Funding for home modifications
You may be able to get funding if you have a disability and need changes made to your home.
As your needs change, your home might need to as well. It could be adding things to or replacing things to your rental property or a home you own.
What are home modifications?
Home modifications improve safety and accessibility for our disabled community.
Home modifications include things like adding handrails by steps, shower or toilet;temporary wheelchair ramps; handheld showers; or security latches to doors and windows.
It could also include more structural changes which may require consent from the council or a landlord if you're renting like:
doorway widening
wet area bathrooms
elevators (lifts) and permanent ramps
secure fencing
more robust wall boards and new room additions.
You could choose to make these changes yourself, or you could seek funding from Government or support organisations.
How to get funding
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
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
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
Paying for home modifications yourself
Visit the retailers section to find stores around New Zealand who sell minor home modification equipment you can purchase 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
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.