Yes, an over bed table can be funded through your Home Care Package (HCP) or the new Support at Home program. It falls under "aids and equipment," the same category as walking frames, shower chairs, and other assistive technology. Below, we explain what your budget actually covers, which level you need, and how to get the purchase approved.
Key takeaways
- Over bed tables are classed as assistive technology under both HCP and Support at Home.
- You generally need a Level 2 or higher HCP to have enough unspent budget after care management fees.
- Support at Home introduces a dedicated Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) budget of up to $15,000.
- Your package provider or case manager must approve the purchase before you order.
- We provide tax invoices accepted by HCP and SAH providers.
In this article
- Is an over bed table covered by your Home Care Package?
- How to get your over bed table approved and paid for
- Find the right over bed table for your needs
Is an over bed table covered by your Home Care Package?
In most cases, yes. An over bed table is classed as assistive technology under both the Home Care Package program and the Support at Home program, which launched in July 2025. Whether your package covers the purchase depends on your level, your remaining budget, and your provider's approval.
What counts as "aids and equipment" under HCP and Support at Home
Both programs cover a broad range of equipment that helps you stay independent at home. This includes walking frames, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and over bed tables. The key test is whether the item supports your ability to do daily tasks safely and independently, such as eating, reading, using a laptop, or taking medications while in bed or resting in a chair.
An over bed table clearly meets this test for most people using one at home for everyday activities. It is not classed as a comfort or luxury item when there is a documented functional need.
Which HCP level do you need for assistive technology funding
There is no rule requiring a specific level before you can fund assistive technology. In practice, though, Level 1 packages rarely leave enough unspent budget after care management fees are deducted. Most people successfully fund equipment from Level 2 and above.
| HCP Level | Annual subsidy (approx.) | Likely outcome for equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ~$10,200/year | Budget usually absorbed by care management fees; limited for equipment |
| Level 2 | ~$17,900/year | Enough flexibility to fund one or two equipment items per year |
| Level 3 | ~$38,800/year | Good budget available; equipment purchases straightforward to approve |
| Level 4 | ~$59,500/year | Broad budget; complex equipment needs well supported |
Subsidy rates are set by the Australian Government and reviewed periodically. Check with your provider or My Aged Care for current figures.
How the Support at Home AT-HM budget works
Support at Home replaced the HCP program from 1 July 2025. It introduced a dedicated Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) budget of up to $15,000. This is a separate pool of funding specifically for equipment and home modifications. It sits outside your regular care budget, so spending it on an over bed table does not eat into your hours of support.
Over bed tables qualify under this budget as assistive technology that supports daily living. Your provider still needs to approve the purchase, and a note from your GP or occupational therapist strengthens the case considerably. If you were on an HCP before July 2025 and have since moved to Support at Home, the same types of items remain eligible.
How to get your over bed table approved and paid for
The process is simpler than it sounds. Your package provider or case manager handles the paperwork, not you. Understanding what they need just makes the conversation faster.
Steps to purchase through your package provider
- Talk to your case manager first. Let them know you want an over bed table and ask whether your current budget allows for it. They will tell you what approvals are needed.
- Get a quote. Contact us for a product price. You do not need to purchase yet, just get a figure to include in your request.
- Submit your request. Your case manager adds the item to your care plan or raises a purchase approval with your provider. Some providers can approve equipment directly; others need a brief assessment note.
- Place the order once approved. Once your provider confirms the purchase, order through us. We send a tax invoice directly to your provider, or to you to pass on.
- Your provider pays the invoice. The cost comes from your package budget. You pay nothing out of pocket unless the item exceeds your available balance.
Documentation that helps: GP recommendation or OT assessment
Most straightforward equipment purchases do not require a formal assessment. But if your provider is uncertain whether an over bed table qualifies, a brief note from your GP or occupational therapist (OT) removes the doubt quickly.
The note does not need to be detailed. A sentence stating that you have a functional need for a height-adjustable over bed table to support safe meal preparation, medication management, or daily activities while in bed or a recliner is enough. This frames it clearly as assistive technology rather than a comfort purchase, which is the distinction that matters to providers and assessors.
How to order using HCP or SAH funding
We are familiar with Home Care Package and Support at Home purchases. Once your provider approves the item, here is how to order:
- Browse our over bed tables collection and choose the right model for your needs.
- Place your order online or call us on 1300 132 952 to order by phone.
- At checkout or when you call, let us know the purchase is through an HCP or Support at Home provider. We will issue a tax invoice in the format providers accept.
- Forward the invoice to your provider or case manager for payment from your package funds.
We deliver to most Australian addresses, with most orders arriving within 3 business days.
Find the right over bed table for your needs
Not all over bed tables are the same. When choosing a model to request through your funding, consider height range, whether you need a tilting top for reading, and whether castors matter for moving the table around easily. A C-base design fits over most bed frames and chairs without obstruction.
Our full range of over bed tables includes standard adjustable models, tilting tops, and heavy-duty options. Not sure which suits your situation? Call us on 1300 132 952 and we can help you find the right fit before you submit your approval request.
Whether you are still on a Home Care Package or have moved to Support at Home, an over bed table is a practical, fundable piece of equipment. Get the right advice from your provider, and we will take care of the rest.