Assistive Technology &
Home Modifications (AT-HM)
Dedicated, upfront funding for equipment and home modifications — tiers, access levels, all 6 ISO function categories, and how to access the scheme.
What Is the AT-HM Scheme?
The AT-HM Scheme is a dedicated part of Support at Home that provides separate, upfront funding for the equipment and home modifications you need to live safely and independently. Unlike the old system, you don’t need to save from your regular care budget.
Funding is approved in one or more tiers for Assistive Technology (AT) and Home Modifications (HM) separately, based on assessed need. Each allocation is valid for a set period — typically 12 months.
- 3 funding tiers: Low, Medium, High
- AT and HM funded independently
- 12-month allocation period (24 for complex HM)
- 50% remote area supplement available
- High AT >$15,000 possible with evidence
- High HM capped at $15,000 per lifetime
Funding Tiers
Each tier applies to both AT and HM independently. A participant might receive Medium-tier AT and Low-tier HM, for example.
🟢 Low Tier
12-month allocation. Simple, low-cost daily living items that can be accessed without a formal prescription.
- Non-slip bath mats, grab rail handles
- Adaptive cutlery, button hooks, shoehorns
- Anti-oedema stockings
- Basic shower chairs
🟡 Medium Tier
12-month allocation. More advanced equipment or minor modifications that may need professional guidance for selection.
- Commode chairs, portable ramps
- Positioning cushions, bed rails
- Lightweight wheelchairs, rollators
- Grab rails (simple installs)
🔴 High Tier
12-month allocation (24 months for complex HM or progressive conditions). Complex or high-cost items requiring formal prescription.
- Powered wheelchairs, hoists
- Stairlifts, bathroom redesigns
- Ramps, widened doorways
- Complex communication devices
Access Categories
Every item on the AT-HM List is assigned an access category that determines how it’s obtained and whether a health professional needs to be involved.
No prescription required
Simple, low-cost items that are safe for general use. Can be arranged directly by your provider or you.
Examples:- Non-slip mats & bath accessories
- Adaptive cutlery & kitchen aids
- Button hooks, zip pulls, shoehorns
- Anti-oedema stockings
- Basic ergonomic tools
Professional guidance recommended
Generally safe items, but should be selected or installed with health professional input to ensure suitability. May not need a formal written prescription.
Examples:- Protective helmets (epilepsy)
- Positioning cushions
- Commode chairs (no castors)
- Shower seats (basic)
- Vision magnifiers
Formal prescription required
Complex or tailored items that must be prescribed by a qualified health professional and documented in your support plan. All home modifications require OT prescription.
Examples:- Powered wheelchairs & hoists
- Stairlifts & bathroom redesigns
- AAC communication devices
- All home modifications
- Orthoses & prosthetics
The AT-HM List: 6 Function Categories (ISO 9999:2022)
The AT-HM List is the government’s official catalogue of funded equipment and modifications. Items are organised into six function categories, each mapped to an ISO 9999:2022 classification code — the international standard for assistive technology. Understanding these categories helps clients and clinicians find the right item quickly.
Managing Body Functions
Products that measure, support, train, or substitute for body functions and structures — including pressure care, respiratory support, cognitive aids, and orthoses.
- Anti-oedema compression stockings
- Basic positioning wedges
- Pressure relief seat cushions
- Postural support devices
- Special pressure-relief mattresses
- Upper & lower limb orthoses
- Cognitive support & memory aids
- Time-sequencing devices
- Respiratory support equipment
Self-Care
Products for personal care and protection — dressing and grooming aids, toileting equipment, bathing and showering accessories, and incontinence management.
- Button hooks, zip pulls, shoehorns
- Adaptive clothing fasteners
- Non-slip bath mats, bath sponges on handles
- Shower chairs (basic/folding)
- Bath boards and bath seats
- Splash guards
- Raised toilet seats with armrests
- Commode chairs
- Hoist slings & shower trolleys
- Incontinence alarms
- Washable absorbent products (clinical need)
Mobility
Products for personal mobility — walking and standing aids, manual and powered wheelchairs, transfer equipment, and vehicle adaptations for independence in the community.
- Walking sticks (standard)
- Standard walking frames
- Basic rollators
- Custom & powered wheelchairs
- Motorised scooters
- Patient lifters & hoists
- Transfer boards & belts
- Stair-climbing aids
- Vehicle hoists & ramps
- Seat modifications for vehicles
Domestic Life
Products for managing the home environment — adapted kitchen tools, housecleaning aids, gardening equipment, and adaptive furniture that supports independent living at home.
