Your home should be a place of comfort, safety, and independence. No one should have to call for help every time they take a shower, or feel like getting from one room to another is an army-style obstacle course. But if it’s not built for your needs, even simple tasks can feel frustrating, exhausting, and downright unsafe.
The good news? The NDIS can help. Widening doorways, installing grab rails, adjusting bench heights, or making your bathroom safer to use, may be funded by the NDIS. If you’re unsure where to start, our Support Coordinators can guide you through the process from assessment to approval.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get home modifications funded by the NDIS in 2025: what’s included, who’s eligible, and how to set yourself up for approval.
What Are NDIS Home Modifications?
NDIS home modifications are physical changes to your home that help you live more safely and independently as a result of your disability. They’re funded under your Capital Supports budget and can range from simple changes like grab rails to full bathroom redesigns.
Examples of common home modifications funded by the NDIS:
- Ramps, step-free entryways, or handrails
- Accessible bathrooms or kitchens
- Widened doorframes for wheelchairs or walkers
- Automatic door openers or smart switches
- Ceiling hoists or adjustable benchtops
These modifications remove barriers in your home so you can always move freely and participate in daily life, safely and confidently.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS-Funded Home Modifications?
To be eligible, your need for home modifications must:
- Be directly related to your disability
- Be considered “reasonable and necessary”
- Support your NDIS goals (like independence, safety, or community access)
- Provide value for money compared to alternative supports
- Take place in a home you intend to live in long-term
If you’re not sure which category your needs fall into, Achora can help you interpret your NDIS plan, reach out today!
Minor vs Complex Home Modifications
When it comes to NDIS funding, home modifications are grouped into two main categories: minor and complex. Minor home modifications are more simple changes that don’t involve major structural work. Think of things like installing handrails, fitting lever-style taps, or adding small threshold ramps. These types of modifications aren’t as costly and, while they do require an occupational therapist (OT) report, they typically don’t need multiple quotes.
On the other hand, complex home modifications are more involved and often change the layout or structure of your home. This could include redesigning a bathroom for wheelchair access, widening doorframes, or installing ceiling hoists. Because these are more significant changes, they require detailed OT assessments, builder quotes, and must comply with Australian Building Codes. Making the process more detailed and time-consuming. Knowing whether your modification is minor or complex will help you understand the process, gather the right documents, and move forward with confidence.
How to Get NDIS Home Modifications Approved
Here’s how to navigate home modifications the process smoothly:
1. Raise It in Your Planning Meeting
Whether you’re applying for the first time or requesting an NDIS plan review, bring up your home environment and how it limits your independence or safety. Make it part of your goals.
2. Get an OT Home Modifications Assessment
An occupational therapist will assess your functional capacity and home environment, then make recommendations for modifications. This is a critical piece of evidence.
3. Gather Supporting Documents and Quotes
For complex works, you’ll need:
- Your OT assessment
- At least one (usually two) itemised quotes from qualified builders
- Owner or landlord consent in writing
- Engineering or council approvals (if required)
4. Submit Your Request to the NDIS
You or your support coordinator will submit the full evidence package. If approved, the NDIS will add the funding to your plan under Capital: Home Modifications.
5. Engage a Registered Builder and Get to Work
Once funds are in place, the modifications can begin! Make sure you work with licensed builders who follow NDIS quality and safety standards.
Smart Tips to Fast-Track Your NDIS Home Modifications
Want to get your NDIS home modifications approved faster? Start by clearly linking each modification to your NDIS goals. When you show exactly how the change will help you achieve greater safety, independence, or access, the NDIA can approve it more easily.
If you rent or live in a strata-managed property, secure written consent from your landlord or body corporate early. Describe the changes in detail. The clearer you are, the fewer delays you’ll face.
Choose standard materials and fittings, not luxury upgrades. The NDIS won’t fund designer features added for style alone. And make sure you team up with an experienced occupational therapist and builder who know the NDIS rules and building codes inside out. Their expertise helps you submit a strong application the first time around.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
One of the biggest mistakes people make is submitting a home modification request without a proper OT assessment. The NDIA depends on these reports to clearly understand your functional needs and why the modification is necessary. Another common issue is skipping landlord or property owner approval. Without written consent, your application won’t move forward.
Some providers slow things down by quoting for work that isn’t directly related to your disability, like repainting walls or replacing tiles just for aesthetic purposes. The NDIS won’t fund these extras, and including them can delay the entire process. Starting work before receiving formal NDIS approval is another major risk — doing so could mean you miss out on reimbursement. To stay on track, keep your application focused, compliant, and backed by clear documentation. If you’d like someone to review your documents before submission, our Support Coordinators are here to help. Book your free consultation and we’ll walk you through your next steps.
FAQs About NDIS and Home Modifications
Can I get home modifications if I’m renting?
Yes, but you’ll need written permission from your landlord or housing provider.
Will the NDIS pay for a full home renovation?
No, only the parts of your home that are impacted by your disability needs. Any modification must be functional, not decorative.
Can I start modifications before approval?
No. The NDIS won’t reimburse you for work started before the funding is officially approved.
What if I only need a small change?
You can still get funding for minor modifications like grab rails or ramps, often with faster approvals.
Your Home Should Work for You
You deserve to feel safe and supported in your own home. Whether it’s a small fix or a major structural change, NDIS-funded home modifications can make a real difference in your everyday life.
The key is knowing how the process works, preparing the right documents, and showing how the changes support your goals. At Achora, we’re experts at securing the modifications you deserve. We recently helped Paul get the adaptations he needed after months of setbacks with other providers. You can learn more about his experience here.
If you’d like to explore what’s available for you, we’re here to make the process easy, fast, and stress-free.