The guide to home modifications on the NDIS
On 3 October 2024, the definition of NDIS support changed. Read our guide to the updated list of supports funded by the NDIS here.
From apartment blocks and villas to townhouses and detached houses, different types of homes suit different people. For NDIS participants with mobility needs, some accommodation types can be limiting, unsafe or unsuitable. That’s why the NDIS supports eligible participants with funding for necessary home modifications. After all, everyone wants to live in the comfort of an accessible and safe home.
In this article, we’ll find out what types of modifications are funded by NDIS and learn about the eligibility criteria for participants wishing to adapt their homes.
On this page:
What are home modifications?
Home modifications are custom changes around a house that make moving around and performing daily tasks easier and more accessible. They can be as simple as installing rails in the bathroom to assist with mobility during baths, or more involved, such as widening doors and entrance points to allow wheelchair access throughout the house.
Under the NDIS, home modifications fall into two categories depending on their scope, complexity, risk levels and costs:
Minor Modifications
These are straightforward and non-structural changes that are low risk, easy to implement and cost under $20,000 to complete.
Some examples of minor modifications include:
- A simple or temporary ramp
- Hand-held shower heads and rails
- Accessible light switches and power points
Complex Home Modifications
Often referred to as CHM, these are higher risk projects that involve structural changes and works carried out in more than two areas of the property with the total cost exceeding $20,000 (higher if in remote areas).
Some examples of complex modifications include:
- Adjustment of the kitchen benches and/or the kitchen layout
- Widening of door frames, corridors, and other entrance points
- Combining the bathroom and toilet together
Who is eligible?
Funding is available to participants for a number of reasons related to wellbeing and the current environment at home. You may be eligible if:
- You have safety concerns or find it difficult to move around
- You struggle to maintain personal hygiene because of the lack of accessibility
- You struggle to pursue your goals because of your home setting
- You cannot access the rooms you need to use
- Your carers or support workers cannot look after you safely
As with all supports, NDIS only funds those considered reasonable and necessary, so your request would be assessed based on the standard NDIS funding criteria.
How do I get started?
If the NDIS deems your circumstances as eligible, the funding will appear in your Capital - Home Modifications budget, and you can get started with the project.
Note that access to certain builders will depend on how your funds are managed. If your funding is Agency managed, you can only employ builders who are NDIS registered. They will also need to adhere to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s regulations for quality and safety. However, if your funds are self-managed or plan managed, you can use any builders, as long as they have all the relevant qualifications to carry out the project.
It’s also important to note that Home Modifications funding is not flexible, so you can only spend it on the modifications described in your plan. However, if you wish, you may increase the project budget by contributing funds from your own pocket. This might give you more flexibility to add certain aesthetic or practical features, such as underfloor heating, to be installed during the works.
Lastly, keep in mind that all home modifications will have to adhere to the local building laws and regulations in your local suburb and state.
Interested in living independently?
We know many people with disability are interested in new ways they can live independently with support, and that's what we provide with our ILO service.
