Alarm funding pathways: Can I get a personal alarm for free?

Many Australians, including older people and people living with disability or managing chronic conditions, want to live independently and continue doing the things they enjoy each day. While having the right support services is essential, it's also important to ensure access to timely emergency assistance. Monitored personal alarms can help provide that reassurance. Classified as Assistive Technology (AT), they offer a simple way to call for help at the press of a button and give peace of mind to both users and their loved ones.

Support services and assistive technology can become costly over time, so it’s helpful to know that funding pathways may be available to assist with some or all of these expenses. Understanding the funding options, eligibility requirements, and access process can make it easier to navigate the system and get the support you need.

If a monitored personal alarm could support you or someone you care about, the following funding options may be worth considering.

Federal government programs

Support at Home (SaH)

Support at Home is an Australian Government program that helps eligible older people stay independent in their own homes for longer. It brings together a wide range of in‑home care services, making support easier to understand and access. Personal alarms can be funded under Support at Home through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT‑HM) scheme — a separate funding stream that is paid up front and valid for 12 months. There are three AT-HM funding levels and the amount of funding will depend on your assessed needs.

Depending on your AT‑HM funding level and the budget available to you for the year, funding may cover:

• the cost of the personal alarm device
• the ongoing monthly monitoring fees
• delivery or installation fees

If your assessment shows that you need a personal alarm, you’ll need a prescription to access one. Your aged care provider can help organise this for you, including arranging the prescription and ordering the alarm through your preferred registered provider, such as MePACS. Once the alarm is arranged, MePACS will onboard you as a new client, make sure the alarm is set up correctly, and provide ongoing client care and technical support.

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Next Steps:

Before you can access Support at Home and other government-funded aged care programs for the first time, you need to be assessed.
To apply for an assessment visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.

If you have been assessed and assigned an AT-HM level, speak with your care provider about getting a prescription for a MePACS alarm.

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National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Australians living with permanent disability or chronic conditions may be able to access personal alarms through the NDIS.

Under the NDIS, personal alarms are classified as low‑risk, low‑cost Assistive Technology (AT). To access a personal alarm, the support must be considered reasonable and necessary for your individual needs. This is usually discussed during your planning meeting or plan review. You may also need evidence from a health professional, such as an occupational therapist or allied health provider, to explain why a personal alarm is appropriate for you.

For eligible participants, your NDIS plan may cover the cost of both the alarm and the monitoring service, with no out‑of‑pocket expenses. Funding can come from either the Core Supports – Consumables budget for low‑risk, low‑cost AT, or from the Capital Supports budget.

Your support coordinator, local area coordinator (LAC), or plan manager can help arrange the alarm for you through MePACS, or you can contact MePACS directly.

State based programs

Some states, such as Victoria And South Australia, have their own government-funded pathways that help fund or subsidise personal alarms for eligible state residents.

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Personal Alert Victoria (PAV):

Personal Alert Victoria is service that supports older people and people with disabilities to live independently through 24/7 monitored personal alarms. MePACS is the sole service provider for the PAV program.
Eligible PAV participants receive a free 24/7 monitored home alarm system and the Daily Call welfare check-in service.

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How to apply:

To qualify for PAV funding you will need an assessment with an approved PAV assessor — available through some community health services and aged care assessment services.
For more information the assessment process and eligibility criteria, visit the PAV website.‍

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Personal Alert AssistanceSA (PAASA):

Personal Alert AssistanceSA (PAASA) is a South Australian Government initiative that helps eligible SA residents access personal alert and monitoring devices, so they can feel safer and more independent at home.
PAASA funding provides:

- Up to $380 for purchase and installation.
- Up to $240 per year for approved monitoring services.

With PAASA, you can choose your preferred alarm supplier and system. All available alarm options include 24/7 monitoring. Through MePACS, this includes a home‑based alarm with a fall‑detection pendant (fully covered by funding), or a Solo Connect watch (partially covered by funding).

To learn more and check your eligibility, please visit Personal Alert AssistanceSA.

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Self-funding for personal alarms

If you’ve been assessed for funding but are still waiting for approval, if your support package has been delayed, or if you’re not eligible for funding, you can choose to self‑fund a MePACS alarm and start feeling safe and connected right away. With delays to Support at Home packages, waiting times can extend to 8–9 months, depending on your priority level. That’s a long time to wait without reliable access to emergency response. Self‑funding allows you to put protection in place sooner, so you can feel safe, supported, and confident while you wait or explore other funding options.

MePACS offers a range of alarm options to suit different needs and budgets. There are no lock‑in contracts so you can cancel any time, and once your funding is approved, we can easily switch over the billing to your approved funding pathway.

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Confidence starts with feeling safe

Staying independent feels easier when you know help is always within reach. A personal alarm gives you that confidence, and the comfort of knowing support is there whenever you need it. If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, for yourself or someone you care about, now is the perfect time to explore your options. If you’re ready to feel safer every day, we’re here to help you choose the right personal alarm that fits your needs and budget, and gives you the peace of mind you deserve.

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Need help finding the right option for you? Funding for a personal alarm can vary depending on your individual needs and eligibility. We know it can be confusing to work out which support you may qualify for, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the options and help you choose the right monitored personal alarm for your safety and peace of mind. Contact Us