What is AT-HM funding?
AT-HM funding is designed to help you make your home safer and more accessible — so you can stay independent for longer.
Funding falls into two categories:
Assistive Technology: Equipment that helps you stay safe and independent such as mobility aids, bathroom equipment or personal safety devices (i.e. falls alarms)
Home Modifications: Changes to your home to improve safety or access, such as grab rails, ramps or bathroom modifications.
2. How much funding is available?
AT-HM funding is grouped into three levels depending on the type of support required:
| Funding Tier | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low Lower cost items that do not require a professional assessment or approvals. Items typically purchased off the shelf and easy to replace for example a shower chair or non-slip mats. | Up to $500 |
| Medium Assistive technology or minor home modifications that are more specialised and may affect safety and mobility. These supports usually require evidence or a supplier quote for example grab rails. | Up to $2,000 |
| High Higher-cost equipment or major home changes. These supports involve permanent changes or complex equipment and require an assessment and approval before they can proceed, for example a bathroom renovation. | Up to $15,000 |
It’s important to note not all items are automatically approved and sometimes quotes, assessments or approvals are required.
3. How is AT-HM funding managed?
If you have been assessed to receive AT-HM funding, it is allocated separately to your quarterly funding. AT-HM funding is set aside specifically for equipment and home modifications.
This means:
- It cannot be used for services such as cleaning, personal care or gardening
- It is set aside specifically for equipment and home modifications
- Your available balance may change once approvals and purchases are processed
There is a defined list of what can be funded under AT-HM which can be found here.
If you have unspent funds from your previous Home Care Package, these funds will be used first to cover approved AT-HM purchases before accessing any new AT-HM funding.
4. What you’ll see in your HomeMade dashboard:
A summary also appears in your monthly statement if you have access to this funding type.
Note that balances can change between statement periods depending on what has been spent in prior months
5. Do I need to contribute?
Some people are required to pay a small contribution toward independence-related supports. If this applies to you, it will also apply to AT-HM purchases. This means that participants who are currently required to pay co-contributions, will need to contribute part of the cost of any purchases.
You can check your monthly statements to determine if you’re currently paying co-contributions for independence services.
6. What if something doesn’t look right or what to consider:
- Review your monthly statement
- Check your balance via the dashboard
- Allow time for processing if approvals have only been made recently
- Always check with your Care Partner before purchasing any AT-HM items to avoid confusion and to confirm if a co-contribution will be required