Support at Home Mobility Equipment Funding Australia: The Complete Guide to Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters, AT-HM Funding and Home Modifications

Everything Older Australians, Families, Occupational Therapists and Care Providers Need to Know in 2026

Australia’s aged care system has undergone its biggest transformation in decades.

Under the new Support at Home Program, eligible older Australians can now access dedicated funding for mobility equipment and home modifications through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. Unlike previous arrangements, participants no longer need to save funds from their regular care budget before accessing essential mobility equipment and safety modifications.

For many Australians, this means access to:

• Electric wheelchairs
• Manual wheelchairs
• Mobility scooters
• Walking frames
• Rollators
• Lift recliners
• Transfer equipment
• Pressure care products
• Access ramps
• Bathroom modifications
• Home accessibility upgrades

Yet despite the increased funding available, many families still make costly mistakes.

The biggest challenge is no longer obtaining funding.

The challenge is ensuring the equipment funded actually improves independence, safety and quality of life.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Support at Home Program, AT-HM funding, eligibility requirements, mobility equipment selection, common mistakes and how to maximise your funding.

What Is The Support At Home Program?

Support at Home replaced the previous Home Care Package system on 1 November 2025, and was designed to simplify access to aged care services while helping older Australians remain independent in their own homes.

The program provides funding for:

• Personal care
• Domestic assistance
• Nursing services
• Allied health
• Social support
• Assistive technology
• Home modifications

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of dedicated funding streams for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications.

What Is The AT-HM Scheme?

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme provides separate funding for equipment and home modifications that help older Australians live safely and independently at home.

Importantly, this funding sits outside a participant’s regular Support at Home budget.

This means purchasing a wheelchair, mobility scooter or home modification no longer reduces the funds available for services such as cleaning, transport or personal care.

The scheme was specifically created to remove barriers to accessing essential equipment and modifications.

AT-HM Scheme vs NDIS Funding: What’s the Difference?

Many families are familiar with the NDIS but unsure how the AT-HM Scheme compares. Here’s a quick breakdown:

If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you or a family member, our team can help you understand your options, or read our NDIS Mobility Scooter Funding Guide if NDIS applies to your situation.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Funding is allocated according to assessed need.

Assistive Technology Funding Tiers

Home Modification Funding Tiers

Combined Assistive Technology and Home Modifications funding of up to $30,000 may be available depending on assessed need.

Note: for Assistive Technology, the $15,000 High tier is not a hard cap — where assessed needs genuinely require more, additional funding can be applied for with supporting evidence including a current prescription. For Home Modifications, $15,000 is a per-lifetime cap.

Your specific tier will be outlined in your Notice of Decision and Support Plan following your aged care assessment.

Equipment Packages by Funding Tier

The tier a participant receives is set by their aged care assessment, not by the equipment chosen. The packages below show examples of equipment from our range that typically suit each AT-HM tier, to help participants, families and OTs plan. Final selection and pricing depend on assessed needs and the specific models chosen — contact us for a quote.

We can supply by purchase or hire (supporting the scheme’s loan-before-buy principle), provide an invoice plus delivery or installation confirmation for AT-HM record keeping, and turn quotes around within 24 hours.

What Equipment Can Be Funded?

The AT-HM Scheme covers a broad range of products designed to improve safety, mobility and independence.

Mobility Equipment

Funding may cover:

• Walking sticks
• Walking frames
• Rollators
• Manual wheelchairs
• Powered wheelchairs
• Mobility scooters
• Transfer boards
• Hoists

Bathroom and Personal Care Equipment

Funding may cover:

• Shower chairs
• Commode chairs
• Bath boards
• Grab rails
• Toilet aids

Bedroom Equipment

Funding may cover:

• Adjustable beds
• Bed rails
• Pressure care mattresses

Safety Equipment

Funding may cover:

• Personal alarms
• Monitoring systems
• Fall prevention equipment

Home Modifications

Funding may cover:

• Access ramps
• Stair lifts
• Handrails
• Bathroom modifications
• Door widening
• Non-slip flooring
• Accessibility upgrades

Understanding the AT-HM List: Low Risk, Under Advice, and Prescribed Items

The Australian Government’s AT-HM List categorises every eligible product into one of three access levels:

• Low Risk — simple, low-cost items that don’t require a prescription or professional advice (e.g. basic walking sticks, bath boards)
• Under Advice — items that don’t need a prescription but benefit from allied health guidance to ensure correct fit and safe use (e.g. standard wheelchairs, shower chairs)
• Prescribed — higher-value or complex items requiring an Occupational Therapist or other prescriber’s assessment (e.g. powered wheelchairs, custom seating systems)

Most electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters fall under “Under Advice” or “Prescribed” — which is exactly where Gilani Engineering’s in-house engineering and allied health partnerships add the most value, helping ensure your prescribed equipment is approved correctly the first time.