- Adaptive cutlery & utensils
- Jar openers, one-handed boards
- Lightweight vacuums & mops
- Ergonomic gardening tools
- Laundry aids (reacher, basket trolley)
- Dycem non-slip matting
- Tap turners & lever adapters
- Adjustable-height beds
- Pressure-relief mattresses
- Bed rails & grab handles
- Over-bed tables
- Washing machines (severe incontinence — conditional)
Communication & Information
Products for communication and information management — visual aids, hearing systems, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, and safety alert systems.
- Large-print keyboard stickers
- Basic magnifiers
- Electronic magnifiers
- Reading lights & task lighting
- Amplified telephones
- AAC devices & speech generating devices
- Personal emergency alarms (PERS)
- Environmental control systems
- Screen reader software
- Hearing loop systems
- Sound-field amplification (if not covered by Hearing Services Program)
Home Modifications
Structural changes and adaptations to your home environment that improve accessibility, safety, and independence. All home modifications require OT prescription and are included in the HM funding tier.
- Grab rails (bathroom, toilet, hallway)
- Internal & external handrails
- Ramps & threshold modifications
- Stairlifts & vertical platform lifts
- Accessible shower conversions
- Lever taps & accessible fittings
- Widened doorways
- Non-slip flooring & surface treatments
- Task & safety lighting improvements
- Door, window & curtain openers
Capped at $15,000 per lifetime. Coordination costs capped at 15% or $1,500 (lower applies).
Some items are only funded when specific clinical or cultural needs are documented:
- Washing machines — severe, clinically documented incontinence
- Air purifiers — significant respiratory illness with clinical evidence
- Culturally appropriate items — First Nations clients with specific needs
The AT-HM scheme does not fund:
- General household appliances (TVs, fridges, dishwashers)
- Entertainment or luxury technology
- Sports, recreation, or fitness equipment
- Workplace machinery or work-related modifications
- Items for children (separate programs apply)
- Items funded by other government programs (e.g., NDIS, Hearing Services)
- Home modifications not prescribed by an OT
How to Access AT-HM Funding
The process from eligibility to receiving your equipment or modification typically follows these steps. AssistiveTeam can guide you through every stage.
Register with My Aged Care
Apply online at myagedcare.gov.au, call 1800 200 422, or ask your GP or healthcare professional for a referral.
Aged Care Assessment
A trained assessor visits you at home using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to identify your needs, goals, and eligibility for AT-HM funding tiers.
Notice of Decision
You receive a support plan and Notice of Decision confirming your funding classification and approved AT-HM tiers (Low, Medium, and/or High).
Priority System Placement
You’re placed in the AT-HM priority system. Allocation is based on urgency: Immediate → High → Medium → Standard.
Funding Allocation Letter
When funding becomes available, you receive a letter. You then have 56 days (extendable to 84) to choose a registered provider and sign a service agreement.
Service Agreement & Care Plan
You and your provider (e.g. AssistiveTeam) develop a service agreement and care plan detailing your approved supports, budget, and responsibilities.
Equipment Sourcing & Delivery
Your provider arranges prescriptions (if required), sources equipment from the AT-HM list, and organises delivery, installation, training, and follow-up.
Ongoing Support & Reviews
Monthly statements keep you informed of spending and remaining budget. If your needs change, request a Support Plan Review to access further funding.
National AT Loans Scheme
The government is developing a National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme (AT Loans Scheme) to allow eligible participants to borrow certain medium- and high-cost items rather than purchase them outright. This is particularly useful for short-term needs, trials before purchase, or where equipment can be reused.
Prescribers check the Loans Scheme first. If a suitable item is available, you borrow it. If not, your provider supports a purchase.
Low-cost items and home modifications are not available through the Loans Scheme. Private rental is an option for short-term AT needs.
Implementation is staged and varies by state and territory. AssistiveTeam can advise on availability in your area.
- Reduces upfront cost for short-term needs
- Supports equipment trials before committing
- Promotes sustainability through reuse
- Maintenance and refurbishment included
How AssistiveTeam Supports You
- Explain your funding and tiers clearly
- Prepare for your aged care assessment
- Develop your care plan and service agreement
- Source items from the AT-HM list
- Organise wraparound services (delivery, training, follow-up)
- Provide monthly statements and ongoing support
- Collaborate to implement clinical recommendations
- Assist with prescription documentation & evidence
- Check AT Loans Scheme availability
- Coordinate equipment trials and delivery
- Facilitate client and carer training
- Maintain detailed outcome records
These services are fully government-funded — you pay $0:
- OT assessments & prescriptions
- Equipment delivery & installation
- Training for you and carers
- Follow-up & adjustments
- Repairs & maintenance coordination
Ready to Access AT or Home Modification Funding?
Contact AssistiveTeam for a free, obligation-free consultation. We’ll guide you through your options, funding tiers, and the step-by-step process.
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