CAPS (Continence Aids Payment Scheme): eligibility for Australian men

If you're an Australian man experiencing urinary incontinence, you may be eligible for financial support through the CAPS continence aids payment scheme — a programme men can access via Services Australia. Despite being one of the most common health concerns among older men — and a growing issue for younger blokes after surgery or injury — incontinence remains under-discussed and under-funded in many households. This guide breaks down who qualifies for CAPS, how to apply, and how washable incontinence underwear can complement the scheme to help you live with greater comfort and confidence.

What is the CAPS continence aids payment scheme for men?

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme, commonly known as CAPS, is an Australian Government programme administered by Services Australia. It provides an annual payment to eligible individuals to help cover the cost of continence products such as pads, pull-ups, catheters, and washable incontinence underwear. The scheme recognises that managing incontinence involves ongoing expenses that can place a real financial burden on individuals and families.

For men specifically, CAPS can be a vital resource. Male urinary incontinence is often linked to prostate surgery (particularly radical prostatectomy), enlarged prostate, neurological conditions, or age-related changes to the pelvic floor. Regardless of the cause, the scheme is designed to ease the cost of products you need every single day.

The annual payment is made directly to you, giving you the freedom to choose which continence products best suit your lifestyle — whether that's disposable pads, reusable underwear, or a combination of both. This flexibility is one of the scheme's greatest strengths.

Who is eligible for CAPS in Australia?

Eligibility for the CAPS continence aids payment scheme is determined by several criteria set out by Services Australia — and they apply equally to men and women. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward accessing financial support.

To be eligible, you generally need to meet all of the following conditions:

• Be an Australian resident and hold a current Medicare card.
• Have a permanent and severe condition that causes incontinence (urinary, faecal, or both).
• Have your condition assessed and certified by a medical practitioner, continence nurse, or relevant specialist.
• Not be receiving continence products through another Australian Government–funded programme such as the NDIS or a state-based scheme.
• Be aged four years or older at the time of application.

It's important to note that "permanent and severe" doesn't necessarily mean total loss of bladder control. Many men who experience significant daily leakage — for instance, requiring multiple pad changes — may qualify. Your GP or a continence nurse adviser can help you work out whether your level of incontinence meets the threshold.

How to apply for CAPS

The application process involves completing a CAPS claim form, which includes a section that must be filled in by your treating doctor or a continence nurse. This medical assessment confirms the nature and severity of your condition. Once lodged with Services Australia, processing typically takes a few weeks. If you're approved, you'll receive an annual payment that you can spend on any continence products you choose.

If you're unsure where to start, the Continence Foundation of Australia offers free, confidential advice. You can call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 to speak with a continence nurse adviser who can guide you through the process and answer questions about your eligibility.

Why incontinence matters for Australian men

Incontinence is far more common among Australian men than most people realise. While it's often associated with women and ageing, a significant number of men across all age groups experience bladder control issues. Post-prostatectomy incontinence alone affects thousands of Australian men each year, and many blokes experience symptoms for months or even years following surgery.

Beyond the physical inconvenience, urinary incontinence can take a serious toll on mental health. Research supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia highlights links between incontinence and social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Men in regional Australia may face additional barriers to accessing specialist care, making schemes like CAPS even more critical.

Here's the thing that's often underestimated: the financial cost of managing incontinence adds up quickly. Disposable pads and pull-ups can cost hundreds of dollars each year. For men on a pension or fixed income — whether in Sydney, Perth, or a rural town in Queensland — the CAPS continence aids payment scheme provides meaningful relief that helps cover those ongoing expenses.

Evidence-based care pathways Australians can access

Managing incontinence effectively usually involves more than just products. Australian men have access to several evidence-based treatment pathways, many of which are covered or subsidised through Medicare Australia.

Common care options include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training with a physiotherapist experienced in men's continence — often the first-line treatment recommended by the RACGP.
• Medication prescribed by your GP or urologist, particularly for overactive bladder or urgency incontinence.
• Surgical interventions such as a male sling procedure or artificial urinary sphincter for more severe cases.
• Behavioural strategies including bladder retraining, fluid management, and timed voiding schedules.
• Specialist referral to a urologist or continence clinic, which your GP can arrange under a Medicare referral.

