Home automation is one way technology can help make everyday life at home easier, safer and more manageable. It can include supports that help you do things like turn on lights, open doors, adjust blinds or use appliances more independently.
If you have an NDIS Plan, you may be wondering whether home automation can be funded. In some cases, the NDIS may cover these supports when they help you with daily tasks at home and relate to your disability support needs.
What is home automation?
Home automation uses technology to control parts of your home, such as lighting, temperature and appliances.
Under the NDIS, home automation is generally considered a type of home modification. It includes supports that help you use different areas of your home more independently. Using voice control, mobile apps, sensors or timers, home automation may help you manage:
- Doors
- Lights
- Windows
- Blinds
- Airconditioning
- Appliances.
When may the NDIS fund home automation?
The NDIS can fund home automation if support is:
- Directly related to your disability. It must help you with daily tasks that are hard because of your disability.
- Reasonable and necessary. The support must help you work towards your goals, improve independence or safety and be value for money.
- The most suitable option. The NDIS will look at whether simpler or cheaper solutions could meet the same need first.
- Supported by evidence. The most common type of evidence is a report from an occupational therapist (OT). Your OT will assess how your disability affects your daily life and what supports could help you be more independent and safe at home.
What evidence do you need?
The NDIS will look at the information you provide to decide if home automation is reasonable and necessary for you. The report from your OT should explain:
- Why you need home automation because of your disability
- How will the support help you in daily life
- Why other options are not suitable
- How it supports your NDIS goals
- Why is it a good value compared to other ways of meeting the same need.
Clear, detailed evidence can make a big difference. It is also helpful to include quotes, product comparisons and any supporting documents that show the requested support is the best value option.
Do I need to try other options first?
Yes. The NDIS generally expects you to consider low or mid-cost assistive technology first. Depending on your NDIS Plan, these supports may also need approval. This could include simpler options such as modified switches, remote controls or basic smart devices that may achieve a similar result.
Your OT can help you explore these options. If lower cost supports don’t meet your needs, your OT can explain why more advanced home automation is required.
Which parts of my home can be automated?
In most cases, the NDIS will only fund home automation in the parts of your home that you use regularly.
This may include the:
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Living areas
- Entry or exit points you use often.
The NDIS will not usually fund home automation for rooms you don’t use regularly or that are mainly used by other people, such as bedrooms of other adults in the home.
You can still choose to pay for additional automation yourself if it is not considered reasonable and necessary under the NDIS.
What won't the NDIS fund?
The NDIS will not fund home automation if:
- It is not directly related to your disability
- It does not reduce barriers caused by your disability
- It does not represent value for money
- Other supports already meet your needs
- It is something everyone needs, whether they have a disability or not
- It is mainly for convenience or comfort, rather than disability support.
For example, general home security or lifestyle upgrades are not usually considered NDIS supports.
How to apply for home automation funding.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Talk to your OT. Ask for an assessment of your needs at home.
- Explore other options first. Try low or mid-cost assistive technology if suitable.
- Get a written report. Your OT should clearly explain why home automation is needed and how it meets NDIS criteria.
- Submit the request to the NDIS. Your planner, LAC or support coordinator can help with this.
- Wait for a decision. The NDIS will review your evidence and decide if it can be included in your plan.
Need help understanding your options?
If you’re thinking about home automation, the Leap in! Crew can help explain your options. We can help you work out what’s reasonable, what’s likely to be funded and how you can work with your OT to build a strong case for your NDIS Plan.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78, email us at [email protected] or chat with us online at www.leapin.com.au.
