Continence Aids Payments Scheme

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is an Australian Government scheme that provides a payment to assist eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the cost of their continence products.

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Who can apply for the scheme?

A person is eligible for CAPS if they are five years of age or older and have one of the following:

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• permanent and severe loss of bladder and/or bowel function caused by an eligible neurological condition;

• permanent and severe loss of bladder and/or bowel function caused by another condition, provided the person has a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, whether as a primary cardholder or a dependent of a cardholder;

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A person is not eligible for CAPS if:

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• they are not an Australian citizen or a permanent Australian resident.

• they are a high-care resident in an Australian Government funded aged care home.

• they receive an Australian Government funded home care package and their care plan includes continence aids.

• they are a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recipient and their NDIS plan contains a statement that reasonable and necessary supports (that include continence aids) will be funded under the NDIS.

• they are eligible for assistance with continence products under the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).

• their incontinence is transient (not permanent); can be treated conservatively (e.g. pelvic floor muscle exercises), with medication or with surgery; or is confined to night time bed wetting (enuresis).

• their incontinence results from a condition other than an eligible neurological condition AND they do not have Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card entitlement.

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For further information 

• Phone the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

• Go to the Australian Government's Department of Health website.

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