Grants for Assistive Devices for People with Disabilities

In the state of Carinthia, private individuals with physical, intellectual, psychological, or sensory impairments receive subsidies for the acquisition of necessary assistive devices (§ 9 lit. b K-ChG). Funded are devices and technical equipment that, according to the current state of scientific knowledge, are required for participation in social life. The continuous funding opportunity allows purchases to be made flexibly throughout the year. The funding amount per assistive device ranges between €50 and €1,500, and up to €500 per device for hearing aids. Applications can be submitted at any time, provided that submitted invoices are no older than six months at the time of application. This direct form of funding complements benefits from other cost bearers such as the Social Ministry Service or regional health insurance funds.

A prerequisite for approval is proof of the disability definition according to § 2 K-ChG and the personal criteria according to § 5 K-ChG (Austrian citizens, asylum beneficiaries, and certain other status groups), as well as social need and medical necessity. Eligible expenses include exclusively assistive devices to compensate for the impairment; age-related functional limitations and assistive devices for individuals in inpatient care or those solely with psychological/chronical illnesses are excluded. Applicants submit an informal or internal administrative application to Department 4 of the Office of the Carinthian State Government, to municipalities, district administrative authorities, or via the Social Ministry Service, and provide copies of income proofs, proof of disability status, current invoices, and health insurance verification. This low-threshold process promotes equal participation and enables rapid support.