides subsidised aids, equipment and home modifications to enhance independence in the home, facilitate community participation and support families and carers in their role.

SWEP is able to help fund the following equipment:

• Bathing/showering/toileting equipment
• Beds/mattresses/bed accessories
• Electronic voice aids
• Environmental control units
• Home modifications
• Orthoses and custom footwear
• Pressure care equipment
• Specialised seating
• Transfer equipment
• Walking and standing aids
• Wheelchairs (includes customisation) and scooters

Who is eligible?

You must be a Victorian resident, living independently in the community with a permanent/long term disability and/or frail aged as described in the A&EP guidelines. For further information on eligibility, please refer to the Applying for Aids and Equipment section or the A&EP FAQ section.

What will it cost?

There are maximum subsidy levels for each equipment category. If the subsidy does not cover the full cost of the equipment, you or a third party will need to pay the remainder. The individual equipment subsidies can be found under Available Items and Subsidy.

Am I eligible?

You are eligible for funding if you:

• Are a permanent Victorian Resident or hold a temporary or permanent protection Visa or are an asylum seeker
• Have a long term disability and/or are frail aged
• Do not receive other government funding for equipment
• Are not an in-patient of a public or private hospital or residential care facility
• Cannot claim equipment through private health insurance
• Have not been released from hospital or an extended care centre within 30 days, where equipment required is related to the hospital admission

How do I apply for the program?

You will need to be assessed by a SWEP registered prescriber. Your prescriber will complete a prescription form based on your needs. Your prescriber will also need to source a quote for the equipment from a supplier.

What happens after my application is submitted?

SWEP will receive your application and we will process and triage your application. Once your application is processed, a letter will be sent to you informing you of the status of your application. If you do not receive a letter within two weeks, please contact your prescriber or SWEP’s Customer Service line on 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937).

Depending on the equipment, further documents may be needed to complete the application process. These will be sent to either you or your prescriber. Please ask your prescriber or call SWEP to clarify any questions you may have about these documents.

If the subsidy does not cover the full cost of the equipment, a gap funding form may be sent to you to complete. This form will inform SWEP as to how the remainder of the cost is to be paid.

When funding is available, SWEP will call you to check if the equipment or customisation is still needed and then place an order.

If you think you are eligible for SWEP funding please contact us or request an appointment with one of our friendly Podiatrists look forward to seeing you in Chadstone, Moe, Sale, Traralgon, Warragul & Online Store and Retail Enquiries. NO REFERRAL NEEDED!.