Can I Use My Support at Home Funding for Home Repairs?

Yes, you may be able to use your Support at Home funding for certain home repairs, but there are some limits on what’s covered. Generally, maintenance and repairs need to be directly related to keeping your primary residence safe, accessible and free from potential accident hazards.

What is included under home maintenance and repairs?

There are a range of practical tasks that may be covered to help keep your home safe, accessible and well maintained.

1. Light gardening

Gardening tasks such as clearing walkways, mowing the lawn, weeding and gutter cleaning to reduce tripping and fire hazards. Note that work to areas such as pathways and tree maintenance must relate to necessary access areas, such as the walkway to your front door, rather than general paths or areas built for design purposes.

2. Minor repairs around the home

Replacing hard-to-reach lightbulbs, changing smoke alarm batteries, fixing broken door handles or loose floorboards that may be a tripping hazard, and repairing things that may present a safety issue. The repairs must be functional in nature and not related to aesthetics, such as painting a marked wall.

3. Expenses for parts and small items

Any costs incurred for minor items necessary for the maintenance and repair of things that can be considered essential or a hazard, such as batteries, nails, screws, waste removal after work is completed and other minor materials for repairs.

4. Safety modifications

Home modifications are funded through the separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, not the everyday living home-maintenance service. The installation of essential rails, ramps, or minor bathroom modifications fall under home modifications for safety and require a separate application and evaluation by an occupational therapist.

However, these can be limited and it is best to discuss what is and isn’t possible under your level of coverage.

What is not included under home maintenance and repairs?

Not all home maintenance and repair work is covered, particularly when it is primarily cosmetic or unrelated to safety and accessibility.

1. Professional gardening

Any gardening that is done purely for aesthetic purposes, such as tree lopping or hedge pruning, building a garden bed or laying turf.

2. Non-safety-related work

Any work done around the home or garden that is not directly related to safety, accessibility and accident prevention. For example, maintaining your front hedge, repairing your pool pump or painting your garage.

3. Professional trade work

Professional trade work is generally not covered where it is not related to your safety or ability to live safely at home. However, some professional repairs may be covered where there is an imminent safety risk. Cosmetic improvements and comfort items are not included.

4. Work that’s someone else’s responsibility

Not all maintenance and repair work on a property is the responsibility of the care recipient. For example, if you are a renter, some items will be covered by landlords or housing authorities. Also, some repairs and maintenance may be covered by your building, home or contents insurance, such as damage caused by a storm or by someone else, so this avenue should be explored first.

Home maintenance vs home modifications: what’s the difference?

Home modifications refer to additions or alterations made to your property primarily for the purposes of improving value, aesthetics or functionality beyond what is necessary for safety, accessibility and accident prevention.

Whereas home maintenance refers to the upkeep of existing infrastructure, equipment and installations that you need to live safely and in a healthy home environment.

Maximum funding for home maintenance and repairs

There is no dedicated dollar cap for home maintenance and repairs. Home maintenance and repairs fall under the umbrella of an everyday living service, so it’s paid out of whatever ongoing budget is assigned to the individual.

The amount available is based on the participant’s Support at Home classification and budget, rather than a maintenance-specific limit.

Understanding what support is available

A few common questions about using Support at Home for home maintenance and repairs:

Q. Can I use this service if I rent?

Yes, you can use government-subsidised aged care home maintenance and repair services – such as those via the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or Support at Home – if you rent. However, some of the work may be covered under the requirements of your landlord to maintain the property. Things like the repair of leaks, maintaining common spaces (in case of apartment living), keeping fire alarms certified and fixing broken pavers deemed unsafe are their responsibility.

For modifications or physical changes required for you to remain in the property and as requested by an occupational therapist, you must first get your landlord or property manager’s written permission before any work is done.

Q. How often can I get gardening or mowing done?

Essential light gardening can be provided as needed to help maintain safe access to your home. This may include tasks such as lawn mowing, pruning and yard clearance. The work needs to be related to safety and access, rather than simply keeping your garden looking its best.

Q. What if I need major repairs or renovations?

Major repairs and renovations are generally not covered under the Support at Home program. While small modifications, such as putting handrails in bathrooms, may be done, any larger-scale works will typically fall outside what is permissible. It’s always advisable to request an assessment of the work you’re seeking to be done prior to commencing, as there may be a portion covered under the program or via another government subsidy.