Disability and Aged Care Medical Expenses – What You Can Still Claim

Can You Claim a Tax Offset for Medical Expenses?

Short answer: Only in very specific cases. The general medical expenses tax offset is mostly gone, but you can still claim disability aids, attendant care, and aged care expenses.

That’s it. No more claiming for dentist visits, scripts from the chemist, or physio unless it fits the special categories.

What Expenses Are Eligible?

Here’s what still makes the cut:

• Disability aids (hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc.)

• Attendant care (in-home help for daily living)

• Aged care (residential facilities and in-home aged care services)

Yes, hearing aids are absolutely included.

What Does “Net Expenses” Mean?

It’s the total you paid minus any:

• Medicare refunds

• Private health insurance payouts

• NDIS funding

• Government reimbursements

⚠️ Got a reimbursement through a compensation payment? That’s usually exempt — no need to reduce your claim.

What Records Should You Keep?

• Receipts for hearing aids, wheelchairs, etc.

• Statements from aged care or in-home providers

• Documentation of any refunds or reimbursements

• Expenses for your dependants (spouse, children, or others you support)

Store these for at least five years.

How Much Can You Claim?

The offset is income tested — the higher your income, the less you can claim. And it’s only available for:

• 2018–19 and earlier for general claims

• 2019–20 onwards, only for disability aids, attendant care, and aged care

Use the ATO’s Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset Calculator to see where you stand.

How to Claim

1. Add up your net eligible expenses for the year

2. Use the ATO’s calculator to check your offset amount

3. Enter the details in the “Net medical expenses” section of your tax return

Derek’s FAQ – Real Questions, Real Fast

Q: Can I claim hearing aids I bought for my mum in aged care?
A: Yep — if she’s your dependant and you paid the out-of-pocket amount.

Q: I got money back from my private health fund. Can I still claim?
A: Yes — but only for the part you actually paid.

Q: What about general medical stuff? GP, dentist, etc.?
A: Nope. Only the three categories: disability aids, attendant care, and aged care.

Q: Can I claim NDIS-funded equipment?
A: Only if you paid part of the cost yourself. You can’t claim what NDIS already covered.

Bottom line:
This offset is very limited now — but if you’ve shelled out for things like hearing aids or aged care, you might still get some tax relief. Just claim what you paid, keep those receipts, and when in doubt — ask Derek below.

Let GoTax Handle It For You

GoTax Online helps you claim every eligible offset. We’ll ask the right questions to help you include disability and aged care expenses correctly.

Start your return now: www.gotax.com.au/guest-user