Many of these services are available through bulk-billing GPs and public hospital outpatient clinics, making them accessible regardless of your financial situation. If you're in a metropolitan area like Melbourne or Brisbane, you'll likely find a dedicated continence clinic nearby. For those in regional Australia, telehealth consultations have made specialist advice far more accessible in recent years.

The RACGP encourages GPs to proactively screen older male patients for incontinence symptoms during routine health checks. If your doctor hasn't raised the topic, don't hesitate to bring it up yourself — early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

How Orykas washable incontinence underwear supports confidence

While the CAPS payment can be put toward any continence product, many Australian men are choosing washable incontinence underwear as a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative to disposables. This is where Orykas comes in — designed to look and feel like regular underwear while providing reliable, ultra-absorbent protection.

The Men's Washable Incontinence Briefs from Orykas feature a discreet, built-in absorbent layer that handles light to moderate leakage without the bulk or rustling noise associated with disposable pads. They're machine-washable, which means you can reuse them hundreds of times — a practical choice for men looking to stretch their CAPS payment further across the year.

For blokes who want a broader selection of styles and absorbency levels, the full range of Men's Washable Incontinence Underwear offers options that suit everything from post-exercise dribble to more significant leakage. Each pair is designed with odour-control technology and a comfortable fit that works under everyday clothing — whether you're heading to work in Adelaide or spending the weekend gardening.

If you're looking for value, the Pack of Washable Incontinence Underwear for Men bundles multiple pairs together, making it easier to build a rotation and always have a clean pair ready. When combined with CAPS funding, washable underwear can dramatically reduce the long-term cost of managing incontinence while offering a product that genuinely feels like normal underwear.

NDIS, CAPS, and other funding options for Australians

CAPS is the most widely accessed continence funding programme in Australia, but it isn't the only one. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access support through other channels — though it's worth noting that you generally can't receive funding from multiple government continence programmes simultaneously.

If you're an NDIS participant and your incontinence is related to your disability, continence products may be funded through your NDIS plan under the "consumables" category. In this case, you'd typically access products through a registered NDIS provider rather than through CAPS. Your NDIS planner or support coordinator can help determine whether continence support should be included in your plan.

Some state and territory governments also offer continence assistance programmes, particularly for residents in aged care or those receiving community care packages. The Continence Foundation of Australia maintains up-to-date information on what's available in each state, and the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) can point you toward the right programme for your situation.

For men who aren't eligible for CAPS or NDIS funding, it's still worth speaking to your GP about a chronic disease management plan (formerly known as an Enhanced Primary Care plan). Under Medicare, this can provide subsidised allied health visits — including physiotherapy for pelvic floor rehabilitation — which can help reduce your reliance on continence products over time.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the CAPS payment provide each year?

The annual CAPS payment amount is set by the Australian Government and is indexed periodically. The exact figure can change from year to year, so it's best to check the current amount on the Services Australia website or by calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. The payment is made as a lump sum, giving you the flexibility to spend it on whichever continence products suit your needs — including washable options like Orykas underwear.

Can I use my CAPS payment for washable incontinence underwear?

Yes. The CAPS continence aids payment scheme allows you to spend your annual payment on any continence products you choose — there's no restriction limiting you to disposable products. Many men find that investing in washable incontinence underwear provides better value over the course of the year, as each pair can be washed and reused many times, effectively reducing the cost per use.

Do I need a specialist referral to apply for CAPS?

Not necessarily. While a specialist such as a urologist can complete the medical section of the CAPS application, your GP is also qualified to do so. A continence nurse adviser can likewise provide the required assessment. If you're already seeing a GP for related health concerns — such as prostate health or post-surgical recovery — they can incorporate the CAPS assessment into your regular appointment.

Is the CAPS continence aids payment scheme available to men of all ages?

Yes. The scheme is available to eligible Australians aged four and over, regardless of gender. Men of any age who have a permanent and severe incontinence condition can apply, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. Whether your incontinence is the result of prostate surgery in your fifties, a neurological condition in your thirties, or age-related changes later in life, you may qualify for support through CAPS.

This article is informational and does not replace advice from your GP, a qualified continence nurse or a specialist.