NDIS Capital Supports: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Capital Supports is the NDIS funding category for higher-cost, one-off purchases that help you live more independently. This includes assistive technology, home modifications, and specialised disability accommodation. This guide explains what's covered and how to access it.

What are Capital Supports?

Capital Supports covers items and modifications that are typically expensive and last a long time. Unlike Core Supports (ongoing assistance) or Capacity Building (skill development), Capital Supports is for physical items and modifications to your environment.

There are three main types of Capital Supports:

1. Assistive Technology (AT) — equipment and devices
2. Home Modifications — changes to your home for accessibility
3. Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA) — specialist housing for participants with very high needs

Assistive Technology (AT)

What is AT?

Assistive Technology is any device or equipment that helps you do something you can't do without assistance, or helps you do it more safely and independently.

Levels of AT complexity

The NDIS categorises AT into four complexity levels:

• Level 1 (Low risk/basic) — off-the-shelf items like non-slip mats, large-button remotes, or basic communication apps (usually under $1,500)
• Level 2 (Standard) — items that need some setup or adjustment, like basic mobility aids or standard shower chairs
• Level 3 (Complex) — items that need professional assessment, like powered wheelchairs or custom communication devices
• Level 4 (Highly complex) — items requiring specialist assessment and customisation, like complex prosthetics or specialised seating

How to get AT funded

1. Get an assessment — for Level 3 and 4 AT, you'll need an assessment from a qualified therapist (usually an OT)
2. Get quotes — for items over a certain threshold, you'll need quotes from suppliers
3. Submit to the NDIA — your therapist or support coordinator submits the assessment and quotes
4. Wait for approval — the NDIA reviews and approves or declines
5. Order the item — once approved, you can order through your chosen supplier

What AT can cover

• Mobility aids — wheelchairs, walkers, scooters
• Communication devices — speech-generating devices, communication apps
• Sensory aids — hearing aids, visual aids, sensory equipment
• Daily living aids — specialised cutlery, dressing aids, bathroom equipment
• Technology — tablets, computers, and software for communication or learning

Home Modifications

What are home modifications?

Home modifications are changes to your home that make it safer and more accessible. They're funded when your disability means you can't safely access or use your home without them.

Types of home modifications

• Bathroom modifications — grab rails, shower modifications, accessible toilets
• Ramps and access — wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, step-free entry
• Kitchen modifications — lowered benches, accessible appliances
• Bedroom modifications — ceiling hoists, specialised beds
• Safety modifications — non-slip flooring, improved lighting, alarm systems

How to get home modifications funded

1. Get an OT assessment — an occupational therapist assesses your home and needs
2. Get building quotes — a builder provides quotes for the modifications
3. Submit to the NDIA — your OT or support coordinator submits the assessment and quotes
4. Wait for approval — the NDIA reviews and approves (this can take time for major modifications)
5. Complete the work — once approved, the builder completes the modifications

Important notes

• Home modifications are for the home you live in — they're not portable if you move
• If you're renting, you'll need your landlord's permission
• The NDIS won't pay for general home maintenance or renovations not related to your disability
• Modifications must be the most cost-effective solution

Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA)

What is SDA?

SDA is housing designed for participants with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. It's the physical building itself — not the support services you receive in it.

SDA design categories

• Improved Liveability — housing with better physical access and sensory features
• Fully Accessible — housing with a high level of physical access features
• Robust — housing designed to be resilient to wear and tear for participants with complex behaviours
• High Physical Support — housing with the highest level of physical access and support features

How SDA works

SDA funding is paid to the housing provider (not to you directly). You still pay rent from your own income or pension. SDA is only for a small percentage of NDIS participants — most participants access housing through standard rental or home ownership.

How Capital Supports differ from other budgets

• Not flexible — Capital Supports can't be moved to Core or Capacity Building
• Approval required — most items need NDIA approval before purchase
• Quotes needed — higher-cost items require supplier quotes
• Not ongoing — these are one-off purchases, not recurring costs

Tips for accessing Capital Supports

1. Start early — assessments and approvals can take months, especially for complex AT or major home modifications
2. Use a good OT — a thorough assessment report is the most important factor in getting approval
3. Get multiple quotes — the NDIA often requires 2-3 quotes for higher-cost items
4. Be specific — explain exactly why you need the item and how it will help you
5. Keep evidence — reports, assessments, and quotes all support your case

Need help with Capital Supports?

If you need help navigating the AT or home modification process, contact our team through the contact page — we can help you understand what's covered and how to apply.