Yes, a rollator can be funded through the Australian Government's aged care system. If you or someone you love is finding it harder to get around safely at home, there is financial support available, and you do not need to figure it out alone.
The program that funds rollators for older Australians is called Support at Home. It replaced the Home Care Package system from 1 July 2025. You access it through the My Aged Care portal at myagedcare.gov.au. Think of My Aged Care as the front door: Support at Home is the program you walk into once it opens.
This guide walks you through who is eligible, how assistive technology like rollators is funded, and the exact steps to follow from your first phone call to the day your rollator arrives.
Key takeaways
- Rollators are classed as assistive technology (AT) and can be funded under the Support at Home program.
- You access Support at Home through myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422.
- An assessment by a RAS or ACAT team determines your eligibility and support level.
- Your aged care coordinator can help you allocate funding toward a rollator once you're approved.
- NDIS and DVA are alternatives if you are not yet eligible for Support at Home.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government program that funds in-home support for older Australians. It launched on 1 July 2025, replacing the previous Home Care Package system.
The program covers a wide range of services designed to help people stay at home safely and independently for longer. This includes personal care, home modifications, community transport, and assistive technology (AT), which is where rollators come in.
The My Aged Care portal is how you start
My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au) is the government website where you register your interest, check your eligibility, and manage your support. It is not a separate program: it is the gateway to Support at Home and other aged care services.
You can also call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 (free call, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm).
What changed from Home Care Packages
Under the old system, funding was allocated across four package levels. Support at Home replaces this with a more flexible, needs-based approach. If you were already on a Home Care Package before July 2025, you would have been transitioned automatically. If you're new to the system, you'll be assessed under the Support at Home framework from the start.
Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?
To be eligible for Support at Home, you generally need to be:
- 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Living at home (not in residential aged care)
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
- In need of support to remain safely and independently at home
Eligibility is determined through a free government assessment. There's no waiting period to apply. You can register with My Aged Care at any time.
RAS assessment vs ACAT assessment: what's the difference?
Once you register, you'll be referred to one of two assessment teams depending on your level of need.
| Assessment type | Who it's for | What it determines |
|---|---|---|
| RAS (Regional Assessment Service) | People with lower-level or straightforward support needs | Eligibility for entry-level Support at Home services |
| ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) | People with more complex or higher-level care needs | Eligibility for higher-level support or residential aged care |
The My Aged Care team will refer you to the right assessor after your initial registration. Assessments are conducted in your home and are completely free.
What assessors look at
The assessor will ask about your daily activities, health conditions, home environment, and support network. They'll look at how well you manage tasks like getting dressed, cooking, moving around the house, and going outdoors. If you have trouble walking safely without support, that's directly relevant to a rollator being funded.
How Rollators Are Funded Under Support at Home
Under Support at Home, rollators are classed as assistive technology (AT). AT is any device that helps a person carry out daily activities more safely and independently, and rollators fit squarely in this category.
Funding for assistive technology comes from your Support at Home budget, which is the total amount the government allocates to support your care needs each year. Your aged care coordinator helps you allocate this budget across your approved services and equipment.
Low-cost AT vs higher-cost AT
Support at Home distinguishes between low-cost AT (typically under $1,000) and higher-cost AT. Most rollators fall into the low-cost category, which generally has a simpler approval process and faster turnaround. Higher-cost items such as electric mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs require additional documentation and an occupational therapist (OT) assessment.
When an occupational therapist assessment is needed
For most standard rollators, your coordinator can approve the purchase from your budget without a full OT assessment. However, if your needs are complex, or if you're looking at a specialised model (such as a bariatric rollator or a wheeled walking frame with additional postural supports), your coordinator may refer you to an OT first.
Speak with your aged care coordinator about the specific approval process for the rollator you have in mind.
Step-by-Step: From Application to Rollator
Here is the full process from start to finish.
- Register with My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. You'll answer some questions about your situation, and the team will create a record for you.
