Equipment and aids under Support at Home: how the funding works

What is the equipment funding?

It's called the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme. Most people shorten it to AT-HM.

It pays for equipment that helps you at home, and for changes to your home. It is separate from your quarterly budget. That means you don't have to save up from your budget to buy a shower chair or a walker [1].

How much is there?

There are three levels for equipment. These are the amounts from 1 July 2026 [4]:

• Low: up to $513
• Medium: up to $2,052
• High: up to $15,390. More is possible if a health professional shows you need it [1].

Home changes have the same three levels [4].

The funding is usually set for 12 months [1].

How do I get it?

An aged care assessor decides whether you can have it, and at which level. It is then written into your support plan [1].

If you already have Support at Home but no equipment funding: ask your provider to request a Support Plan Review. You can also ask My Aged Care yourself on 1800 200 422 [1].

If you don't have Support at Home yet: ask about equipment at your aged care assessment.

A report from a health professional helps the assessor decide. It says what you find hard, what would help and why.

Do I need a prescription?

It depends on the item. There are three groups [1]:

• Simple, low-cost items. These are everyday aids you can buy off the shelf. Examples are adapted cutlery, dressing aids and non-slip bath mats. No prescription is needed [3].
• Items where advice helps. A health professional's advice is useful, but a prescription isn't always needed.
• Prescribed items. These need a prescription from a health professional. Examples are shower chairs and bed sticks [3].

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and GPs can all prescribe equipment within their own area of practice. All home changes must be prescribed by an occupational therapist [1].

Do I have to pay anything?

For the equipment itself, usually yes. You pay a contribution at the same rate you pay for services like transport or social support. The rate depends on your income and assets [1].

For the assessment and the prescription, no. Those are clinical supports, and you pay no contribution for them. The same goes for delivery, set-up and showing you how to use the item [1].

If you moved across from a Home Care Package, you may pay less, or nothing [1].

Ask your provider what your share would be before anything is ordered.

What do you do as a physio?

I come to your home and look at what you find hard. That might be getting out of bed, standing up from a chair, showering or walking outside.

If equipment would help, I write a short report for your provider. It lists the items, the reason for each one and a quote. Your provider uses it to ask for the funding or to order the items.

When the equipment arrives, I show you how to use it safely.

If you need a change to your home, such as a rail or a ramp, an occupational therapist has to prescribe it. I'll tell your provider so they can arrange one.

Where do you visit?

I visit homes from Aura and Caloundra up the coast to Noosa, including Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Buderim, Coolum Beach and Peregian Beach. In the hinterland I visit Maleny, Montville and Flaxton, and further north I visit Gympie, including Jones Hill, Southside and Monkland.

Read more about how Support at Home pays for physio at home.