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 Home modifications include things like:

  • handrails by steps, shower or toilet
  • wheelchair ramps or lifts
  • secure fencing, doors and windows for safety of children with challenging behaviours
  • doorway widening
  • handheld showers or wet area bathrooms.

If your disability is injury-related

ACC may help pay for changes needed to your home if you have a disability after an injury.

Talk to your contact person at ACC about your situation. They may refer you to an occupational therapist (OT) to assess your housing needs. The OT can help you request ACC funding if you're eligible. 

Contact ACC for more information (external link)

If your disability isn’t injury-related

the Disability Support Services (DSS) funds home modifications for eligible people who need changes to their home because of a disability.

You’ll need to see an occupational therapist (OT) who can assess your housing needs. If you’re eligible, the OT will apply to DSS for you.

DSS might pay the full cost or make a payment towards the costs. It depends on costs and how much you earn or own. Find details on the Disability Support Services website, including how to find an OT.

Funding for housing modifications (external link)

If you’ve served in the New Zealand Defence Force

Veterans’ Affairs has two programmes that offer financial support for home modifications or adaptations. The Veterans’ Affairs website has more information.

If your home needs structural changes

Find about home modifications under the Social Rehabilitation Programme (external link)

Paying for home modifications yourself

If you decide to pay for your own home modifications it’s best to get advice and an assessment from a private occupational therapist (OT). 

To find a private OT you could:

  • do an internet search
  • talk to your local disability information centre
  • contact the association for occupational therapists.

Search Firstport for disability information centres

Go to Occupational Therapy New Zealand website (external link)

Planning for future needs when building a house

Thinking ahead when planning and designing a new home could mean you stay in your own home for longer when you are older.

Read the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) guide to designing or altering houses for disabled people or older people. (external link)

Last updated on Thursday, 14 November 2024

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