The home modifications we fund need to be value for money compared with the benefits for you, and compared with other supports that would achieve the same outcome.
We need to think about:
- if other similar options, like assistive technology or other modifications, could achieve the same outcome at a much lower cost
- if your home modification costs more than similar modifications done in your area
- how your disability needs may change over time and if the home modification will help you in the long term
- how long you plan on staying in your home, and if the home modification is good value for this length of time
- if the home modification will reduce your need for other supports
We also think about:
- the age and condition of your home, if there are structural problems that wouldn’t support the modification, or if the property needs a lot of work to make it accessible
- how the home modification compares to the cost of moving to a more accessible home
- if the home modification will help reduce the risk of fatigue or injury to you or your carer.
When we consider value for money, we also think about your living situation. Learn more about how we consider value for money for the different living situations outlined below.
Does it matter how long you plan to stay in your current home or if you are renting?
We’ll consider funding home modifications whether you own or rent your home. We need to know how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you rent or own it. This will help us work out if the modification is likely to be value for money.
For example, minor home modifications are likely to be value for money if you plan to remain in your current home or have a lease for at least 12 months.
Complex home modifications are likely to be value for money If you plan to remain in your current home or have a lease for at least 3 years.
We might be able to fund the removal of your home modification if you are moving out at the end of your lease, as long as we agree to it before we fund the modification. Before we fund home modifications in your plan, we need to know if your landlord will need the modifications removed at the end of your lease. You need to give this to us in writing, so we can consider the extra removal cost.
What if you live in more than one home?
You might live in more than one home, for example because of shared parenting arrangements or holiday homes.
We will only fund modifications to a second home in rare situations. This is because it’s more likely to be value for money to only fund modifications to your main home.
If modifications to your second home meet the NDIS funding criteria, we’ll usually only fund modifications to help with your basic hygiene and access needs.
Can you get a new room in your home?
We think about if you could modify or rearrange other parts of your home instead of a new room. We generally don’t fund home modifications that increase a building’s size. This includes extensions to your home, or a new storey.
We also might talk to you about if you’d prefer to move into a more accessible home. We’ll consider your needs and preferences about where you want to live, and other factors including your family, community, culture, and work. We’ll consider the long term costs and benefits of other supports compared with home modifications.