Support At Home: How Separate AT-HM Funding Keeps You Independent
From 1 November 2025 the Support at Home program introduces a standalone Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT‐HM) scheme.
This scheme funds equipment, products and home adaptations like mobility aids or bathroom rails, based on your assessed needs.
Because AT‐HM funding is separate from your regular Support at Home budget, you won't need to save service funds to get the supports you need.
under the new Support At Home program, a single aged care provider (also known as a care partner) will be responsible for delivering and arranging your care services.
Health professional assessments, nursing and wrap‐around services are considered clinical care and are fully funded (no contribution fee).
In this blog post we explain the new AT-HM scheme, how to access it and what's included.
At a glance
Assistive tech and home modifications defined: Assistive technology includes mobility aids, toileting supports and bathing devices; home modifications range from grab rails and non‐slip flooring to ramps or bathroom redesigns (in some cases). A full list of what can be funded under the AT-HM scheme is available here.
Separate funding tiers: AT‐HM funding does not come from your quarterly Support at Home budget. Three funding tiers: low (under $500), medium (up to $2 000) and high (up to $15 000) that can cover equipment and home modifications.
Approval through assessment: Your aged care assessment determines if you need AT‐HM support. Once approved, funding is included in your support plan, and your care partner provider arranges equipment and modifications.
Support At Home contributions apply: Participants may contribute to equipment costs. Health professional assessments and wrap‐around services are considered clinical care and are fully funded.
What Is the AT‐HM Scheme?
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme also known as AT-HM for short, is a new part of the Support at Home program that gives eligible participants access to products, equipment and home modifications based on their assessed needs. Assistive technology covers items that help you do things more easily or independently.
Examples include mobility equipment such as walking sticks, walking frames and wheelchairs, toileting supports like bedpans and commodes, and bathing devices such as shower chairs and bath boards.
Home modifications refer to changes to your home environment that make it safer and more accessible so you can remain living at home.
Simple modifications include grab rails in the shower, internal and external handrails and non‐slip surfaces.
In some cases, more significant modifications, such as a bathroom redesign to improve accessibility or installing ramps and stair lifts may be approved.
Separate Funding Explained
The AT‐HM scheme is funded separately from your quarterly Support at Home budget. Unlike the current Home Care Packages program, you won't need to save money from your services budget to purchase equipment or make home modifications. Instead, your support plan will include a specific AT‐HM funding level based on your assessed needs.
There are three funding tiers for both assistive technology and home modifications:
Low (under $500)
Medium (up to $2 000)
High (up to $15 000)
Participants may access items that exceed the nominal high tier if they have a prescribed need.
The AT‐HM funds cover the items themselves. The health professional assessments and wrap‐around supports are fully funded to ensure you use the equipment safely and effectively.
| Funding tier | Funding allocation (up to) | Funding period |
|---|---|---|
| Assistive technology | ||
| Low | $500 | 12 months |
| Medium | $2,000 | 12 months |
| High | $15,0001 | 12 months |
| Home modifications | ||
| Low | $500 | 12 months |
| Medium | $2,000 | 12 months |
| High | $15,000 | 12 months2 |
| Other funding | ||
| Assistance dog maintenance | $2,000 per year | Ongoing3 |
- Assistive technology (High) – High tier assistive technology is not capped at $15,000. Participants who have assistive technology costs above $15,000 can access additional funding with evidence, such as a valid prescription.
- Home modifications (High) – Funding may be extended for an additional 12 months to complete complex home modifications (24 months in total) if evidence is provided to Services Australia.
- Other funding – Funding will be automatically allocated every 12 months, however, the funding cannot accrue or roll over.
Information correct as at 20 October 2025. Source: Support at Home program manual (Version 4.0). Australian Government. pg 172 https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-09/support-at-home-program-manual-a-guide-for-registered-providers.pdf
Once you are approved for AT‐HM, funds are available for 12 months. They do not accrue over time.
If you have specific progressive conditions or need complex home modifications, the funding period may be extended.
If your needs change after your AT‐HM funding has expired, you can be re‐assessed to access further funding.
Moderate participant contributions may apply to the cost of equipment or modifications. However, the cost of health professional assessments, prescriptions and wrap‐around services is fully covered as clinical care.
Accessing and Sourcing Supports
Your journey with the AT‐HM scheme begins with an aged care assessment. During your assessment, you and your assessor will discuss whether you need products, equipment or home modifications to live safely and independently. If you are approved for the AT‐HM scheme, your support plan will include funding for assistive technology, home modifications or both.
Participants moving from a Home Care Package should talk to their provider about any AT‐HM needs and must use unspent HCP funds before accessing AT‐HM funding.
Once approved, your Support at Home aged care provider is responsible for arranging and sourcing the equipment and modifications.
Under the new Support at Home program, a single aged care provider (also known as a care partner) will be responsible for delivering your care services including arranging and sourcing the equipment and modifications needed.
For low‐risk products and equipment, your provider can help you access items directly from the approved AT‐HM list.
For more complex items, your provider will organise a health professional assessment such as from an occupational therapist to prescribe an item that meets your needs.
