Hearing Program for Pensioners and Veterans
The Australian Government Hearing Scheme
The Australian Government has a hearing program for eligible pensioners and veteran affairs card holders, that is managed by the Office of Hearing Services. The Office of Hearing Services will supply eligible pensioners and eligible veterans affairs card holders with free hearing services including hearing tests, digital hearing devices or an alternative listening device. For a small annual charge, all batteries and repairs will also be provided.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible to apply for a hearing services voucher if you are an Australian Citizen or permanent resident 21 years or older and you are:
- A Pensioner Concession Card Holder
- Receiving Sickness Allowance from Centrelink
- The holder of a Department Veterans Affair Gold card issued for all conditions
- The holder of a DVA White Card issued for conditions that include hearing loss
- A dependent of a person in one of the above categories
- A member of the Australian Defence Force or
- Part of the Australian Government Funded Disability Employment Services (DES) and you are referred by your disability employment services case manager
What am I entitled to?
Your hearing services voucher entitles you to a free hearing test and free hearing rehabilitation. If needed, the program can also supply you with free hearing aids or an alternative listening device. You also have the option to ‘top-up’ which means that you can contribute towards the cost of a device that has more advanced features than that available on the standard device.
Maintenance Agreement
Maintaining your hearing aids and buying batteries can be costly. This is why the office recommends you have an annual maintenance agreement with your service provider. For a small annual charge, your service provider will supply your batteries, clean and service the aid and replace any worn and broken parts.
How to apply?
If you are eligible to apply, you can contact All Ears in Hearing and we can arrange a hearing services voucher for you, or you can contact the Office of Hearing Services on 1800 500 726 (phone).
You can also apply online at www.health.gov.au/hear