Free Personal Alarms for Elderly 2026: Government Funded

A government-funded personal alarm can be a lifeline, providing seniors and people with disabilities the confidence to live independently at home. These devices offer a direct line to help in an emergency, and various national and state-based programs can make them free or significantly cheaper.

This guide explains the different funding options available in 2026, including national programs like My Aged Care and state-specific rebates.

Personal Alarms for Seniors Australia

Personal alarms for seniors in Australia come in many forms, from simple pendant buttons to GPS-enabled smartwatches with automatic fall detection. Whether or not you qualify for government funding, it is worth understanding the full picture before making a decision.

Around 1 in 3 Australians aged 65 and over experience a fall each year, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. For people living alone, a fall without a way to call for help can turn a minor incident into a serious medical emergency. Personal alarms exist to close that gap. Press a button, and someone responds.

The market in Australia broadly divides into two categories:

• Government-funded alarms: Accessed through My Aged Care, the NDIS, DVA, or state-based programs. These often come with professional 24/7 monitoring at reduced or no cost.
• Privately purchased alarms: Bought directly from suppliers. You pay the upfront cost and ongoing monitoring fees yourself, but you have more choice over the brand, features, and provider.

Many families start by exploring government funding and then supplement with a private purchase if needed. Both options are covered in detail below.

Who Should Get a Personal Alarm?

A personal alarm is worth considering if you or a family member:

• Live alone and are over 65
• Have a history of falls or balance problems
• Have a medical condition that could cause sudden incapacity (epilepsy, heart conditions, diabetes)
• Are recovering from surgery and at higher fall risk
• Have a disability that affects mobility or cognitive function
• Feel anxious about being home alone without a way to call for help

You do not need to have had a fall already. Many people get a personal alarm as a preventive measure, and government funding programs recognise this. The goal is to reduce risk, not just respond to incidents that have already happened.

How Can I Get a Government Funded Personal Alarm?

There are several pathways to getting a personal alarm funded by the government. The right one for you depends on your age, location, and circumstances.

The main funding programs are:

• My Aged Care: For seniors over 65, primarily through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the new Support at Home program (from July 2025).
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): For people with a permanent and significant disability.
• State-Based Rebate Schemes: Specific programs in Victoria, South Australia, NSW, and WA that offer direct rebates or free systems.
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA): For eligible veterans and their families.

National Funding: My Aged Care & NDIS

My Aged Care

For most seniors, My Aged Care is the first point of contact. By calling 1800 200 422, you can arrange for an assessment. If eligible, you may receive funding for a personal alarm through:

1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Provides entry-level support, which can include a personal alarm.
2. Support at Home Program: Launched in July 2025, this program replaced Home Care Packages and streamlines access to services like personal alarms.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

If you have a permanent disability, the NDIS can fund personal alarms as part of your plan, often under “Assistive Technology.” This can include more advanced devices with features like automatic fall detection.

To get a personal alarm funded through the NDIS, it needs to be listed as a support in your plan. The most common approach is:

1. Discuss it at your planning meeting. Explain why a personal alarm is reasonable and necessary for your disability-related needs. For example, if you have epilepsy, a fall detection alarm could be life-saving.
2. Get an occupational therapist (OT) assessment. An OT can write a report recommending a specific type of alarm and justifying the need. This strengthens your case at plan reviews.
3. Choose a provider. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can purchase from any supplier. If NDIA-managed, you will need to use a registered provider.

The NDIS can fund the alarm unit, installation, monitoring fees, and replacement batteries or equipment. GPS-enabled alarms and fall detection devices are commonly approved for participants with mobility, neurological, or cognitive disabilities.

My Aged Care Personal Alarm

If you are over 65 (or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), My Aged Care is the main pathway to getting a personal alarm funded by the government. Here is how the process works step by step.

1. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. A staff member will ask about your situation, your living arrangements, and your care needs. This initial phone screening determines what type of assessment you need.

2. Receive an assessment. Depending on your needs, you will be assessed by either a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for lower-level support or an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for more complex needs. The assessor visits you at home and evaluates your risk of falls, your mobility, and whether you live alone.

3. Get approved for a program. If eligible, you may receive funding through:

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Entry-level support that can include a personal alarm with monitoring. This is the most common pathway for people who need an alarm but do not require a full care package.
• Support at Home Program: From 1 July 2025, this program replaced Home Care Packages. It provides a broader budget that can cover personal alarms as part of your overall care plan.

4. Choose your alarm provider. Once approved, your assessor or care coordinator can help you select a provider. Under CHSP, the provider is usually assigned based on your location. Under the Support at Home Program, you have more flexibility to choose.

