Grants & Subsidies for Home Lifts in Australia: Funding Guide (2025)

Introduction: Can I Get a Home Lift Funded?

If you are reading this, you have likely already decided that a home lift is the right solution. Now you want to know: Can I afford it, and is there government funding available?

The answer for most Australians is yes - at least partially. Whether through the NDIS, state programs, DVA, or simply the GST exemption, there are multiple pathways to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

This article is a funding guide - focused on grants, subsidies, and how to apply. For a detailed breakdown of home lift prices by type, installation costs, and maintenance, see our Home Lift Cost Guide.

Who Qualifies for What?

Australia has multiple funding programs for home lifts. The right one depends on your circumstances. Here is a quick overview - with links to full details in our cost guide.

1. NDIS Funding (Disability Participants)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme may fully fund a home lift as a Complex Home Modification (CHM). To qualify, an occupational therapist must assess your home and confirm the lift is a "reasonable and necessary" support. The NDIS also requires proof your home is structurally suitable.

For the full NDIS requirements, required documentation, and typical approval timelines, see the NDIS section in our cost guide.

2. State-Based Programs (Non-NDIS Australians)

If you are not an NDIS participant - for example, if you are 65+ and aging in place - several state-level programs provide funding or interest-free loans for home modifications:

• Victoria: Statewide Equipment Program (SWEP)
• New South Wales: EnableNSW
• Queensland: Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)
• Western Australia: Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP)

These programs are generally means-tested and prioritised based on urgency. Funding caps may apply, meaning they may cover part rather than the full cost.

3. Department of Veterans' Affairs

Eligible gold and white cardholders may access funding through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). An OT assessment confirms the veteran cannot safely access levels of their home using stairs, and the DVA may fund a vertical platform lift.

The GST Exemption (Everyone Qualifies)

Whether or not you get government funding, you can almost certainly benefit from the GST exemption. Under Australian tax law, accessibility-compliant home lifts are GST-free - meaning 10% is removed from the price upfront, not claimed back later.

On a $50,000 lift, that is $5,000 back in your pocket. On a $70,000 installation, it is $7,000. To claim the exemption, you typically need a signed medical certificate or declaration confirming the lift is for accessibility purposes. Most lift suppliers are familiar with this process.

The Financial Case: A Lift vs. Moving House

One of the most overlooked funding strategies is simply not moving. When mobility becomes an issue, the default response for many Australians is to sell and relocate to a single-level property. But the hidden costs of doing so are staggering.

Selling a $1,000,000 home and buying a $900,000 replacement costs between $64,500 and $77,500+ in dead money - agent commissions, stamp duty, legal fees, removalists. A quality home lift typically costs between $28,000 and $65,000 and is a permanent capital asset that adds value to your property.

For a full line-by-line comparison of the costs of moving vs. installing a lift, see our detailed cost comparison.

The Emotional Case: Why Staying Is Worth More Than Money

Beyond the financial metrics, there is an irreplaceable value in staying in your own home. Moving is widely ranked as one of life's most stressful events, particularly for seniors. Staying in place means:

• Retaining close proximity to trusted neighbours, local GPs, specialists, and community networks.
• Keeping the home where you raised children, established a garden, and gathered decades of memories.
• Avoiding the stress of decluttering, downsizing, and fitting your life into a smaller, unfamiliar floor plan.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Funding

Ready to explore your options? Here is the practical process to get started.

Step 1: Book an Occupational Therapist Assessment

This is the first step for every funding pathway. An OT assesses your home, evaluates your physical capability, and writes a report recommending whether a lift is necessary. Without this report, you cannot apply for NDIS, DVA, or state funding.

If you are an NDIS participant, you can use your plan management budget to cover the OT assessment cost. If you are not, ask your GP or local council for a referral to a low-cost or subsidised OT service.

Step 2: Have a Builder Assess Your Home

Before you choose a lift model or submit an application, have a licensed builder assess your home's structural capability. They will inspect floor structures, locate load-bearing walls, and check for plumbing, gas, or electrical lines that might interfere with installation.

The NDIS and state programs will want proof that your home is structurally suitable. For more on the structural considerations of retrofitting a lift, see our guide to installing a lift in an existing house.

Step 3: Get Itemised Quotes

Contact licensed lift suppliers for on-site assessments and detailed quotes. Funding bodies review itemised quotes to verify the cost is reasonable and represents the best value.

For a detailed breakdown of what to expect in a quote and typical cost ranges by lift type, see our complete home lift cost guide.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have your OT report, builder assessment, and itemised quotes, submit your application through the appropriate channel - NDIS plan review, state department, or DVA RAP.

Conclusion

Funding a home lift is more achievable than most Australians realise. Between the GST exemption (available to everyone), government grants, state programs, and the financial logic of avoiding stamp duty, the true out-of-pocket cost can be far lower than expected.

The key is to start with an OT assessment, get quotes early, and explore every funding avenue. For a detailed breakdown of home lift prices by type and installation costs, visit our Home Lift Cost Guide.