Are Emergency Necklaces Covered by the NDIS or Other Senior Subsidy Programs?
The NDIS, or National Disability Insurance Scheme, offers funding directly to individuals with disabilities to help them to access the supports and services they need in order to live an ordinary and independent life. The NDIS is Australia’s first national scheme to provide support for those living with disabilities, and to help improve their overall quality of life.
Being a national scheme means it applies across the whole of the country, and if you qualify for funding from the NSID then if you should be eligible for help paying for a medical alert necklace should you need one.
The NSID aims to help support people to live more independently and safely, and because personal alarms for elderly or disabled people can display vital medical information and contact details, and be a lifeline in an emergency, they are considered to enhance personal safety.
Personal monitors for seniors are crucial if individuals wish to continue living a safe and independent life. These devices are a lifeline for vulnerable people and give peace of mind to both the wearer and their loved ones, knowing that should an accident or emergency occur, help will rapidly be at hand.
However, these devices don’t come cheaply, and prices can vary greatly for the outlay of initial equipment, connection and additional features, and most require the user to pay a monthly fee that usually ranges from between $20-$60 as of August 2025.
The good news is that if you are looking to purchase an emergency necklace for the elderly, Australia offers other government programs that can help with the cost of personal alarms if they do not qualify for NDIS funding. We’ll look at these other options now.
Commonwealth Help Support Program (CHSP)
CHSP aims to help older people to be able to stay in their own homes and communities by providing social support and assisting with daily tasks. To be eligible, individuals need to be 65 or over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and will need to undergo an assessment through My Aged Care to determine their support needs and eligibility.
CHSP is funded by the Australian government and provides entry-level support that can assist with funding things like an emergency device for elderly people, so individuals can remain living at home independently. CHSP generally provides services at a lower level of care than HCP.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
HCP offers more comprehensive support for those individuals with more complex needs, in order for them to remain living at home for as long as possible.
This government funded program offers four different levels of care packages, ranging from basic to high-level care depending on the needs of the individual.
If you are eligible for this type of care, you will need to contact your preferred HCP provider, who will then manage your package and provide the services that have been agreed upon.
Personal Alert SA (PASA)
If you live in South Australia and are wanting help with personal alarms for the elderly then PASA, which is a South Australian government initiative, can provide subsidy towards the purchase of approved alert systems and monitoring costs of approved monitored personal alert systems.
Personal Alert Victoria (PAV)
If you live in Victoria, you may be eligible for support from this Victorian Government initiative to assist seniors and those with disabilities to continue living in their own home.
If you have had a fall requiring medical assistance in the last 6 months, or spend most of the day alone, this could be the best emergency necklace for seniors in Victoria. You must agree to wear a PAV pendant at all times and be taking 6 or more medications or have a chronic medical condition in order to qualify.
Red Cross Alarm for Elderly Wearers
This personal alarm service is provided by the Australian Red Cross and involves a small, lightweight, water-resistant alarm button that can be worn as a pendant or on the wrist, and an alarm unit installed in the user’s home that connects to a monitoring centre.
It is designed for use around the home and garden only, and associated fees are required for the service, as well as eligibility criteria.
Choosing the Right Emergency Beeper for Elderly People
Emergency beepers, also known as personal alarms or medical alert systems, are a crucial device to help keep seniors living as independently as they can in their own home for as long as possible. They allow the user to quickly contact help in an urgent situation, giving the wearer, and their loved ones peace of mind.
We’ve covered various senior subsidy and government funding programs here that help make these devices more affordable and accessible to those who need them. At SureSafe Alarms, part of the Bora Health group, we offer these alarms at various price points to ensure those who need them can access them.
