The Hearing Services Program Voucher Explained
The Australian Government Hearing Services Program provides eligible Australians with access to subsidised hearing assessments and hearing devices. If you or someone you know holds a pensioner concession card, DVA card, or meets other eligibility criteria, a voucher through this program may cover a significant portion of the cost of hearing care — including at independent clinics like Hearing Help.
What Is the Hearing Services Program?
The Hearing Services Program (HSP) is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Health and Aged Care. It is designed to give eligible Australians access to professional hearing services and hearing devices at low or no cost, depending on the level of service selected.
The program operates primarily through a voucher system. Once an eligible person applies and receives a voucher, they can use it with any approved service provider — including independent audiology clinics — to access hearing assessments, fittings, and follow-up care.
The program has two main components:
- Voucher Program — for eligible community-dwelling adults (the focus of this resource)
- Community Service Obligations (CSO) program — delivered by Australian Hearing, for those with more complex needs including children and young people under 26 and adults with severe to profound hearing loss who hold a pension
This resource focuses on the Voucher Program, which is the pathway most adults on the Redcliffe Peninsula and Moreton Bay region will use with an independent provider like Hearing Help.
Who Is Eligible for a Hearing Services Program Voucher?
To be eligible for the Voucher Program, you generally need to meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- Hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card
- Hold a DVA White Card for a condition that includes hearing loss
- Be referred by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in certain circumstances
- Be a dependant of an eligible person in certain circumstances
Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 21 and over are the primary target group. Age-related hearing loss is the most common reason adults apply, though eligibility is based on card status rather than the severity of hearing loss.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, Services Australia and the Department of Health and Aged Care both publish up-to-date eligibility information on their websites. Your GP or audiologist can also help clarify your situation.
What Does the Voucher Cover?
Once you hold a valid voucher, you can access a range of services and devices through an approved provider. Coverage under the standard voucher includes:
Hearing Services
- A professional hearing assessment
- A hearing device fitting (if devices are recommended following your assessment)
- Ongoing review appointments for the duration of your voucher period (typically three years)
- Hearing device repairs and adjustments during the voucher period
- Batteries and accessories for devices provided under the program
Hearing Devices The program provides access to a schedule of approved hearing devices at no additional cost to you. These are referred to as fully subsidised devices. The schedule is updated periodically by the government and includes a range of devices across different technology levels.
If you would prefer a device that sits above the fully subsidised schedule — for example, a model with more advanced features — you can choose an upgrade. You pay the difference between the subsidised amount and the cost of the upgraded device. Your audiologist should clearly explain what is covered and what any upgrade cost would be before you proceed.
What the Voucher Does Not Cover
It is important to understand the limits of the voucher so there are no surprises:
- The voucher does not cover hearing services for individuals who are not registered with the program
- Devices or accessories outside the approved schedule incur an additional out-of-pocket cost
- Services unrelated to the voucher (such as microsuction earwax removal, in most cases) are typically not covered
- The voucher is not transferable to another person
Can I Use My Voucher at an Independent Clinic?
Yes. The Hearing Services Program allows eligible clients to use their voucher with any approved service provider — you are not required to attend a large chain or a government-operated clinic.
Hearing Help is an approved Hearing Services Program provider. This means you can access the full range of subsidised services through our independent clinic on the Redcliffe Peninsula, with the same personalised care we bring to all our clients.
Choosing an independent provider simply means your care is not tied to any single hearing aid manufacturer. Your audiologist selects from a broader range of devices based on your individual hearing profile, lifestyle, and preferences — rather than a brand-specific catalogue.
How to Apply for a Voucher — Step by Step
The process is more straightforward than many people expect.
1. Check your eligibility — confirm you hold a qualifying concession or DVA card. 2. Apply through the Department of Health and Aged Care — you can apply online via the Australian Government’s My Aged Care website or by calling the Hearing Services Program contact line. You can also ask your GP to assist with the referral process. 3. Receive your voucher — once approved, your voucher is issued. It is valid for a set period (typically three years from the date of issue). 4. Book with an approved provider — contact an approved audiologist, such as Hearing Help, and let them know you hold a Hearing Services Program voucher. They will guide you through the rest. 5. Attend your hearing assessment — your audiologist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your hearing profile. 6. Discuss your options — if hearing devices may help, your audiologist will explain the fully subsidised options available under the schedule, as well as any upgrade choices and associated costs.
There is no pressure to make decisions on the day. A good audiologist will give you the time and information you need.
Common Questions About Renewals and Lost Vouchers
Vouchers are generally valid for three years and can be renewed if you remain eligible. If your hearing needs change significantly during the voucher period, you may be able to access an early review — speak with your provider or contact the Hearing Services Program directly.
If your voucher is misplaced or you are unsure of its status, the Department of Health and Aged Care can confirm your details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a GP referral to apply for the Hearing Services Program? A: You do not always need a referral to apply, but your GP can assist with the application and may be a helpful first point of contact if you are unsure about your eligibility. Some DVA pathways involve a specific referral process.
Q: Will I have to pay anything out of pocket? A: Under the standard voucher, fully subsidised devices and the associated services are provided at no cost to you. Out-of-pocket costs only apply if you choose an upgraded device above the subsidised schedule, or if you require services not covered by the program.
Q: How long does it take to receive a voucher after applying? A: Processing times vary. The Department of Health and Aged Care can advise on current timeframes when you apply. In many cases, the process moves fairly quickly, particularly for straightforward eligibility cases.
Q: Can I change providers while on the voucher? A: Yes. If you are not satisfied with your current provider, you can transfer your voucher to another approved provider. Contact the Hearing Services Program to understand the process.
Q: What if I need help during the application process? A: The team at Hearing Help is happy to help you understand the process and can point you toward the right contacts. We can also confirm whether we are currently taking on new Hearing Services Program clients.
Ready to Find Out If You’re Eligible?
If you hold a pensioner concession card or DVA card and have been putting off getting your hearing checked, the Hearing Services Program may make it much more accessible than you expected.
Hearing Help is an independent, approved Hearing Services Program provider on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We are happy to answer your questions before you commit to anything.
Contact Hearing Help to find out more about using your Hearing Services Program voucher with us.