For the many Australian women quietly managing urinary incontinence day to day, navigating the financial support available can feel just as overwhelming as the condition itself. Getting your head around how NDIS and CAPS funding works — Australia's two main government schemes supporting women with incontinence — can make a genuine difference to both your budget and your quality of life. Whether you live in a capital city like Sydney or Melbourne, or you're in regional Australia hours from the nearest specialist, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about accessing government support for continence aids.
Two pathways to government support: NDIS and CAPS explained
Australia offers two distinct funding pathways for women who need continence products: the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS). Although they share a similar purpose — reducing the out-of-pocket cost of incontinence aids — they operate quite differently, and most women will only qualify for one of them at a given time.
The NDIS is a federal government programme that funds supports for Australians under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability, which can include conditions causing severe incontinence. If your continence issues are directly linked to an NDIS-eligible disability — such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or a neurological condition — the scheme may fund your continence products under your approved plan's Core Supports budget.
CAPS, administered by Services Australia, is the alternative for people who don't have an NDIS plan. It's specifically designed to help Australians with permanent and severe incontinence manage the cost of products like pads, pull-ups, and washable underwear. CAPS provides an annual payment directly to eligible participants to spend with a registered supplier of their choosing.
What the Continence Aids Payment Scheme actually covers
CAPS is the most accessible route for many Australian women aged 65 and over — or for younger women whose incontinence isn't tied to an NDIS-eligible disability. To qualify, you must have permanent and severe urinary or faecal incontinence, and you must meet residency and Medicare eligibility requirements. Your GP or a continence nurse specialist will need to complete an assessment confirming the severity of your condition.
Once approved, Services Australia issues an annual payment that participants use to purchase continence aids from registered suppliers. The payment amount is reviewed periodically, and it's worth contacting Services Australia directly or speaking with the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for the most current figures. The good news is, CAPS doesn't restrict you to disposable products — washable, reusable items from approved suppliers can also qualify, which is worth knowing when you're comparing the long-term value of different product types.
Getting the right assessment for CAPS eligibility
To begin a CAPS application, you'll need a completed assessment form signed by a registered health professional — most commonly your GP, a continence nurse, or a urologist. Bulk-billing GPs can refer you to a continence nurse specialist at no cost under certain Medicare arrangements, which is particularly helpful if you're on a fixed income. The Continence Foundation of Australia maintains a directory of continence nurse advisors across the country, including in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and many regional areas.
It's worth asking your GP specifically about a referral to a continence nurse rather than simply requesting a CAPS assessment form. A continence nurse can assess your individual situation, recommend appropriate product types, and in some cases help you complete the necessary paperwork — all within a single appointment. This clinical input can also strengthen your application if Services Australia requires additional supporting documentation.
Accessing NDIS funding for continence products
If you're an NDIS participant, continence products are generally funded under your Core Supports budget as a consumable item, provided the link between your disability and your continence needs has been established in your planning meeting. Here's the thing — many women find this link isn't automatically included in their initial NDIS plan, so it's important to raise it explicitly with your Local Area Coordinator or support planner.
The NDIS requires that funded supports be "reasonable and necessary." A formal continence assessment by a qualified continence nurse or urologist will almost always be needed to justify the funding in your plan. The NDIS doesn't prescribe specific brands or product types, which means participants can often choose washable options over disposables — a decision that can stretch the budget significantly further over time.
Key steps for NDIS participants seeking continence funding include:
- Requesting a continence assessment as part of your current or upcoming NDIS plan review
- Obtaining a written report from a continence nurse or urologist linking your condition to your registered disability
- Asking your planner to include a specific continence consumables budget in your Core Supports
- Registering with a supplier who accepts NDIS-managed or plan-managed payments
- Keeping receipts and product details for NDIS audits if your plan is self-managed
- Reviewing your continence budget at each annual plan review to ensure it reflects your current needs
Washable versus disposable: making the most of your funding
One of the most important decisions you'll make as a funded participant — whether through CAPS or NDIS — is whether to use disposable or washable continence products. For many years, disposables dominated the market simply because they were the most visible option. Today, high-quality washable incontinence underwear has advanced considerably, and for women with moderate to heavy leakage, reusable products can offer significant advantages.
From a purely financial perspective, washable products often represent much better value when you're working within a fixed annual funding allocation. A set of quality washable briefs, washed and reused over hundreds of cycles, costs a fraction of the equivalent annual spend on disposables for the same level of protection. This is why continence nurses and the Continence Foundation of Australia increasingly recommend that women at least consider washable options when selecting their continence aids.