What if I am already on a Home Care Package? If you already receive a Home Care Package or Support at Home funding, you can use your existing budget to pay for a personal alarm without a separate application. Speak to your care coordinator about adding it to your plan.

The wait time for a CHSP assessment is typically 2 to 6 weeks, depending on demand in your area. For more detail on My Aged Care assessments and eligibility, see the official My Aged Care website.

State-by-State Funding Guide 2026

Many users search for funding in their specific state. Here is a breakdown of the additional support available.

Government Funded Personal Alarms in VIC

Victoria has one of the best state-funded programs in Australia.

• Program: Personal Alert Victoria (PAV).
• What’s Covered: Provides a free, fully-monitored personal alarm system, including the device, installation, and 24/7 monitoring by trained operators.
• Eligibility: Aimed at frail, older people and people with disabilities who live alone and are at risk of falls. You must be a Victorian resident and referred by a health professional, local council, or community organisation.
• How to Apply: An assessment from a designated organization is required. Contact Peninsula Health MEPACS at 1800 451 300 to start the process. You can also ask your GP, hospital discharge planner, or local council aged care team to make a referral on your behalf.
• Wait time: Typically 2 to 4 weeks from referral to installation, though this can vary depending on demand in your area.

Government Funded Personal Alarms in QLD

Queensland does not have a dedicated state-based personal alarm rebate scheme. However, QLD residents have full access to the national programs.

• Program: No specific state-based scheme. Funding comes through My Aged Care (CHSP or Support at Home) or the NDIS.
• How to Apply: Queensland residents should contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 to be assessed for the CHSP or Support at Home programs. If you have a disability, contact the NDIS about including a personal alarm in your plan.
• Local tip: Some Queensland local councils and community organisations run their own personal alarm lending programs. Contact your local council’s aged care or community services team to ask what is available in your area.

Government Funded Personal Alarms in SA

South Australia offers a generous rebate through its own scheme.

• Program: Personal AlertSA (PASA).
• What’s Covered: Provides a rebate towards the cost of an approved personal alarm system and monitoring service. The rebate covers a significant portion of the upfront and ongoing costs.
• Eligibility: For residents aged 75+ (or 65+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who hold a valid concession card (Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card).
• How to Apply: Visit the SA Government website or call 1300 700 169.
• Important: You must choose from a list of approved personal alarm providers. The SA Government maintains this list, and only systems from approved providers are eligible for the rebate.

Government Funded Personal Alarms in NSW

New South Wales provides support through a specific health program.

• Program: EnableNSW Aids and Equipment Program.
• What’s Covered: Subsidizes the cost of assistive technology, including personal alarms, for eligible residents.
• Eligibility: For people with specific health conditions who are not eligible for the NDIS. You will need a diagnosis or health condition that creates a clinical need for a personal alarm.
• How to Apply: Requires an assessment and prescription from a relevant health professional (such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist). Contact EnableNSW at 1800 362 253.
• Alternative: NSW residents who do not meet EnableNSW criteria can still access personal alarms through My Aged Care or the NDIS. Many NSW local health districts also have equipment loan programs that may include personal alarms for short-term use after hospital discharge.

Government Funded Personal Alarms in WA

Western Australia does not have a single dedicated personal alarm rebate scheme, but there are several funding pathways available to WA residents.

• WA HACC Program: The Home and Community Care (HACC) program in WA, administered by the WA Department of Health, can fund personal alarms for eligible older people and people with disabilities. WA is the only state that still operates its own HACC program separately from the Commonwealth.
• WA Assistive Technology Program: Managed by the Independent Living Centre WA (ilc.com.au), this program provides subsidised access to assistive technology, including personal alarm systems, for eligible residents.
• National Programs: WA residents also have full access to My Aged Care (CHSP and Support at Home), the NDIS, and DVA programs.
• How to Apply: Contact the Independent Living Centre WA on (08) 9381 0600 for advice on assistive technology options, or call My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 for national program eligibility.

How Much Do Personal Alarms Cost?

Whether you are paying out of pocket or want to understand what government funding covers, here is a realistic look at personal alarm costs in Australia in 2026.

Cost Comparison: Government-Funded vs Private Purchase

Cost Component	Government-Funded	Private Purchase
Upfront equipment cost	Usually $0 (equipment is provided)	$150 to $500 depending on features
Monthly monitoring fee	$0 to $15/month (subsidised or free)	$25 to $55/month
Installation	Usually included	$0 to $100
Annual cost (typical)	$0 to $180	$450 to $1,160
Fall detection add-on	Included where assessed as needed	$50 to $150 extra upfront, may increase monthly fee
GPS tracking add-on	Included under some programs (NDIS, higher-level packages)	$100 to $200 extra upfront, may increase monthly fee

What Affects the Price?

