⚠️ Tier 2 page. CAPS payment rate ($717.10) is the 2025–26 figure — verify current rate at health.gov.au/caps each July before quoting to patients. QLD MASS eligibility criteria currently under review.
Quick reference
Scheme
Who applies
How
Renewal
Contact
CAPS
GP, specialist, or NP
HPOS online or paper form
Annual
1800 200 422
QLD MASS
Continence nurse, RN, physio, OT, or specialist
MASS-eApply online
3-yearly (initial), 6-monthly (patient self)
(07) 3136 3665
NDIS
NDIS planner with clinician report
Via NDIS plan review
Annual plan review
1800 800 110
CAPS eligibility criteria
✅ Australian resident with a valid Medicare card
✅ Permanent and severe bladder or bowel incontinence — condition is unlikely to resolve and significantly impacts daily function
✅ Assessment by GP, specialist, or nurse practitioner confirming permanent and severe incontinence
❌ Not in AN-ACC funded residential aged care
❌ Not receiving NDIS funding that already covers continence products
❌ Not in Home Care Package Level 3 or 4 (Level 1–2 may still be eligible — confirm with Services Australia)
Conditions that typically qualify: spinal cord injury, MS, advanced dementia, neurogenic bladder/bowel, permanent post-surgical incontinence, severe intellectual disability with permanent incontinence. Temporary post-operative incontinence does not qualify.
Applying for CAPS via HPOS
1
Assess and document — confirm permanent and severe incontinence. Document the diagnosis, clinical findings, and why the condition is permanent. This forms the basis of the application and any audit review.
2
Log in to HPOS (Health Professional Online Services) at servicesaustralia.gov.au/hpos — navigate to CAPS application under patient services.
3
Complete the application — patient Medicare number, diagnosis, clinical assessment confirming permanent and severe incontinence, and prescriber details.
4
Submit — Services Australia assesses eligibility. Payment is made annually (not monthly). Annual renewal is required — this can be completed at the patient’s annual review.
💡 Paper form alternative: SY060 form (CAPS application) — available at servicesaustralia.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422. Post to Services Australia, Reply Paid 7824, Canberra BC ACT 2610.
QLD MASS — continence application
MASS requires a designated prescriber for initial and 3-yearly applications. For continence aids, eligible prescribers include: Continence Specialist RN, Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Urologist, Uro-gynaecologist, Geriatrician, or Paediatrician. GPs are not listed as MASS continence prescribers but can assist with CAPS and refer to a continence nurse.
Initial application: Submit via MASS-eApply at health.qld.gov.au/mass/eApply
Eligibility card required: Centrelink Pensioner Concession, Health Care Card, DVA Pensioner (not Gold Card), or QLD Seniors Card
Not eligible: NDIS participants, Home Care Level 3–4, residential aged care (AN-ACC), DVA Gold Card holders, children under 5 for pads/nappies
Re-orders (within 3 years): Patient calls MASS directly on 1300 443 570
CAPS + MASS + NDIS interaction
✅ CAPS + MASS can both be used — they are separate schemes covering different aspects. A patient can receive both.
❌ NDIS replaces CAPS — NDIS participants whose plan includes continence products are not eligible for CAPS for the same products.
❌ NDIS replaces MASS — NDIS participants are not eligible for MASS.
ℹ️ NDIS transition note: If a patient moves onto NDIS, their CAPS registration should be cancelled. If NDIS does not cover continence (e.g. it was not included in the plan), the patient may reapply for CAPS.
There is no specific MBS item solely for completing a CAPS application. The assessment is typically done as part of a standard consultation (e.g. item 23 or 36). The consultation documents the clinical findings required for the CAPS form. If the patient has a chronic condition warranting a care plan, items 965 or 2700 may also be relevant at the same visit.
Yes. CAPS can be applied for by a registered medical practitioner (GP or specialist) or nurse practitioner. Registered nurses (not NP) cannot submit CAPS applications independently but can support the assessment process.
Document in the patient record: the diagnosis confirming permanent and severe incontinence, clinical findings supporting permanence, the date of assessment, and the prescriber’s details. If the condition is a result of a surgical procedure or neurological event, document this clearly. Services Australia may request supporting clinical information during processing or audit.