Home modifications are changes made to your home to help you live more safely and independently. They can range from simple installations like adding a grab rail to complex structural changes such as bathroom renovations or lifts.
The NDIS may fund home modifications if they meet the reasonable and necessary criteria and relate directly to your disability support needs.
What are home modifications?
Home modifications are custom changes to your home’s layout, structure, fixtures or fittings as well as regulatory certification requirements.
They’re designed to:
- Help you live more independently
- Improve safety
- Make it easier for support workers to assist you.
You may be eligible for home modifications if:
- You have trouble moving around your home or using rooms safely
- You need help with personal care such as showering
- You can’t access essential areas like the kitchen or bathroom
- Your home environment is limiting your ability to reach your goals
- Your home needs changes so support workers can assist you safely.
Types of NDIS home modifications.
The NDIS classifies home modifications based on cost and complexity.
(1) Minor home modifications – under $20,000.
Minor home modifications are lower-risk changes that cost less than $20,000, don’t require structural changes and only apply to one or two areas of the home.
They are divided into::
- Category A: Minor home modifications under $10,000 with no structural changes
- Category B: Minor home modifications between $10,000 and $20,000 or minor bathroom floor changes.
Examples
- Grab rail or handrail installations
- Lever-style tapware or handheld shower installation
- Low-cost ramp installation
- Widening internal non-structural doorways.
(2) Complex home modifications (CHM).
Complex home modifications are custom-built or structural changes, often across multiple areas. They usually require building approvals.
Examples
- Permanent ramps
- Bathroom floor changes including stepless showers
- Major plumbing or electrical work
- Removing load-bearing walls
- Lifts or elevators over $10,000.
The NDIS may also fund extra supports to oversee the work such as a building works project manager.
How to get home modifications in your NDIS Plan.
All home modifications require an assessment before funding can be included in your plan. If you think home modifications may help you to achieve your goals, give yourself some time to work through the following process.
(1) Talk to your support team. Speak with your myNDIS contact, support coordinator or planner.
(2) Get an assessment.
- For Category A modifications, any qualified occupational therapist can complete the assessment
- For Category B or complex modifications, you’ll need a qualified home modification assessor (specialist OT)
(3) Provide supporting evidence. Use the relevant NDIS templates and include any assessments and permissions (e.g. from landlords or body corporates)
(4) Get quotes if needed.
- Minor home modifications do not typically require quotes from a builder, but you should keep any quotes for your records, as the NDIS may ask to see them
- You do not need to provide a quote if you’re in a remote or very remote area
- Complex modifications require two itemised quotes.
If approved, funding will be added to the Capital – Home Modifications section of your plan.
What the NDIS considers.
Home modifications must meet the NDIS funding criteria. The NDIS looks at whether the change:
- Relates to your disability
- Supports your goals or participation in social/work life
- Is effective and beneficial for you
- Is safe and legal (meets Australian standards)
- Represents value for money compared to other options.
- Is likely to be used long-term (particularly if you own or plan to stay in the home).
Other things you need to know.
- Written permission from your landlord, mortgage provider or body corporate is required before starting work
- Builders must be licensed and insured
- If you’re Agency-managed, builders must be registered NDIS providers
- Assessment costs appear in your Capacity Building budget (2–10 hours for minor mods, 15–20 hours for complex).
What the NDIS usually won’t fund.
- General home repairs or upgrades not related to your disability
- Solar panels, home batteries, generators or hot water systems
- Standard furniture, fittings or appliances
- High-end finishes unless you pay the difference
- Swimming pools or spas
- Modifications that breach buildings codes or laws
- Removing modifications at the end of a lease (unless agreed upfront).
Modifications for new home builds.
The NDIS may fund the difference between standard inclusions and what you need for accessibility, if it meets the NDIS funding criteria. This may include:
- Wider doorways
Automated entry doors - Layout changes to allow wheelchair turning space.
A qualified home modification assessor must confirm the need for these features.
Need help?
The Leap in! Crew can help you connect with providers, navigate the process and get the most from your NDIS Plan.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78, use the chat feature on our website or email [email protected].
Further reading
Originally published on 17 March 2019, updated on 28 December 2022 and 28 May 2025.