The biggest factor in ongoing cost is whether your alarm is monitored or unmonitored:

• Monitored alarms connect to a 24/7 response centre staffed by trained operators. They cost more but provide a faster, more reliable response. Most government-funded programs provide monitored alarms.
• Unmonitored alarms dial a list of pre-programmed contacts (family, friends, neighbours) when activated. They are cheaper but rely on someone being available to answer.

Other factors that affect cost include whether the device uses a landline or mobile network (mobile units cost more), whether it has GPS tracking (adds to the price), and the contract length (longer contracts sometimes offer lower monthly rates).

Is It Worth Paying Privately?

If you do not qualify for government funding, or if the wait time for an assessment is long, buying a personal alarm privately can be a good option. Prices have come down over the last few years, and you can often find a basic monitored pendant alarm for under $30 per month. For someone at high risk of falls, the cost is small compared to the potential consequences of an unattended fall.

Many families choose to purchase privately while waiting for a government-funded application to be processed. Once the government funding comes through, you can switch to the funded system and cancel the private one. Some private providers offer month-to-month plans with no lock-in contract specifically for this situation.

When comparing private providers, look at the total cost over 12 months (upfront plus monthly fees), not just the headline monthly rate. Some providers offer low monthly fees but charge high upfront costs, while others spread the cost more evenly. Also check whether the provider charges a fee for cancellation, equipment return, or false alarms.

Best Personal Alarm Systems for Seniors

There are several types of personal alarm systems available in Australia. The right one depends on your living situation, mobility, and how much independence you want outside the home.

Pendant Alarms

The most common type. A waterproof button worn around the neck or on the wrist. Press it to trigger a call to the monitoring centre or your emergency contacts. Best for people who spend most of their time at home.

• Pros: Simple to use, lightweight, waterproof (can be worn in the shower), long battery life
• Cons: Only works within range of the base unit (typically 50 to 200 metres), no GPS tracking

Wrist-Watch Style Alarms

A personal alarm built into a watch form factor. Some models look like a regular digital watch, which appeals to people who do not want to wear a visible medical device.

• Pros: Discreet, comfortable for daily wear, some models include GPS
• Cons: Smaller button can be harder to press for people with limited dexterity, battery life shorter than pendants

Fall Detection Alarms

These devices use accelerometers and sensors to detect when a fall has occurred and automatically trigger an alert, even if the wearer is unconscious or unable to press the button. Available as pendants, watches, or clip-on devices.

• Pros: Automatic activation is a major safety advantage, especially for people who live alone
• Cons: Occasional false alarms (triggered by sudden movements like sitting down quickly), higher cost

GPS Personal Alarms

Mobile alarms with GPS tracking that work outside the home. Ideal for people who are active in the community, go for walks, or are at risk of wandering (for example, people with early-stage dementia).

• Pros: Location tracking allows emergency services to find you anywhere, some include two-way voice communication
• Cons: Require mobile network coverage, battery needs charging more frequently (daily or every few days), higher cost

Smartphone-Based Alarms

Apps and paired devices that turn a smartphone or smartwatch into a personal alarm. Some Medicare-funded telehealth services are beginning to integrate these options.

• Pros: No additional device to carry, often cheaper, can integrate with health monitoring
• Cons: Relies on phone battery and mobile coverage, may be difficult for seniors who are not comfortable with smartphone technology

Which Type Is Right for You?

Situation	Recommended Type
Lives at home, mainly indoors	Pendant alarm with 24/7 monitoring
Lives at home, moderate fall risk	Pendant or watch with automatic fall detection
Active in the community, goes for walks	GPS personal alarm
Early-stage dementia, risk of wandering	GPS alarm with location tracking
Comfortable with technology	Smartphone-based alarm or smartwatch
Wants something discreet	Wrist-watch style alarm

When choosing a personal alarm, ask the provider about battery life, waterproofing, monitoring response times, and what happens during a power outage. A good provider will let you trial the device before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a “care alert government rebate”?

This is a general term people use to describe the various government programs that help cover the cost of personal alarms. It’s not a single program but refers to funding from My Aged Care, NDIS, DVA, or state schemes like PAV and PASA.

Can I get a personal alarm completely free?

Yes, it is possible. In Victoria, the PAV program provides free systems to those who are eligible. In other states, you may be fully funded through a Level 4 Home Care Package or a comprehensive NDIS plan, effectively making the alarm free for you.

What’s the difference between a monitored and unmonitored alarm?

An unmonitored alarm will automatically call a list of pre-programmed numbers (e.g., family, friends) when activated. A monitored alarm connects to a 24/7 response center with trained operators who can assess the situation and call emergency services if needed. Most government-funded programs provide monitored alarms.

