OT home modification report, who pays?
For an NDIS participant, the participant's plan usually pays. The NDIA can include funding in Capacity Building supports to explore what home modifications are needed and to get an occupational therapist's assessment. The OT bills their assessment and report time at the therapy price limit. Outside the NDIS, state health or home modification programs and private payment are the main alternatives.
NDIS, Home modifications explained and What is a home modification assessor
NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27 (formerly NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits)
Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide 2025-26
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), section 34
Why the report is needed
The NDIA will not fund a ramp, bathroom rebuild or other home modification without a home modification assessment. The assessor must be an occupational therapist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency who has completed postgraduate education or training in home modifications. The NDIA describes minor modifications as generally costing under $25,000 in total and complex modifications as generally costing more. Complex modifications also need a building construction practitioner and itemised quotes. The OT report sets out the participant's functional needs, why other options such as equipment will not work, and the recommended changes.
Which budget pays the OT
The assessment and report are therapy supports, so they are claimed from Capacity Building, usually the Improved Daily Living category, not from the Capital budget that later pays the builder. The NDIA states it may include funding in a participant's capacity building supports to explore home modifications and obtain an assessment. If the plan already has Improved Daily Living funding, the OT can use it with the participant's agreement. The OT claims face to face assessment time, non face to face time for writing the report, and travel, all under the NDIS Pricing Schedule rules and at or below the OT price limit.
When there is no NDIS funding
If the plan has no suitable funding, the participant or support coordinator can ask the NDIA to consider funding an assessment, especially where the need arose after the plan was made. People who are not NDIS participants, including many older Australians, may be able to access assessments through state and territory health services, hospital OT departments or programs such as Support at Home for people aged 65 and over. Eligibility and waiting times differ by state, so check the relevant program. Paying privately for an OT report is also possible.
Practical tips
Before the assessment starts, agree the estimated hours and cost in writing, confirm which budget will be used, and check the OT has the home modification experience the NDIA requires. Keep in mind the NDIA can ask for changes or more information, and time spent responding is generally claimable if the participant agrees. The report itself does not guarantee approval. The modification must still meet the reasonable and necessary criteria in section 34 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, and the NDIA will weigh the cost against other options such as assistive technology or moving to more suitable housing. If the home is rented, the landlord's written consent is usually needed before the NDIA will fund the work.
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