Commonly known as the Senior Mobility Fund (SMF), the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund is a subsidy scheme designed to support elderly Singaporeans through their golden years. Those above the age of 60 years old can receive financial assistance on assistive and mobility devices and home healthcare items such as wheelchairs, adult diapers and even hearing aids.
If youโre planning to apply for the SMF on your hearing aid device, read on for the subsidies you can receive under this scheme, the application journey and what to do if you donโt qualify for the SMF. Also, find answers to your frequently asked questions below!
Key Takeaways
- The Senior Mobility Fund (SMF) offers subsidies of up to 90% of the cost of the hearing aid or up to 90% of the maximum subsidy cap on the device, whichever is lower.
- It is offered to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents aged 60+ with a monthly per capita household income of up to $4,800.
- You can apply for the SMF through a public hospital audiologist.
- If you donโt qualify for the SMF, you may purchase a hearing aid from the hospital at a non-subsidised rate or continue your hearing care journey with a private clinic instead.
- While the hospital offers a wider range of hearing aid brands compared to a private clinic, private clinics like Hearing Partners often have shorter waiting times, complimentary follow-up appointments, and upgrade promotions available.
Can I Get Hearing Aid Subsidies With the Senior Mobility Fund?
Yes, you can. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is the provider of the SMF. They define assistive and mobility devices as devices, apparatus or equipment that enable elderly individuals to move about or perform their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) better.
Based on this definition, hearing aids are categorised as assistive devices. As such, seniors can obtain subsidies of up to 90% of the cost of the hearing aid or up to 90% of the maximum subsidy cap on the device, whichever is lower.
For the most up-to-date eligibility criteria and subsidy caps, visit the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) website.
How to Apply for the Senior Mobility Fund for Hearing Aids?
Before applying for the SMF for your hearing aid, you may want to learn more about the application journey and the options available to you.
Stage 1: Apply for the Senior Mobility Fund
Your application journey will begin at the hospital, where youโll take a subsidised hearing assessment with an audiologist. Subsequently, the audiologist will assist you with your application for the scheme.
Note: Hearing Partners does not provide services to assist with the application of the SMF.
Stage 2: Receive your application results
Your application will be reviewed by the relevant parties and youโll be notified of the results. If youโre eligible for the scheme, youโll receive a subsidy on the device. However, what happens if you donโt qualify for the SMF?
Stage 3: Choose between a public or private clinic
If you donโt qualify for the SMF, you may choose to purchase a hearing aid from the hospital at a non-subsidised rate of $3,000. Alternatively, you may opt to continue your journey with a private clinic like Hearing Partners.
What is the difference between purchasing a hearing aid from a public or private clinic?
If youโre deciding between getting a hearing aid from the hospital or Hearing Partners, read on to learn about their differences.
| Hospital | Hearing Partners | |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing aids available | Renowned brands of hearing aids (e.g. Oticon, Signia, Phonak) | Oticon* |
| Follow-up reviews and tunings | $100 (excluding GST) | Complimentary |
| Waiting time for appointments | 2 โ 6 months | Immediate, depending on slot availability |
| Upgrade promotions | Not available | Available |
*The range of Oticon hearing aids is similar to that which is offered at the hospital.
Hearing aids available
The hospitals in Singapore carry a range of renowned hearing aid brands, including Oticon, Signia and Phonak. At Hearing Partners, our selection of Oticon hearing aids is similar to that which is offered at hospitals. Thus, you can rest assured of the quality of the device.
Follow-up appointments
While it may seem that your journey stops once you get your hearing aid, that isnโt the case! Follow-up appointments are an essential part of your hearing aid journey as they allow you to check on the condition of your device.
If you purchase a hearing aid from the hospital, youโll be charged a fee for follow-up appointments. This typically costs $100 (excluding GST). On the other hand, when you purchase a hearing aid from Hearing Partners, you can enjoy complimentary follow-up appointments with our hearing care professionals.ย
During these appointments, the hearing care professional will check on your device and ensure that itโs working well. You may also raise concerns or questions about your device so they can be addressed promptly. If necessary, your hearing care professional can run through some key details about how to use and maintain your hearing aids.
Waiting time for appointments
Oftentimes, the waiting time to get an appointment at the hospital may be long. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This can be troubling, especially when you run into problems with your hearing aid.
With Hearing Partners, you can schedule an appointment immediately, depending on slot availability, so any urgent issues can be addressed as quickly as possible.
Upgrade promotions
As hearing aids with new technologies and features are released, you may be interested in upgrading your device. Additionally, as your needs may change over time, you may find yourself in need of a different or more advanced device.
To address your changing needs and preferences, Hearing Partners offers promotions on hearing aid upgrades. Thus, you can upgrade your device when necessary at a discounted price.
FAQs About the Senior Mobility Fund for Hearing Aids
Can I get a hearing aid for free in Singapore?
No, you canโt. However, you can offset the cost of your hearing aid through subsidies such as the SMF and Assistive Technology Fund (ATF).
Who is eligible for the Senior Mobility Fund?
Senior citizens who fulfil the following eligibility criteria may be eligible for the SMF:
- A Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident (PR)
- Aged 60 and above
- Residing at home instead of a nursing home or sheltered home
- Have a monthly per capita household income of up to $4,800
- A first-time applicant for the device category
Additionally, they must be assessed by a qualified assessor for the type of device required.
Can I apply for the Senior Mobility Fund for hearing aids on my own?
No, the SMF application for hearing aids must be initiated at a public hospital. An audiologist at the hospital will assess your hearing and assist you with the application. You cannot apply independently or through a private clinic.
What documents do I need to apply for the Senior Mobility Fund?
Typically, you will need your NRIC, proof of income or financial means, and any relevant medical documents. The hospital audiologist will guide you through the exact documentation required during your assessment.
How long does it take to get the SMF approved?
Processing times can vary, but applicants are generally notified of their results within a few weeks after submission. Your audiologist at the hospital will be able to give you a more accurate timeline.
What is the cap on the Senior Mobility Fund?
The maximum amount you can receive from the SMF is 90% of the cost of the assistive device or 90% of the device subsidy cap, depending on which is lower.