Does the NDIS cover fall detection alarms?

Yes, the NDIS can fund alarms with automatic fall detection if it is considered “reasonable and necessary” for the participant’s disability-related needs.

How long does it take to get a government-funded personal alarm?

It depends on the pathway. In Victoria, the PAV program can take 2 to 4 weeks from referral to installation. Through My Aged Care, you may wait 2 to 6 weeks for an assessment, then another 1 to 2 weeks for the alarm to be set up. If you are already on a Home Care Package or NDIS plan, your provider can usually arrange an alarm within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I keep my personal alarm if I move interstate?

Government-funded alarms from state programs (PAV, PASA, EnableNSW) are tied to that state. If you move, you will need to apply through the programs in your new state or through My Aged Care. Privately purchased alarms can move with you, though you may need to update your monitoring service if the provider does not operate nationally.

Do personal alarms work during a power outage?

Most monitored personal alarms have a backup battery that keeps the base unit running for 8 to 24 hours during a power outage. Mobile and GPS alarms are not affected by home power outages because they use their own battery and the mobile network. Ask your provider about backup battery duration before choosing a system.

Can I get a personal alarm for someone with dementia?

Yes. GPS-enabled personal alarms with location tracking are specifically designed for people with dementia who may wander. Some models allow a family member or carer to check the wearer’s location through a smartphone app. These can be funded through NDIS plans or higher-level aged care packages where the need is assessed.

Are personal alarms covered by private health insurance?

Most standard private health insurance policies do not cover personal alarms. However, some insurers include them under extras cover for assistive devices or home safety equipment. Check with your specific fund. Even if your insurer does not cover the alarm itself, the peace of mind from having one may reduce your overall health costs by preventing hospital admissions from unattended falls.

DVA Funding for Personal Alarms

If you are a veteran, war widow, or widower, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) may fund a personal alarm through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). DVA can cover both the equipment and ongoing monitoring costs.

How to apply through DVA:

1. Speak with your DVA-contracted occupational therapist about your need for a personal alarm
2. The OT will complete an assessment and submit a recommendation to DVA
3. Once approved, DVA arranges the supply and installation through an approved provider
4. Ongoing monitoring fees are covered as part of the program

Contact DVA directly on 1800 555 254 for more information. DVA assessments are separate from My Aged Care, but you can access both if you are eligible for both programs.

How to Apply: Your Next Steps

1. If you are over 65: Your first call should be to My Aged Care at 1800 200 422. They will assess your eligibility for national programs like the CHSP and Support at Home.
2. Check your state: If you live in VIC, SA, NSW, or WA, look into the specific state-based programs listed above for additional support on top of national funding.
3. If you have a disability: Contact the NDIS to discuss getting a personal alarm included in your plan under Assistive Technology.
4. If you are a veteran: Call DVA on 1800 555 254 to ask about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program.
5. If you need one urgently: Consider purchasing privately while your government application is being processed. A basic monitored pendant alarm can be set up within a few days from most private suppliers.

Key Questions to Ask a Personal Alarm Provider

Before committing to any personal alarm system, whether government-funded or privately purchased, ask the following:

• What is the average response time when the alarm is triggered? A good monitoring centre should respond within 30 to 60 seconds.
• Is the alarm waterproof? Falls in the bathroom are extremely common. Your alarm should work in the shower.
• What happens during a power or internet outage? Ask about backup battery duration and whether the system uses a landline, mobile network, or both.
• Is there a lock-in contract? Some private providers require 12 to 24 month contracts. Government-funded alarms typically have no lock-in.
• Can I trial the device before committing? Many reputable providers offer a 30-day trial period.
• What is included in the monthly fee? Check whether equipment replacement, battery changes, and maintenance are included or charged separately.
• How often is the equipment tested? Government-funded programs usually include regular equipment checks. Private providers vary.

Connect With Personal Alarm Providers

Navigating government funding programs can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to make a decision quickly. MD Home Care connects you with personal alarm suppliers and aged care assessors who understand the funding pathways and can help you access the right support.

Browse profiles on MD Home Care to find professionals who can:

• Help you apply for My Aged Care, NDIS, or state rebate programs
• Assess which personal alarm system suits your needs
• Coordinate installation and monitoring services
• Provide ongoing technical support

For more information about aged care services and how to access government support, see our aged care services guide and our guide to home care packages. You can also find personal emergency alarm providers in your area who can assess, supply, and install the right system for your situation.

Find Personal Alarm Providers Near You or call 1800 953 253 to connect with specialists who can help you access government-funded alarm systems.