Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)

About CAPS

What is CAPS?

CAPS is a national scheme that provides an annual, tax‑free payment to eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence. The payment is designed to help cover some of the cost of continence products such as pads, catheters, pants, bed protection and related supplies.

You choose where to buy your products—CAPS is not tied to any particular supplier, so you can shop around for what works best for you.

Who can get CAPS?

To receive CAPS, you must meet all eligibility criteria. In general, you may be eligible if you:

• Age: Are aged 5 years or older.
• Residency: Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Condition: Have permanent and severe bladder or bowel incontinence.
• Cause: Your incontinence is due to an eligible neurological condition (for example, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis) or another eligible medical condition.
• Other funding: In some cases, if you already receive funding for continence products through other schemes (such as the NDIS), you may not be able to receive CAPS as well.

A registered health professional must confirm that your incontinence is permanent and severe and that you meet the medical criteria.

What can CAPS be used for?

CAPS is intended to help with the cost of continence‑related products, including:

• Absorbent pads and pants
• Catheters and drainage bags
• Bed and chair protection
• Skin care products related to incontinence management
• Other continence aids recommended by your health professional

You have the freedom to choose the brands and suppliers that best suit your needs and lifestyle.

CAPS Payment

How much is the CAPS payment?

The CAPS payment is indexed and reviewed regularly by the Australian Government. For the 2025–26 financial year, the payment rate is up to $717.10 per person.

Key points about the payment:

• Tax‑free: CAPS does not count as taxable income.
• Doesn’t affect other payments: Receiving CAPS does not stop you from getting other government payments you’re eligible for.
• Payment frequency:
• - Annual payment: One payment in July each financial year, or
• - Bi‑annual payment: Two payments—July and January each year.
• First payment: Your first payment may be pro‑rated depending on when your application is approved, so that future payments line up with your chosen schedule.

How is CAPS paid?

Your CAPS payment is made directly into an Australian bank account. The account can belong to:

• You, the person with incontinence
• A custodial parent of a child receiving CAPS
• A legal or authorised nominee, such as a guardian, trustee, or an organisation that helps you manage your continence products

The account must be a standard bank account (not a credit card, loan or mortgage account). If your bank details change, you’ll need to update them with Services Australia or via your Medicare online account.

Some people choose to have their CAPS payment managed by a continence product provider, who receives the payment and uses it to supply products on your behalf. This is optional—you can always choose to receive the payment yourself.

How to apply for CAPS

Applying for CAPS involves a few clear steps.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

• Review the criteria to make sure CAPS is suitable for you.
• If you’re unsure, talk with your GP, continence nurse, or another health professional, or call the National Continence Helpline.

Step 2: Get the application form

• Apply online using your Medicare online account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app (for self‑applications), or
• Download the CAPS Application Guidelines and Application Form, or
• Request a paper form by contacting the CAPS team or the National Continence Helpline

Step 3: Health professional section

• Ask a registered health professional (such as a GP, continence nurse, registered nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or relevant medical specialist) to complete the health report section confirming your diagnosis and continence management plan.

Step 4: Submit your application

• Submit your completed application to Services Australia, either online (with the health report uploaded) or by post, as instructed on the form.
• If any extra documents are needed, the form will tell you what to include.

Step 5: Wait for the outcome

• Services Australia will assess your application.
• If approved, you’ll receive a payment statement confirming your CAPS payment details and schedule.