Begin with your provider or aged care assessment contact
Explain the activities and access barriers you need help with. Ask what assessment or review is required and how the proposed change fits your support plan. A contractor cannot decide your program eligibility.
Distinguish approval from available funds
Program guidance distinguishes assessment approval and funding allocation. Ask whether the necessary funding is available for your proposed work and who is responsible for arranging it. Do not assume the ongoing quarterly service budget can pay for modifications.
Confirm the professional recommendation
The current scheme guidance requires home modifications to be prescribed by an occupational therapist within their professional scope. Your provider can explain how this is arranged. A construction visit is not a replacement for that prescription.
Agree who commissions the work
Ask who obtains quotes, confirms the provider arrangement, approves the contractor and receives the invoice. Clarify whether a participant contribution applies and how it is calculated for your situation. Do not rely on a generic website figure.
Check the exact inclusions
Keep the prescribed change, approved scope and optional private additions separate. Discuss professional fees, associated building work and any product or construction limitations with your provider before a contract is agreed.
Use a building enquiry at the right stage
Provide the address, a brief description, expected timing and whether the provider and OT are already involved. There is no need to put detailed health information into the first enquiry. The building scope can be discussed once the relevant requirements are clear.
Recheck guidance before committing
Program information can change. Confirm current funding, contribution and time limit details directly with your provider and the official sources. The editorial date below records when this guide was reviewed, not a guarantee of eligibility.