Home modifications

Home modification benefits are provided in accordance with the Motor  Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979 and the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Regulations 1984.

MAC Scheme support for home modifications will be considered based on the nature, extent and permanency of your injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Your TIO MAC case manager will arrange for an occupational therapist to visit you in hospital and at home, to assess your necessary and reasonable needs for your safety and to maximise your independence including the suitability of your home or accommodation. 

TIO MAC will consider the recommendations made by your occupational therapist. 

When you return home from hospital or a rehabilitation facility, it is important that you can easily enter and leave your home and move around inside independently and safely.

Modifications to the structure, layout or fittings of your home may be required for this.

An example of necessary and reasonable modifications may include: 

• installation of portable or permanent ramps and rails 
• installation of assistive technologies to automate functions within the home
• widening doors 
• modifying cooking facilities, light switches and taps 
• changing the structure of rooms including the bathroom, a bedroom, a living room and kitchen. 

Short-term temporary accommodation may be available if you are unable to access your home during the modification process. 

All home modifications must meet the Australian standards for disability and access, be undertaken by a qualified builder and comply with relevant building regulations. 

When considering funding approval, TIO MAC must take into account the following:

• the nature and permanency of your injuries
• home ownership status or length of a rental lease
• the extent of the modifications necessary
• structural status and suitability of the home for modifications 
• the cost of the modification compared to other suitable housing options
  

• modifications that do not relate directly to your motor vehicle accident injuries
• modifications to a home that is not your primary place of residence
• modifications to more than one property
• general repairs or home maintenance not related to home modifications
• the purchase or construction of a new or replacement home
• modifications to your workplace
• furnishing and general household items
  

The process for home modification requests can be quite complex and there are a lot of considerations necessary.   

Your TIO MAC case manager will keep you informed of the progress of any formal requests for home modifications.

After TIO MAC has all the necessary information and costings to assess the request, you will receive a formal letter advising of the decision to approve or not approve the requests.