Rehabilitation Appliances
About Rehabilitation Appliances
The Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) is how DVA funds aids and equipment for eligible veterans. Examples are mobility aids, continence products and home modifications, where they support independence and relate to an accepted condition or assessed need.
Access generally goes through a health professional’s assessment and recommendation, such as from an occupational therapist, which is then submitted through DVA’s approval process. It is not usually a case of buying equipment first and claiming afterwards. Eligibility is tied to accepted conditions and DVA’s item schedules, which can change, so check with DVA (1800 838 372) what is available and how to start.
At a glance
- DVA funds aids and equipment for eligible veterans.
- Examples: mobility aids, continence products, home modifications.
- Usually needs a health professional’s assessment, such as an occupational therapist.
- Get approval first. Do not buy first and claim later.
This is general information, not financial or funding advice. Program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Always confirm current detail with the relevant official body before relying on it.
How to prepare before arranging support
- Ask a health professional, such as an occupational therapist, to assess you and recommend the item.
- Submit the recommendation through DVA’s approval process before buying anything.
- Check with DVA on 1800 838 372 what is available, because items are tied to accepted conditions and DVA’s item schedules.
Information and records to have ready
- DVA card details and accepted-condition information
- Referral, assessment or prior-approval documents
- Treatment or support plan and relevant clinical instructions
- Provider quotes, service records and DVA correspondence
Questions to ask a provider
- Are you authorised or contracted for this DVA program?
- Is a referral or prior approval required before the first service?
- Will you bill DVA directly, and could the veteran have an out-of-pocket cost?
- How do you coordinate with treating professionals or a DVA case manager?
- What happens if DVA changes or declines the approval?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every card covers the same services
- Booking before referral or approval requirements are met
- Using a provider that cannot bill the relevant DVA program
- Treating disability registration as proof of DVA eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy equipment first and claim it later?
Not usually. Access generally starts with a health professional’s assessment and recommendation, such as from an occupational therapist, and then goes through DVA’s approval process. Check with DVA on 1800 838 372 first.
Who can confirm what Rehabilitation Appliances means for me?
Ask the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A provider can explain its services and billing, but it cannot make a binding funding decision for the responsible body.
Does a provider listing prove it accepts rehabilitation appliances?
No. A directory or public-register listing describes a provider and the supports it lists. Confirm the funding arrangement, approval and current availability with the provider before booking.
What if the rules or my circumstances change?
Check the current guidance with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, tell your providers promptly and update written agreements or approvals before relying on the changed arrangement.
Official sources
Other Veterans topics
Browse providers or explore other funding topics.
Helpful reading
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Keeping records of your NDIS supports: a simple system: Good records make plan reviews, claim queries and changes of provider far easier. Here is a light-touch way to keep them.