necessary to support the child’s early intervention therapy and early intervention plan be supported by research and best practice not be listed as out of scope in the table below. Advice on eligibility of resources Resource Comments Equipment funded HCWA and Better Start early intervention funding through government cannot be used to purchase equipment or resources schemes available to an eligible child through other government funded schemes, such as reading glasses which are available in some states. It can however be used to cover the (sometimes ‘gap’ called co-contribution payment) where the cost of an item is not completely met by the state or territory subsidy scheme. The state or territory government funding must be used first, and the HCWA/Better Start funding can be used to up’ where the subsidy does ‘top not completely cover the cost. Funding can be used to cover the regardless of ‘gap’ whether the piece of equipment is owned by the family or not. It is understood families may not wish to own equipment a child will outgrow. The Job Access website provides information on or territory government funded aids and equipment schemes. Service providers should check the existing entitlements covered by their relevant state or territory government. This ensures an eligible child’s HCWA or Better Start funds are not used to purchase equipment or resources covered by existing government schemes. Visit the website for more information. Equipment provided Australian Hearing is funded through the Department through Australian of Health to assist people manage their hearing Hearing impairment and improve their quality of life. Australian Hearing provides a full range of hearing services to children, at no cost to families, including hearing aids. Any equipment or services provided by Australian Hearing are out of scope under Better Start. More information is available at the Department of Health website and the website. Secondhand Secondhand equipment is out of scope. The purchase equipment of secondhand resources raises issues around warranty, after sales service, cost savings, condition of the item, accessories etc. The Department believes
necessary to support the child’s early intervention therapy and early intervention plan be supported by research and best practice not be listed as out of scope in the table below. Advice on eligibility of resources Resource Comments Equipment funded through government schemes HCWA and Better Start early intervention funding cannot be used to purchase equipment or resources available to an eligible child through other government funded schemes, such as reading glasses which are available in some states. It can however be used to cover the ‘gap’ (sometimes called co-contribution payment) where the cost of an item is not completely met by the state or territory subsidy scheme. The state or territory government funding must be used first, and the HCWA/Better Start funding can be used to ‘top up’ where the subsidy does not completely cover the cost. Funding can be used to cover the ‘gap’ regardless of whether the piece of equipment is owned by the family or not. It is understood families may not wish to own equipment a child will outgrow. The Job Access website provides information on or territory government funded aids and equipment schemes. Service providers should check the existing entitlements covered by their relevant state or territory government. This ensures an eligible child’s HCWA or Better Start funds are not used to purchase equipment or resources covered by existing government schemes. Visit the website for more information. Equipment provided through Australian Hearing Australian Hearing is funded through the Department of Health to assist people manage their hearing impairment and improve their quality of life. Australian Hearing provides a full range of hearing services to children, at no cost to families, including hearing aids. Any equipment or services provided by Australian Hearing are out of scope under Better Start. More information is available at the Department of Health website and the website. Secondhand equipment Secondhand equipment is out of scope. The purchase of secondhand resources raises issues around warranty, after sales service, cost savings, condition of the item, accessories etc. The Department believes
early_intervention_service_provider_panel_operational_guidelines_-_february_2015_1.docx