Previously, people often had to save up funds from their Support at Home budget to afford assistive technology or home modifications. This could take months, and sometimes years.
The new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme changes that. It gives eligible older people separate, dedicated funding for the equipment and home changes they need, without eating into the money used for their day-to-day services. Here is how it works and what older people, families and referrers need to know.
What the AT-HM scheme provides
The scheme offers standalone funding that sits outside a person’s Support at Home budget. This means participants no longer need to ration their quarterly service funds to pay for important safety equipment or home modifications.
The AT-HM scheme can fund assistive technology such as walkers, shower chairs, mobility devices and toileting supports, as well as home modifications such as grab rails, ramps, stair lifts, accessible bathroom designs and widened doorways. This funding is approved at a specific tier based on assessed need.
How people access the scheme
Older people are assessed for AT-HM during their aged care assessment. If they need assistive technology, home modifications or both, the assessor will approve them for an appropriate funding tier. This will appear in their Notice of Decision and support plan.
Importantly, AT-HM funding can be allocated before their ongoing Support at Home funding, because it is managed through a separate priority system.
Participants can start using their AT-HM funds when they have been allocated a funding tier, they have chosen a provider and their provider notifies Services Australia that services will begin.
If a person needs more funding than their tier provides, the provider can request a Support Plan Review with evidence from relevant health professionals.
Participants who moved across from the Home Care Packages Program must first use any unspent HCP funds before accessing AT-HM funding.
Assistive technology: what is included
Assistive technology includes any item that helps a person carry out daily activities more easily or regain abilities they can no longer perform independently.
Common examples include walking sticks, walking frames and wheelchairs, as well as shower chairs, bath boards, bedpans, commodes and other toileting or bathing supports.
Funding is generally available for 12 months after the service agreement is signed. Participants with progressive conditions automatically receive 24 months, with the option to apply for a further extension.
Assistive technology funding tiers
Low: under $500
Medium: up to $2,000
High: up to $15,000 or more if required
These funds cover the item itself, any required prescription, wraparound supports so the item can be used safely, and administrative coordination.
If a person needs assistive technology costing more than $15,000, a request with evidence must be submitted through My Aged Care. Most high-tier requests are processed within 14 calendar days.
Home modifications: what is included
Home modifications include changes to make the person’s home safer, more accessible and easier to navigate.
Examples include grab rails in bathrooms, internal and external handrails, ramps, stair lifts, accessible bathroom layouts and widening doorways or hallways for mobility devices.
Home modification funding tiers
Low: under $500
Medium: up to $2,000
High: up to $15,000
Modifications are typically funded for 12 months, with high-tier extensions available to 24 months if progress is demonstrated.
How items are categorised
The AT-HM list groups items into low risk (simple, low-cost items that do not require prescription), under advice (items that may need advice to select or install effectively) and prescribed (complex or customised items that must be prescribed by a qualified health professional). Items funded by other schemes or everyday household goods are excluded.
National Assistive Technology Loans scheme
The government is developing a National Assistive Technology Loans scheme with states and territories. This will allow participants to loan certain equipment before buying it. Prescribers will check availability through a state-based system. If an item is unsuitable or unavailable for loan, the participant can purchase it using AT-HM funding. Low-cost daily living items will not be part of the loan scheme. Home modifications are also excluded.
The loan scheme will roll out in stages across different states and territories.
Coordinating AT-HM services
Providers are responsible for sourcing equipment, arranging home modifications, organising prescriptions or professional advice, ensuring the participant can use the item safely, keeping appropriate documentation, managing maintenance and requesting Support Plan Reviews when required.
Participants in remote areas receive a supplement to support the cost of equipment and associated travel.
Participants still contribute to some item costs based on their income and assets assessment. Clinical supports such as prescriptions and wraparound services are fully government funded.
What this means for older Australians
The AT-HM scheme gives older people faster access to essential equipment and safer home environments. It removes the pressure to save up service funds and ensures the right supports can be put in place sooner. For many people, this is exactly what allows them to stay at home with confidence, comfort and independence.