When comparing washable and disposable incontinence products, consider the following factors:
- Absorbency level — ensure the product matches your actual leakage volume (light, moderate, or heavy)
- Skin comfort — washable cotton-blend fabrics are often gentler for women prone to skin sensitivity
- Discreetness — modern washable underwear is designed to look and feel like regular underwear
- Environmental impact — reusable products reduce landfill waste substantially
- Long-term cost — calculate cost per use rather than upfront price alone
How Orykas fits into your funding plan
Orykas is an Australian brand producing washable, ultra-absorbent incontinence underwear designed with real women's needs in mind — not a clinical afterthought. The range is built for everyday life, offering styles that look and feel like regular underwear while providing meaningful protection for moderate to heavy leakage.
For women managing heavier leakage, the washable pants designed for heavy leakage offer a high-capacity absorbent layer that handles significant volume without bulk. If you prefer a more supportive fit, the high-waisted washable incontinence pants provide gentle compression along with reliable protection — a popular choice for women who want additional core support alongside continence coverage.
Whether you're using CAPS or NDIS funding, investing in a starter set of washable briefs makes it easier to maintain hygiene and comfort while rotating through the wash cycle. You can browse the full range of washable incontinence underwear to find styles suited to your daily routine. For those who want to make their funding go further upfront, the multi-pack bundle is a practical starting point — giving you enough pairs to rotate comfortably through a week without running short between washes.
Orykas products are shipped Australia-wide, including to regional and rural areas where accessing specialist continence supplies in person can be difficult. If you manage your NDIS funding yourself or through a plan manager, washable underwear from a reputable Australian supplier is typically straightforward to claim as a continence consumable. Always confirm eligibility with your NDIS planner or CAPS case worker before purchasing.
Cost considerations for Australian women
Government funding for incontinence products — whether through the NDIS or CAPS — is specifically designed to reduce financial hardship for Australian women, but it doesn't always cover the full cost of continence management, particularly for women with more complex needs. Understanding the gap between your funding allocation and your actual spend is an important part of planning your continence care.
CAPS payments are made as an annual lump sum, and the amount is tied to your assessed severity level. It's important not to use the entire payment on a single product category without thinking through your year-round needs. Dividing your annual CAPS allocation — for example, spending a portion on washable briefs for daytime use and reserving a portion for overnight or backup options — can give you more flexible and consistent protection across different situations.
Women accessing NDIS-funded continence supports should also be aware that the NDIS doesn't cover products that fall outside the approved consumables list, and that supports must be purchased from registered providers if you're NDIA-managed. Continence aids purchased through a plan-managed or self-managed arrangement offer more flexibility in supplier choice, which is where Australian brands like Orykas may be a practical option. Speak with your support coordinator or call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 if you're unsure about what your specific plan covers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use CAPS funding to buy washable incontinence underwear?
Yes, in many cases you can. CAPS isn't restricted to disposable products, and washable continence aids from registered suppliers can be eligible. It's worth confirming that your chosen supplier is registered with Services Australia, and that the specific product meets the scheme's aid classification. A continence nurse or the National Continence Helpline can help clarify what's covered under your individual CAPS allocation.
What is the difference between NDIS continence funding and CAPS?
The key difference is eligibility. NDIS continence funding is available to participants who have an approved NDIS plan and whose incontinence is linked to a registered disability. CAPS, administered by Services Australia, is available to Australians who don't have an NDIS plan and who meet the scheme's own criteria for permanent, severe incontinence. You can't access both simultaneously for the same continence needs. Your GP or a continence nurse can advise which pathway is most appropriate for your situation.
Do I need a referral to apply for CAPS or NDIS continence funding?
For CAPS, you'll need a completed assessment form signed by a registered health professional, such as a GP, continence nurse, or specialist. For NDIS continence funding, a formal clinical assessment is typically required to support your planning request. Bulk-billing GPs across Australia can refer you to the relevant services, and continence nurse specialists — many of whom are listed through the Continence Foundation of Australia — can guide you through both application processes.
How many pairs of washable incontinence underwear do I need?
Most continence nurses recommend having at least five to seven pairs to rotate comfortably through a normal wash cycle, accounting for drying time. Women with heavier leakage or those who prefer to change more frequently may want eight or more pairs. Starting with a multi-pack lets you assess how the product works for your body before committing to a larger quantity. Your annual CAPS or NDIS allocation may be sufficient to cover a reasonable starting set of washable briefs, particularly given their long product lifespan compared to disposables.
This article is informational and does not replace advice from your GP, a qualified continence nurse or a specialist.
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