Can You Get a Funded Pressure Cushion in Australia?
Yes, in many cases you can. Whether you hold a DVA Gold or White Card, receive a Home Care Package, or are registered with the NDIS, there are real pathways to getting a pressure cushion funded or subsidised. This guide explains how each programme works and what steps to take.
Key takeaways:
- DVA Gold Card holders can access pressure cushions through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) with a clinical assessment.
- Home Care Package recipients can request a pressure cushion as an assistive technology item through their provider.
- NDIS covers pressure cushions for eligible Australians under 65 as Assistive Technology.
- An OT assessment or Braden Scale score strengthens every application.
- We can provide DVA quotes and tax invoices formatted for claims.
Jump to:
How DVA Funding Works for Pressure Cushions
The Department of Veterans' Affairs funds pressure cushions through its Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The RAP provides aids and equipment that help eligible veterans live safely and independently at home. Pressure care cushions are included on the RAP schedule, which means DVA will cover the cost when there is a documented clinical need.
To access a pressure cushion through DVA, you need to be assessed by a health professional: your GP, a specialist, or an occupational therapist. They submit a prescription or RAP Direct Order Form to an approved supplier. DVA then authorises and funds the item based on your assessed need.
Gold Card vs White Card: What's the Difference?
Your card type determines how broadly DVA will fund equipment.
A Gold Card provides the widest coverage. DVA will fund pressure cushions and other assistive technology for any accepted clinical need, regardless of whether the condition is service-related. Most Gold Card holders find they can access pressure care items straightforwardly once a clinical need is established.
A White Card is more limited. It only covers equipment directly related to an accepted service-related condition. If your pressure injury risk is connected to a condition DVA has accepted (for example, a back injury or circulatory condition from service), a White Card may still cover a pressure cushion. Your prescribing health professional can advise whether your condition qualifies.
The RAP Claim Process Step by Step
- See your GP or OT and explain that you need a pressure cushion. Mention your DVA card type.
- Your prescriber completes a DVA RAP Direct Order Form and submits it to an approved DVA supplier, either online, by fax, or by post.
- The supplier provides a DVA quote and confirms the item is on the RAP schedule.
- DVA authorises the supply and the cushion is delivered to your home, typically at no cost to you.
We understand that navigating DVA paperwork can feel daunting. If you need a quote formatted for DVA, or help confirming a product is RAP-eligible, contact our team directly and we will take care of it.
What Assessment You'll Need
DVA requires a validated pressure care assessment before a pressure cushion can be supplied through RAP. The two most commonly used tools are the Braden Scale and the Waterlow Scale. Both measure your risk of developing a pressure injury based on factors like mobility, skin condition, and nutrition.
Your GP or OT will complete this assessment during the referral appointment. If you already have a recent pressure injury risk assessment on file, bring it along. A written OT recommendation letter alongside the score can help speed up approval.
Aged Care Funding Options: Home Care Packages and CHSP
If you are aged 65 or over and not a DVA card holder, Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) are the two main government funding options for pressure cushions.
Using a Home Care Package for a Pressure Cushion
Home Care Packages are funded by the Australian Government and managed through approved home care providers. There are four levels: Level 1 (basic support) through to Level 4 (high needs). Pressure cushions are classified as assistive technology (AT) items and can be funded from your package budget at any level, provided your care coordinator agrees it supports your goals.
To request a pressure cushion through your HCP:
- Contact your care coordinator and explain that you need a pressure cushion to reduce your risk of pressure injury.
- Ask them to include it in your care plan as an AT item. An OT assessment may be requested to justify the purchase.
- Once approved, your provider will either purchase it directly or reimburse you for a pre-approved purchase.
Not sure who your provider is? Register on the My Aged Care portal or call 1800 200 422 to connect with a care coordinator.
CHSP: Worth Asking About
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is an entry-point programme for seniors who need some help at home but do not yet have a full Home Care Package. CHSP funding is less flexible than HCP and is generally used for in-home services rather than equipment. That said, some CHSP providers do have access to AT funding through Allied Health or Assistive Technology sub-programmes. It is worth raising with your care coordinator.
DVA vs Aged Care: Which Funding Applies to You?
| Your situation | Funding pathway |
|---|---|
| DVA Gold Card holder | DVA RAP (primary pathway, broadest coverage) |
| DVA White Card holder | DVA RAP for service-related conditions only |
| Aged 65+, HCP recipient | Home Care Package (via care coordinator) |
| Aged 65+, CHSP only | Ask provider about AT sub-programme; otherwise self-fund |
| Under 65, disability | NDIS (see below) |
| DVA Gold Card holder in residential aged care | DVA may not supply RAP items if you receive a high level of residential care; confirm with DVA directly |
NDIS Funding for Pressure Cushions
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds pressure cushions as Assistive Technology for eligible participants. The NDIS is available to Australians under 65 who have a permanent disability that significantly affects their daily life. If you turn 65 before your NDIS access request is approved, you are generally redirected to the aged care system instead.
For more detail on claiming a pressure cushion through the NDIS, see our guide: NDIS Frequently Asked Questions.
Who Falls Under NDIS vs Aged Care?
- Under 65 with a permanent disability: NDIS
- 65 or over: Aged care system (HCP or CHSP)
- Crossover situations: If you were already an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can choose to remain with the NDIS or transition to aged care. Your NDIS planner can advise on what makes sense for your situation.
Documentation That Helps Your Claim
Across all funding pathways, strong documentation makes a real difference. The items that consistently help:
- OT recommendation letter stating why a pressure cushion is clinically necessary for you
- Pressure injury risk assessment using the Braden Scale or Waterlow Scale, with your score recorded
- GP referral or support letter confirming the clinical need
- Supplier quote (we can provide this for DVA, NDIS, and HCP claims)
We are set up to support DVA, NDIS, and Home Care Package purchases. We can provide quotes and tax invoices formatted for claims, so the paperwork side is straightforward. Browse our pressure cushions collection or contact us for a funding-ready quote.
Because independence matters.