Smoke alarms save lives. But if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, a standard smoke alarm may not be enough to keep you safe in the event of a fire.
This guide explains what kinds of smoke alarms and alert systems the NDIS may fund and what other options may be available through state support schemes.
Why smoke alarms matter.
Smoke alarms detect smoke and give an early warning to help people escape safely. Most use a loud, high-pitched sound.
In Australia, each state and territory has rules about smoke alarm types and how many are required in homes, including rentals and public housing.
Most states now require:
- Photoelectric smoke detectors, which use a light beam to detect smoke
- Mains-powered, interconnected alarms that all go off at once.
(Some states are still phasing this in so check with your local fire authority what’s required in your area.)
Smoke alarm options for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
A working smoke alarm is your first line of defence. Fires can spread quickly, sometimes filling a room in just two or three minutes.
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you may need a smoke alarm with:
- A high-intensity strobe light for a visual alert during the day
- A vibrating shaker pad under your pillow to wake you at night.
These systems can connect wirelessly to your existing alarms.
Can the NDIS fund a smoke alarm?
The NDIS may fund smoke alarms or alerting systems for adults and children who are deaf or hard of hearing if the item meets the reasonable and necessary and assistive technology requirements.
The NDIS will look at:
- Whether the support is related to your disability
- If it helps you reach a goal in your plan (like living more independently)
- Whether it’s value for money
- Your ability to respond to an alarm on your own
- What equipment you already use
- Any existing systems used by others in your home
- Whether another organisation (like state housing) should fund the support.
The NDIS is more likely to help with funding if you can’t hear a standard alarm, even with hearing aids. If you have mild hearing loss and can hear a regular smoke alarm without help, extra funding is less likely.
What the NDIS may cover.
The NDIS won’t fund the cost of a standard smoke/fire alarm or upgrades that are required by law. These costs are the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord.
What the NDIS may cover includes:
- Visual strobe lights
- Bed shaker tactile alarms
- Installation and training on how to use the system
- Modifications to existing alarms if this is more cost effective.
How to get NDIS funding for a smoke alarm.
- Get advice from a health professional (like an audiologist) on the best option for you
- Talk to your NDIS planner about low-cost assistive technology
- Check your Core budget. You can usually purchase an item without written evidence if it costs under $1,500 and meets the NDIS criteria.
You can also buy specialised smoke alarms flexibly using your Core budget if:
- The item meets NDIS requirements
- You have enough funding
- It costs less than $1,500.
Help from state subsidy programs.
Some states offer extra help if you’re not eligible through the NDIS.
- Queensland: Deaf Connect Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme. Pay just $50 ($20 with a concession card) for a system that usually costs over $700.
- Tasmania and Victoria: Specialised Smoke Alarm Program. You may be eligible if you have severe to profound hearing loss. You’ll pay $50 out of pocket or nothing if you have a Pension Concession Card.
Don’t forget to check your alarms!
It’s a good idea to test your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they’re working as they should. If your disability makes it tricky to install, test or maintain your alarms, the NDIS may be able to help with support for this.
A few extra tips to keep in mind:
- Change the batteries in older alarms regularly
- If your alarm is more than 10 years old, it’s time for a replacement.
We can help.
Got questions about assistive technology under the NDIS? The friendly Leap in! Crew is here to help. Call us on 1300 05 78 78 or chat with us online at leapin.com.au.
Originally published on 11 April 2023 and updated 15 May 2025.
Further reading
What will the NDIS pay for?
NDIS support categories explained.
NDIS Core supports budget: A closer look.
