Subsidies & support
You are not doing this alone
Real funding exists - a Victorian Government subsidy, grants of up to $6,000 for children - and a whole community understands exactly what you are going through.
Help with the cost
What you can apply for
Verified July 2026. We know these programs well and can prepare quotes and paperwork with you at your consultation - wherever in Australia you are based.
Grants - anywhere in Australia
Variety wig grants for children
Kids 18 and under, any medical hair loss
Variety - the Children's Charity funds custom human hair wigs for children with hair loss from alopecia, cancer treatment or trichotillomania: up to $6,000 every 2 years. Applications are open year-round and need medical documentation plus a quote from a wig maker - which we are happy to prepare.
Apply - variety.org.au/wigsThe most generous program available for young clients
AAAF Grant A Wig
Kids and teens 18 and under with alopecia areata
The Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation grants $700 per year toward a wig plus care essentials like a stand, brush and specialty shampoo. You choose a provider from AAAF's list and receive a voucher to present to them.
Private health insurance extras
Members with top-level extras cover
If you have private health, check with your provider whether they cover wigs - often listed under 'prosthetics' or 'health aids and appliances' on higher extras tiers. Most will need a letter from your GP explaining your medical hair loss.
State government subsidies - VIC, NSW & SA
Victoria - SWEP wig subsidy
Victorians with permanent medical hair loss
The State-wide Equipment Program subsidises wigs for permanent hair loss due to disease or disability, certified by your doctor, dermatologist or oncologist. Adults can claim $264 including GST every 2 years toward two synthetic wigs or one human hair wig; children 16 and under can claim $264 including GST for synthetic or $600 toward a human hair wig. Apply before you buy - SWEP does not reimburse retrospectively, and we can lodge the quote and paperwork with SWEP for you.
How to apply - swep.bhs.org.auPhone 1300 747 937
New South Wales - EnableNSW wig funding
NSW residents with permanent medical hair loss
EnableNSW funds up to two synthetic wigs ($300 each) every 12 months, or one human hair wig every 3 years (up to $2,000, or $1,600 on Band 3) - one hair type only. An eligible prescriber completes a Wig Request Form and you lodge it with an EnableNSW application and a quote. Apply before you buy - EnableNSW does not reimburse wigs already purchased, and approval can take a few months.
How to apply - EnableNSWPhone 1800 362 253
South Australia - Equipment Program wigs
Metro Adelaide residents with permanent medical hair loss
SA's Equipment Program funds a synthetic wig (replaced no more than yearly) or a human hair wig (no more than every 5 years) for permanent hair loss from a major illness, confirmed by your GP. A GP or specialist submits the wig request form for you. Funding must go through a supplier on SA's approved list, who provides fitting, follow-up and a 12-month warranty - so check with us and the program before you buy.
How to apply - equipmentprogram.sa.gov.auPhone 1300 130 302 - Metropolitan Adelaide, approved suppliers only
Good to know
- Wigs are generally not funded by the NDIS or Medicare - the state subsidies above (SWEP in VIC, EnableNSW in NSW, the Equipment Program in SA) and the grants are the main public funding paths.
- State subsidies are claimed through the state you live in, and some - like SA's - only pay through their own approved suppliers. Tell us where you are based and we will help you work out what applies.
- There is currently no tax deduction for wigs. The medical expenses tax offset that once allowed this was abolished in 2019.
Not sure where to start? Call Angela on 1300 137 723 and she will point you in the right direction.
Watch and learn
Real stories, on video
A few videos our clients find helpful - what it is really like to live with alopecia and medical hair loss, and how a custom wig gives people their confidence back.
Support & community
People who understand
Active organisations and services, verified in 2026, for alopecia and treatment-related hair loss.
AAAF - alopecia support in Victoria
The national alopecia foundation runs a closed Victorian Facebook group, local meetups and open days, plus a directory of trusted providers and services. A dedicated VIC branch manager is a message away.
Cancer Council - 13 11 20
Experienced cancer nurses who can point you to every service available to you, including wig libraries and headwear support near you, through the My Cancer Guide directory.
Cancer wig libraries in NSW & SA
The Cancer Council's free national wig service does not cover NSW or SA - instead you borrow through hospital wig libraries (in NSW, Prince of Wales at Randwick, Northern Beaches and Nepean at Penrith among others) or your local Cancer Council office. A kind stopgap while your own wig is being made. Call 13 11 20 to find the nearest.
Look Good Feel Better
Free workshops across 100+ venues and online for anyone in cancer treatment, covering wigs and headwear, skincare and make-up, plus free home-delivered Confidence Kits. Phone 1800 650 960.
Peter Mac Headwear & Wig Library
Free borrowing of wigs, turbans, scarves and beanies for patients at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne - a kind stopgap while your own wig is being made.
Helpful hints
Practical tips from people who understand
No eyebrows or eyelashes?
Look Good Feel Better workshops teach brow and lash techniques for facial hair loss. We can also put you in contact with a cosmetic tattooist for eyebrows and eyelines, and help you find and apply great eyelashes.
Head wraps and hats
Markets, particularly craft markets, are great places to find hats - and if you have a particular size head, you could have one custom made. Soft cotton head wraps are a comfortable at-home option many clients love.
Donating or growing hair?
Variety's Hair with Heart program turns donated ponytails into wigs for children - it grew out of the Princess Charlotte Alopecia Foundation. See our Donate Hair page for how to prepare a donation.
Most importantly, we have established a great supportive network. We can connect you with other people who have medical hair loss.
You will no longer feel like you are the only one.
Program details verified July 2026 against each organisation's official information and may change - always confirm with the program before purchasing.
Take the first step
Ready when you are
Your first consultation with Angela is completely free - a calm, private space to talk through your options and see what is possible. Whenever you feel ready, she is here.