NDIS Home Modifications Budget
The home-changes category inside capital supports.
Home modifications are custom-built changes to where you live that help you access and use areas of your home - that is the NDIS's own definition. In a plan the category sits inside the capital supports budget, beside assistive technology. Capital funding is stated rather than flexible: it is set aside for what it names and cannot move between categories.
Minor and complex modifications
The NDIS splits home modifications by risk and scale. Minor modifications are lower-risk changes: adding or removing taps, constructing simple ramps, installing non-slip floor treatments, or fitting lever door handles. Complex modifications carry higher risk, can touch several areas of the home, and need approvals and certificates of completion - permanent ramps that require a building permit, lifts, or extensive electrical, plumbing, or structural work.
Assessments and who does the work
A home modification assessor recommends the changes. For complex projects, funding can also take in a building construction practitioner, and a building works project manager where major structural work is involved. The NDIS only pays for modifications completed by a qualified builder and by tradespeople qualified for the specific type of work.
Renting and ownership
NDIS funding can only pay for modifications to a home you own, or to a home whose owner agrees can be modified. Renters are not excluded, but the owner's agreement comes first, so raise it with the landlord before assessment work begins.
Confirming what your plan allows
Whether a home modification can be claimed depends on your individual plan, your goals, and how your funding is managed. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm what applies to you. If you intend to claim, check with your plan manager or support coordinator before purchasing. You can browse every home modifications support item with its code, or place any item with the budget category finder.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
What are NDIS home modifications?
The NDIS describes home modifications as custom-built changes to where you live that help you access and use areas of your home. They sit in the capital supports budget as their own support category, separate from assistive technology, and range from simple rails and ramps through to structural building work.
Can renters get home modifications?
Ownership is not required, but permission is. The NDIS states funding can only pay for modifications to a home you own, or to a home whose owner agrees can be modified. For rentals that means the landlord’s agreement, so start that conversation before any assessment work begins.
What is the difference between minor and complex home modifications?
Minor modifications are lower-risk changes such as adding taps, simple ramps, non-slip floor treatments, or lever door handles. Complex modifications carry higher risk, can affect several areas of the home, and need approvals and certificates of completion - think permanent ramps requiring permits, lifts, or structural building work.
Who assesses and builds NDIS home modifications?
A home modification assessor recommends the changes. Complex projects can also fund a building construction practitioner, and a project manager for major structural work. The NDIS only pays for modifications completed by a qualified builder and tradespeople qualified for the specific type of work involved.
Related: the assistive technology budget, the consumables budget, and the NDIS Funding & Budgets guide. Outside the NDIS, Support at Home & AT-HM is the aged-care route to home modifications.