Medical-grade footwear
Medical grade footwear refers to shoes that are designed to help with specific foot conditions. The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) provides subsidised assistance towards prefabricated, customised and custom-made medical grade footwear.
Modifications or components (such as in-shoe orthotics) to new medical grade footwear may be subsidised, if clinically required as part of your application.
You are responsible for all repairs and maintenance and any future modifications to your item. If your item costs more than the subsidy amount, you will need to pay the extra cost directly to the supplier.
Eligibility
To apply for assistance under MASS, you must:
- be a permanent resident of Queensland
- have a permanent/stable condition or disability
- hold a pensioner concession card, health care card or Queensland Government Seniors Card.
You need to be assessed by one of the following private clinicians:
- orthopaedic surgeon
- rehabilitation specialist
- rheumatologist
- geriatrician
- endocrinologist
- vascular surgeon.
Subsidy amounts and criteria
The subsidy amount varies according to the item needed. More details about the limits and eligibility criteria are listed in the Application Guidelines for Medical Grade Footwear (PDF, 477 KB).
How to apply
Once you have been assessed by your clinician, they will work with you to review your needs and assist you to choose the most appropriate footwear.
1. Complete the application form
You can either download and complete the application forms before your appointment, or wait until you see your clinician and ask them to help you complete the forms.
You will need to complete:
- Part A of the MASS 60 Medical Grade Footwear Application Form (PDF, 640 KB)
- MASS 84 Proxy Access to Centrelink Information Form (PDF, 147 KB) or include a photocopy of both sides of your concession card.
Your clinician will complete Part B, which is the clinical assessment and prescription.
2. Get a quote
Make an appointment with a supplier from the MASS Approved Supplier List to get a quote for the item you need. The supplier must meet you and see your completed form.
3. Submit to MASS
Send the completed application form and the quote from the supplier to MASS.
You will receive a letter advising you of the outcome. If approved, MASS will pay the subsidy to the supplier and you will need to pay any extra amounts. Your footwear will then be supplied. Contact the supplier for an approximate delivery time.
Reapply
Adults can re-apply for replacements 18 months after your previous MASS approval letter.
Children under 16 years can re-apply after 12 months.
More information
Contact MASS if you have any questions about applying for medical grade footwear.
Find out about repairs to your footwear.