- Complete your assessment. My Aged Care will refer you to a RAS or ACAT assessor. They'll visit your home (usually within a few weeks) to assess your needs and determine what level of support you're eligible for.
- Receive your approval letter. Once your assessment is complete, you'll receive a letter confirming your eligibility and your support level. This is sometimes called your approval or referral code.
- Choose a Support at Home provider. You'll select a registered aged care provider to manage your support. They will assign an aged care coordinator (also called a case manager) to you. You can search for providers on the My Aged Care website.
- Work with your coordinator to create a support plan. Your coordinator will help you build a care plan based on your approved budget and your needs. This is where you raise the rollator and request it be included.
- Get your rollator approved and purchased. Once your coordinator approves the purchase, you can buy the rollator through an approved supplier. In some cases, the provider purchases it on your behalf. In others, you purchase it and are reimbursed from your budget.
- Start using your rollator. Your coordinator may arrange a brief introductory session to make sure the rollator is set up correctly for your height and walking style.
Timelines vary depending on waitlists and your level of need. Registering with My Aged Care as early as possible gives you the best chance of a timely outcome.
What to Ask Your Aged Care Coordinator
Once you have a coordinator assigned, these questions will help you make the most of your Support at Home budget for a rollator.
- "Is a rollator included in my support plan, and how much is allocated?" Clarifies whether AT is already covered in your care plan or needs to be added.
- "Do I need an OT assessment to purchase a rollator under my budget?" Most standard rollators won't require one, but it's worth confirming.
- "Can I choose my own supplier, or do I need to use an approved list?" Some providers have preferred suppliers; others allow open choice.
- "Will I pay a co-contribution, or is the cost covered in full?" Depending on your income assessment, you may pay a portion of the cost.
- "What's the process for reimbursement if I purchase the rollator myself?" Useful to know before you buy.
- "Can I try a rollator before committing to a specific model?" Some providers can arrange a loan or trial period through an AT supplier.
Speak with your aged care coordinator about your specific eligibility, budget allocation, and the most practical path to getting a rollator funded for your situation.
Other Options if You're Not Yet Eligible for Support at Home
If you don't yet meet the age threshold or are waiting on your assessment, there are other pathways that may apply.
NDIS funding for rollators
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds assistive technology for Australians under 65 living with a permanent disability. If you have a condition such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or a musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects your mobility, you may be eligible for the NDIS regardless of your age (provided you applied before turning 65).
Rollators are funded under the NDIS as Assistive Technology, specifically under the Mobility Equipment category. An NDIS plan manager or support coordinator can help you navigate the process.
For more information, visit ndis.gov.au.
DVA funding for rollators
If you are a veteran or war widow/widower, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) may fund a rollator through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). DVA-covered aids and appliances are provided at no cost to eligible veterans.
Contact DVA on 1800 838 372 or visit dva.gov.au to check eligibility.
Purchasing privately while you wait
If you need a rollator now and cannot wait for funding to come through, purchasing one privately is always an option. Rollators range in price depending on the model, features, and weight capacity. Once your Support at Home budget is confirmed, your coordinator may be able to reimburse an approved purchase retrospectively, depending on your provider's policies.
Speak with your coordinator before purchasing privately if reimbursement is something you're counting on.
Next Steps: Find the Right Rollator
Whether you're funding through Support at Home, NDIS, DVA, or purchasing privately, the most important step is finding a rollator that genuinely fits your needs.
The right rollator depends on where you'll use it most (indoors, outdoors, or both), your height, your weight, and any specific features you need: a padded seat for resting, a bag for carrying items, or a lightweight frame for easy transport.
Browse our full range of rollators at Mobility Shop Direct. We're here to help you find the right fit, with expert guidance, fast delivery across Australia, and our best price guarantee.
If you have questions about which model suits your needs, contact our team. Independence matters, and we're here to help you keep it.