The Biggest Misunderstanding About Mobility Equipment Funding

Most people assume:

“If funding is approved, any wheelchair or scooter will do.”

This is one of the most expensive mistakes families can make.

A mobility device is not simply a product.

It becomes part of someone’s daily life.

The wrong equipment can result in:

• Reduced independence
• Increased falls risk
• Pressure injuries
• Transport difficulties
• Poor posture
• Social isolation
• Expensive replacement costs

Government funding helps pay for equipment.

It does not guarantee the equipment is right for the person.

Why Mobility Equipment Should Never Be Chosen By Price Alone

A mobility scooter advertised online for $2,500 may seem like excellent value.

But important questions remain:

• Will it fit through the front door?
• Can it be transported safely?
• Is the seat appropriate?
• Can replacement batteries be sourced?
• Are spare parts available?
• Is local servicing available?
• Will it still meet needs in two years?

The cheapest quote is rarely the most important consideration.

Suitability is.

Why Occupational Therapists Matter

For many higher-value and more complex items, professional assessment is required before funding approval.

An occupational therapist may assess:

• Mobility requirements
• Transfer ability
• Posture
• Seating needs
• Home accessibility
• Falls risks
• Future requirements

This process helps ensure equipment recommendations are safe, appropriate and clinically justified. Gilani Engineering’s custom seating and modification team works closely with OTs to ensure every recommendation is clinically sound.

How Gilani Engineering Can Help With Your AT-HM Funding

Navigating the AT-HM scheme can feel overwhelming — between the AT-HM List, funding tiers, Notice of Decision paperwork, and finding equipment that’s actually right for you, many families don’t know where to start. Gilani Engineering helps Support at Home participants and their families at every step:

• AT-HM eligible products — our range of electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters and bathroom safety equipment are suitable for AT-HM Low, Medium and High tier funding
• Quotes and documentation — we provide the invoices, quotes and product specifications needed to support your AT-HM funding tier request and Notice of Decision
• Working with your assessor or OT — we liaise with Aged Care Assessors and Occupational Therapists to ensure recommended equipment matches your assessed funding tier
• In-person trials — visit our Smithfield showroom to trial wheelchairs and mobility scooters before committing your AT-HM funding
• Long-term support — servicing, repairs and replacement parts available locally, so your AT-HM-funded equipment remains useful for years, not months

Note: AT-HM funding tiers provide under $500 (Low), up to $2,000 (Medium), or up to $15,000 (High) per category — with combined Assistive Technology and Home Modifications funding of up to $30,000 possible depending on assessed need. Always confirm your specific funding tier and eligible product list via My Aged Care.

Why Gilani Engineering Approaches Mobility Differently

Many suppliers start with a product catalogue.

Gilani Engineering starts with a person.

Before recommending equipment, we consider:

The User

• Physical capability
• Current mobility
• Medical conditions
• Future requirements

The Home

• Door widths
• Hallways
• Flooring
• Ramps
• Storage areas
• Charging requirements

The Environment

• Community access
• Shopping centres
• Transport requirements
• Vehicle compatibility

Long-Term Reliability

Our engineering background allows us to evaluate:

• Structural integrity
• Durability
• Serviceability
• Repairability
• Component quality
• Long-term ownership costs

Many suppliers focus on selling equipment.

We focus on ensuring that equipment continues delivering independence years after purchase.

The Seven Most Expensive Support At Home Mistakes

1. Buying Before Assessment

Assessment should always come before equipment selection.