All home modifications must be prescribed by a suitably qualified health professional to ensure they are right for you.
Examples Across Tiers
The AT‐HM funding tiers reflect the cost and complexity of the supports you need.
Low‐tier items (under $500) are simple, low‐cost products that don't require prescription. Examples include handheld grab rails, shower chairs or non‐slip bathroom mats.
Medium‐tier items (up to $2 000) might include equipment, such as chair commode with castors.
High‐tier items (up to $15 000) cover major equipment or modifications like bathroom redesigns, permanent wheelchair ramps or stair lifts. In some circumstances, you may access equipment that exceeds the high tier if a health professional prescribes it.
Items on the AT‐HM list are classified by risk levels:
Low risk: Simple items that don't need prescription or customisation.
Under advice: Products that are generally low risk but would benefit from professional advice to ensure correct selection, installation or use.
Prescribed: More complex or costly products or equipment, often configured or adapted to meet individual support needs. A health professional must prescribe these items.
Products excluded from AT‐HM funding include items funded by other government services, usual household expenses, items for workplace use, or supports designed for children.
Only items on the AT‐HM list are eligible for funding.
If you have specific needs or need assistance such as an assistance dog, you may be eligible for additional funding over a longer period.
Maintenance, Repairs & Replacement
The Government is exploring the establishment of a National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme (AT Loans Scheme) as part of the AT‐HM scheme.
This program, to be delivered in partnership with state and territory governments, would provide loanable equipment, including delivery and installation. Importantly, it would support maintenance, repairs and refurbishment of loaned items so that all equipment remains fit for purpose.
A staged implementation is planned after 1 November 2025, with details varying by state and territory.
How the AT-HM funding works
AT‐HM funds are available for 12 months and will not accrue over time. If your needs change or you require additional equipment after your funding expires, you can request a re‐assessment to access further AT‐HM funding.
Any unspent Home Care Package funds carry over to the Support at Home program and may be used for AT‐HM, but must be spent before you use your approved AT‐HM funding.
Participant contributions may apply to the cost of equipment or modifications, while the cost of assessments and training is fully funded.
Fictional Case Study Example of AT-HM Services & Activities
Tina* is a Support at Home participant with medium-tier assistive technology funding. After several falls, she and her care partner agree she could benefit from equipment to move around her home more safely.
With Tina's consent, an occupational therapist (OT) reviews her history, needs and preferences, recommends a shower chair, commode chair, walking frame and a non-slip kitchen mat. Tina agreed with the recommendations and the OT provided the care partner with a prescription for the assistitive technology items required. The provider discussed the prescription with Tina and documented the information in Tina’s care plan.
The care partner sources the items within Tina's individualised budget. The care partner talks to Tina about the agreed price and works with Tina to update her individualised budget before purchasing the items. When the equipment arrives, the OT shows Tina how to use it, especially the walking frame, and supervises her practice to make sure she can use it safely.
At month-end, the provider claims costs from two accounts. From the Assistive Technology fund: $180 (shower chair), $150 (commode chair), $210 (walking frame), $22.80 (non-slip mat), $600 for three hours of OT prescription, $50 for delivery (wrap-around service), $200 for a one-hour education session on using the equipment (wrap-around service), and $120 for one hour of administration to source and purchase items. This cost was agreed with Tina and is under the $500 or 10% cap for administrative activities.
From the Care Management account: $60 for 0.5 hours covering the initial conversation, documentation and referral to the OT (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2025, pp. 175–176).
*Fictional case study. Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025). Support at Home program manual (Version 4.0).
Australian Government.
Need Help?
If you'd like help getting ready for Support at Home – the BCD care team can walk you through your options and what to do next. Give us a call on on 1800 275 223 or get in touch through our contact form and we'll call you straight back. We’re here to help!
FAQs
Find answers to common concerns on our FAQ page or read more about the Support At Home program on our blog.
What is considered assistive technology or a home modification?
Assistive technology includes items or equipment that help you perform daily tasks more easily, such as walking sticks, walking frames, wheelchairs, bedpans, commodes, shower chairs and bath boards. Home modifications are changes to your home environment that improve safety and accessibility, such as grab rails, handrails, non‐slip surfaces, bathroom redesigns, ramps and stair lifts.
How do I access the AT‐HM scheme?
Your eligibility for AT‐HM funding is determined during your aged care assessment. If approved, the funding is included in your support plan. Your Support at Home provider will be responsible for sourcing and arranging low‐risk items and organising prescriptions for more complex equipment. Participants moving from a Home Care Package must use unspent HCP funds first.
Do I have to pay anything for assistive technology and home modifications?
Participant contributions may apply to the cost of equipment or home modifications. The amount depends on your income and the type of item. However, the cost of health professional assessments, prescriptions and wrap‐around services is fully funded as clinical care.
Visit the My Aged Care website for the latest information.
Sources:
My Aged Care Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/support-at-home-program-services.pdf
Support At Home: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home
Support at Home program Factsheet–Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme
support-at-home-program-assistive-technology-and-home-modifications-scheme.pdf
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/support-at-home-short-term-pathways
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.