SA DHS Equipment Program (Domiciliary Equipment Service)
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_SA_EQUIPMENT_PROGRAM (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2025). It explains the SA DHS Equipment Program, run as the Domiciliary Equipment Service, which supplies subsidised aids and equipment to eligible South Australians outside the NDIS.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify if you live in South Australia, have a confirmed disability or illness, and your equipment needs are not covered by the NDIS. In the rule it is reached when state = SA and disability_or_illness_confirmed = true.
It produces no cash. Instead the program supplies or subsidises aids and assistive equipment, so you pay far less than the full cost of the items you need.
Outcome summary: access to subsidised aids and equipment, prescribed through a clinician, for people such as those aged 65 and over, Continuity of Support clients, NDIS transition cases and palliative care clients.
What Is This Payment?
The Equipment Program, delivered through the Domiciliary Equipment Service (DES), helps South Australians who need aids and assistive technology to live safely at home but who fall outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The rule database tags it as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. It does not pay money; it confirms whether you can access subsidised equipment and connects you to the service that supplies it.
Typical recipients include people aged 65 and over, Continuity of Support clients, people transitioning to or from the NDIS, and palliative care clients. Equipment is prescribed by a clinician who matches the item to your assessed need.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none. The program provides no direct cash payment; the value is the subsidised aids and equipment supplied instead of you buying them at full price.
- Subsidised aids and assistive equipment prescribed to your assessed need.
- For people outside the NDIS, filling a gap that other schemes do not cover.
- Prescribed by a clinician, so the item suits your specific situation.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.
- South Australian resident:
state = SA. - Confirmed disability or illness:
disability_or_illness_confirmed = true. You must have an assessed health or disability need for equipment.
Beyond the rule's two conditions, the program is aimed at people not covered by the NDIS, such as those aged 65 and over, Continuity of Support clients, people in transition with the NDIS, and palliative care clients. A clinician confirms your need.
Because equipment must be prescribed and matched to your situation, the product surfaces this scheme to South Australians whose answers show a health or disability need, then points them to a clinician referral.
How To Apply
The channel is by referral, with a clinician referral required as evidence.
- Speak with your treating clinician, such as an occupational therapist or other health professional.
- The clinician assesses your need and refers you to the Domiciliary Equipment Service.
- The service supplies the prescribed aids or equipment at a subsidised cost.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: older person at home
Beth is 72 and not on the NDIS. Her occupational therapist refers her to DES for a mobility aid so she can move safely around her home.
Scenario 2: palliative care
Hassan is receiving palliative care and needs equipment quickly. A clinician prescribes the items through the program so the family does not have to buy them outright.
Scenario 3: NDIS transition
Lily is between NDIS arrangements and still needs assistive equipment; DES helps bridge the gap during the transition.
Scenario 4: trying to self-refer
Owen contacts the service directly without a clinician assessment; because equipment must be prescribed, he is asked to see a health professional first.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming it is a cash grant: the program supplies subsidised equipment, not money.
- Thinking NDIS participants use it: it is aimed at people whose needs are not covered by the NDIS.
- Skipping the clinician: equipment must be prescribed through a clinician referral, not self-selected.
- Assuming it is only for older people: Continuity of Support, NDIS transition and palliative care clients can also be eligible.
- Buying equipment first: check the program before purchasing at full price, as the item may be supplied subsidised.
- Confusing it with a parking or transport scheme: this program is specifically about aids and assistive equipment.
Related Benefits
- SA Home Oxygen Concession - an electricity running-cost rebate for home oxygen users.
- SA Disability Parking Permit - free ticket-area parking and access to disability bays.
- SA Glasses concession - help with the cost of spectacles for eligible residents.
- SA Medical Heating and Cooling Concession - help with energy costs for medical needs.
- Continence Aids Payment Scheme - federal help with the cost of continence products.
- Disability Support Pension - federal income support for long-term incapacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Equipment Program pay cash?
No. It supplies or subsidises aids and assistive equipment rather than paying money.
Who is the program for?
Eligible South Australians whose equipment needs are not covered by the NDIS, such as people aged 65 and over, Continuity of Support clients, NDIS transition cases and palliative care clients.
How do I access it?
Through a clinician referral. A health professional assesses your need and refers you to the Domiciliary Equipment Service.
Can I get equipment if I am on the NDIS?
No. The program is designed for people whose needs fall outside the NDIS.
Is there an income test?
The rule turns on having a confirmed disability or illness and being outside the NDIS; equipment is prescribed to your assessed need.
What kind of equipment is covered?
Aids and assistive technology prescribed by a clinician to support you to live safely, matched to your individual situation.
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