2. Waiting Too Long After Funding Is Approved

AT-HM funding lapses after 12 months — unused funds do not roll over. Many families receive approval, then delay selecting equipment while they consider their options, only to find their funding period has expired. Once your Notice of Decision confirms AT-HM funding, move promptly. Gilani Engineering can help you trial, select and purchase the right equipment within your funding window.

3. Choosing Based On Price Alone

The cheapest equipment often becomes the most expensive mistake.

4. Ignoring Future Needs

Many mobility conditions are progressive.

5. Buying Equipment Without Trialling It

Whenever possible, equipment should be tested before purchase.

6. Ignoring Service Support

Who repairs the equipment matters.

7. Not Considering The Home Environment

Many products fail because they were never assessed within the actual home.

8. Choosing A Supplier Rather Than A Partner

Long-term support is often more valuable than a short-term discount.

How To Access Support At Home Funding

Step 1: Complete A My Aged Care Assessment

An assessment determines eligibility and identifies whether assistive technology or home modifications are required.

Step 2: Receive Your Support Plan

Approved funding will be outlined within your support plan and Notice of Decision.

Step 3: Obtain Professional Advice

More complex equipment may require occupational therapy assessment and prescription.

Step 4: Compare Providers

Don’t simply compare prices.

Compare:

• Assessment capability
• Industry experience
• Product range
• Service support
• Engineering knowledge
• Long-term assistance

Step 5: Implement And Review

Mobility needs can change.

Equipment should be reviewed periodically to ensure it continues meeting requirements.

Why Buying From a Physical Mobility Showroom Is Often the Better Choice

1. You Can Actually Try Before You Buy

Would you buy a car without driving it?

Yet many Australians spend thousands of dollars on mobility equipment they’ve never sat in.

A showroom allows you to:

• Compare multiple wheelchairs side by side
• Test mobility scooters indoors and outdoors
• Evaluate comfort and support
• Assess controls and usability
• Understand turning circles and manoeuvrability

Many people discover that the product they thought they wanted is completely different from the one that suits them best.

2. Mobility Equipment Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Two people with the same medical condition can require completely different equipment.

Factors include:

• Height
• Weight
• Posture
• Strength
• Dexterity
• Balance
• Transfer ability

A physical provider can assess these factors in person. An online website cannot.

3. Your Home Environment Matters

One of the biggest reasons mobility equipment fails is because nobody checked whether it would work in the person’s home.

Questions that matter include:

• Will it fit through doorways?
• Can it navigate hallways?
• Is there sufficient turning space?
• Where will it be charged?
• How will it be transported?

A physical provider can often assess these factors before purchase. An online checkout page cannot.

4. You Get Expert Advice, Not Product Listings

Most websites provide specifications.

Good mobility providers provide recommendations.

There’s a significant difference.

A website may tell you:

• Width
• Weight
• Battery size
• Maximum speed

An experienced mobility consultant can explain:

• Which product suits your lifestyle
• Which model is easiest to transport
• Which seating system offers better support
• Which equipment is likely to remain suitable as needs change

5. Service and Repairs Matter

Mobility equipment is not a once-off purchase.

Eventually:

• Batteries wear out
• Tyres need replacement
• Motors require servicing
• Components fail

The question isn’t if repairs will be needed. It’s who will provide them.

When equipment is purchased through a local showroom-based provider, support is usually available when problems arise.

6. You Build a Long-Term Relationship

Many people require mobility equipment for years. Their needs may change over time.

A physical provider becomes a long-term partner who understands:

• Your condition
• Your home
• Your equipment history
• Future requirements

That’s difficult to achieve through an online-only transaction.

7. Engineering and Technical Knowledge Matter

At Gilani Engineering, we don’t just look at how equipment performs on the day it’s sold.

We evaluate:

• Structural durability
• Component quality
• Repairability
• Parts availability
• Long-term reliability

The cheapest equipment is not always the most economical. Equipment that lasts longer, can be serviced locally and remains suitable as needs change often provides far greater value over time.

When Online Purchasing May Be Appropriate

Online purchasing can work well for simple, low-risk products such as:

• Walking sticks
• Basic shower chairs
• Cushions
• Small accessories

However, for:

• Mobility scooters
• Electric wheelchairs
• Complex seating systems
• Lift recliners
• Adjustable beds
• Home accessibility equipment

the risks of purchasing without assessment, trial or support increase significantly.

