For those in need of an assistive device

You can apply for an exception in the following cases
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● To reduce your co-payment. The co-payment is the amount you must pay for your assistive device. The amount depends on the device, its cost, and the price limit. The Social Insurance Board will reduce the co-payment if the applicant or their family has received subsistence benefits in the month of application or the 12 months preceding it. If your financial situation does not allow you to pay the co-payment, the Social Insurance Board may reduce it to up to five percent of the device's cost. To do this, you must submit an application for co-payment reduction and consent to the review of income-related data from various information systems or databases. When reducing the co-payment, we take into account the income of the applicant (or legal representative in the case of children), monthly obligations for assistive devices, and the subsistence level.
● To acquire a new device because the one you are using no longer meets your needs (e.g., your hearing or vision has worsened; the device is too small because the child has grown; the device was destroyed in an accident, etc.).● You need an assistive device that is not on the list of assistive devices, but you cannot manage your daily life without it.
● You need an assistive device marked with "based on an exception application" in the list of assistive devices.● You need a larger quantity of an assistive device than is available with the state subsidy. If you have a need for an increased quantity of devices due to a diagnosis or functional impairment, you can apply for an increase. For example, a child may need one standing frame at home and another at kindergarten or school.● Your assistive device is more expensive than the price limit used to calculate the state subsidy. For example: The monthly price limit for a stroller rental is 145 euros, and the state subsidy is 90%. The company informs you that the monthly rental price for a suitable stroller is 160 euros (i.e., the cost exceeds the price limit). In this case, the state pays 90% of 145 euros for you, totaling 130.50 euros. Your co-payment in this case remains 29.50 euros per month. You have the right to submit an application to increase the price limit. If the price limit for the device suitable for you is increased, the state will start paying 90% of 160 euros, i.e., 144 euros.Note! We increase the price limit if no suitable assistive devices can be found within the current price limit.● If you wish to rent a device that is only available for purchase, or purchase a device that is only available for rent, the Social Insurance Board can facilitate this if there is a justified need. However, be sure to consider the differences between renting and purchasing. The rental price of an assistive device includes maintenance and repairs if necessary. The company is obligated to perform periodic maintenance on the rented device after a certain period. During this time, you have the right to use a replacement product. If you rent a device, it is possible to exchange it for a product that better meets your needs if your health condition changes.

Documents required for an exception application
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● A copy of the assistive device certificate stating the required device. The required device may also be listed in your rehabilitation plan. If the need for the device is stated in your rehabilitation plan, you do not need to submit it to us. You may attach a more detailed assessment (or video) from your therapist regarding the suitability and necessity of the device.
Note! When applying for a device not included in the list, you must provide a certificate from a medical specialist, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist confirming the need for the device.● If you wish to increase the price limit for a device, apply for a device not on the list, purchase a rental device, rent a device intended for purchase, or apply for a device with no established price limit, you must include two price quotes from different companies on equal terms.Please note! If only one company offers the device suitable for you, you may submit only one price quote. Please explain this in the explanation section of the application.● If you wish to reduce your co-payment, you must also submit a price quote for the desired device. If the price of the device exceeds the price limit, two competing price quotes must be submitted. See increasing the price limit.‍
Additional documents
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● If you are 18–26 years old and studying abroad, please include a copy of your school enrollment certificate.
● If you have been appointed as a legal guardian, please include a copy of the court order.
● If you are representing someone else, please include a power of attorney.

Where to send the application?
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● You can submit your application via the Social Insurance Board’s self-service portal at sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee
‍● Send documents via email to info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee
● Mail them to Paldiski mnt 80, 15092 Tallinn
● You can also fill out the application and submit documents in person at a Social Insurance Board customer service office.

Click here to download the application: Assistive device exception application 03.01.2025.docx