What is the Assistive Technology and Home
Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?
Staying safe, mobile, and independent at home is important for older Australians and under the Support at Home program, participants will benefit from a streamlined approach to accessing Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme.
As part of the upcoming Support at Home program, there will be separate, dedicated funding to help older people access the right equipment and modifications they need because installing a grab bar shouldn’t have to come out of your home care budget!
What is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to everyday equipment designed to support independence and safety, such as walking frames, shower chairs, and wheelchairs. While Home Modifications (HM) include practical changes to the home environment that make it safer and more accessible, like installing grab rails, ramps, or stair lifts.
AT-HM under Support at Home are grouped into three risk tiers to ensure safe and appropriate use:
Low risk items
Simple, low-cost products that don’t need customisation or a prescription like a shower chair.
Under advice items
Also low risk but may require professional input, to make sure they’re used safely and effectively.
Prescribed items
More complex and must be recommended by a qualified health professional, such as a physiotherapist or nurse, to ensure they meet the client’s specific needs.
Together, AT-HM helps reduce risks, improve accessibility, and make daily life easier.
How AT-HM funding works
Based on their specific needs, participants assessed as requiring AT-HM support will be allocated to one of three funding tiers:
| Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $2,000 | $15,000 |
These allocations are determined during the assessment process and are separate from the participant’s regular Support at Home budget. Higher amounts can be approved with a prescription for assistive technology.
Once approved, funding must be used within 12 months. Repairs or maintenance for assistive technology are also covered under the AT-HM allocation.
Note: Funding for high-tier home modifications will be capped at $15,000 per lifetime.
Contributions and eligibility
AT-HM funding is considered part of Independence Support. New entrants to the Support at Home program may be asked to contribute between 5–50% of the cost, depending on their income assessment and pension status.
For those already on a Home Care Package (HCP):
- All transitioned Home Care Package participants will have transitional approval for assistive technology and home modifications, meaning that if you have unspent funds accrued prior to 31 October 2025 you can use this for your AT-HM needs.
- If you have unspent funds before 31 October 2025, you must use these first for AT-HM needs.
- If you are a transitioned client and do not have any unspent funds when you transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025, you will have to undergo an assessment to obtain AT-HM funding.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has put together a document outlining all included and excluded items that can be purchased under the new Support at Home scheme. You can see the AT-HM list here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
Do you have questions or are not sure what to do next? Get in touch with our team at 1800 024 000 or book a free Explainer Session and we will call you back at a time that suits you best.
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