The Bottom Line

A website can sell a product. A showroom can help determine whether it’s the right product. For mobility equipment, that’s an important distinction.

The goal isn’t simply to purchase a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The goal is to improve independence, safety, comfort and quality of life.

That’s why many Australians still choose a provider with a physical showroom, experienced staff, product demonstrations and ongoing support rather than relying solely on an online store.

What Our Customers Say

“I purchased my Gilani Air Hawk… the wheelchair is a fine piece of engineering design and workmanship. The finish is superb in my opinion. Delivery was streamlined by Raj and Geoffrey from the Smithfield outlet. I certainly can recommend the products and the courtesy displayed.”

“The customer service at Gilani Engineering is second to none. The staff at the display rooms were helpful and knowledgeable. The gentleman that bought the unit to our home for a trial was phenomenal. All information given, all questions answered. Having dealt with another company before, Gilani is in a field of its own.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Support At Home Pay For A Mobility Scooter?

Yes. Mobility scooters are included within the AT-HM Scheme where clinically appropriate and approved through assessment.

Can Support At Home Pay For An Electric Wheelchair?

Yes. Powered wheelchairs may be funded where prescribed and clinically justified.

Do I Need An Occupational Therapist?

For more complex equipment, an occupational therapist or other qualified health professional may be required.

Can Funding Cover Home Modifications?

Yes. The scheme specifically funds accessibility modifications including ramps, rails, bathroom modifications and other approved improvements.

Can I Choose My Own Supplier?

Participants generally work with their Support at Home provider and approved suppliers to source equipment appropriate to their needs.

What’s the difference between the AT-HM Scheme and the old Home Care Package equipment funding?

Under the old Home Care Package system, equipment had to be funded from your regular care budget — reducing funds available for other services. Since 1 November 2025, the AT-HM Scheme provides separate, dedicated funding for assistive technology and home modifications, so it no longer competes with your everyday care budget.

Will I have to pay anything towards my AT-HM funded wheelchair or mobility scooter?

If you transitioned from a Home Care Package, generally no additional contribution is required. New Support at Home participants may be asked for an income-tested contribution, assessed by Services Australia. Contact our team if you’re unsure how this applies to you.

Note: the automatic data collection pathway that allowed transitioned HCP recipients to access AT-HM funding without a Support Plan Review closed on 13 February 2026. If you transitioned from a Home Care Package but have not yet accessed your AT-HM funding, contact your Support at Home provider to discuss the current process.

Can I use AT-HM funding to buy a wheelchair from Gilani Engineering?

Yes. Gilani Engineering supplies a wide range of AT-HM eligible wheelchairs, mobility scooters and home safety equipment, and can provide the quotes and documentation needed to support your funding tier request.

How long does AT-HM funding last?

In most cases, AT-HM funding is available for 12 months from when your service agreement is signed. Unused funds do not roll over — any unspent allocation lapses at the end of the funding period. Two exceptions apply:

– Progressive conditions (such as motor neurone disease or Parkinson’s disease) — automatically receive 24 months for assistive technology funding, with a possible extension to 48 months
– Complex high-tier home modifications that cannot be completed within 12 months — can be extended to 24 months with supporting evidence

If your funding period is approaching and equipment has not yet been purchased, contact your Support at Home provider promptly. Gilani Engineering can provide quotes and documentation quickly to support timely approval.

Final Thoughts

The Support at Home Program and AT-HM Scheme represent one of the most significant investments in independence and quality of life for older Australians.

But the best outcomes don’t come from funding alone.

They come from choosing the right equipment, receiving the right advice and working with people who understand both mobility and long-term independence.

Before accepting the cheapest quote online, ask yourself:

• Will this equipment still be right for me in three years?
• Can it be serviced locally?
• Has anyone assessed my home?
• Has anyone assessed my future needs?

The answers to those questions often determine whether mobility equipment becomes life-changing — or simply another unused item sitting in the garage.

Speak With Gilani Engineering

Whether you’re exploring a mobility scooter, powered wheelchair, lift recliner, ramp or other assistive technology solution, Gilani Engineering helps Australians make informed decisions that prioritise independence, safety and long-term value.

Because the right equipment isn’t just about mobility.

It’s about maintaining freedom, dignity and confidence for years to come.