1. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

The NDIS is the most well-known funding pathway for stairlifts and home modifications in Australia. If you're under 65 and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your mobility, you may be eligible for NDIS funding to cover the full cost of a stairlift including supply, installation, and any necessary structural modifications.

Stairlifts fall under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications categories in NDIS plans. The process involves an occupational therapy assessment, a recommendation report, a quote from a registered provider, and approval from the NDIA.

Who this is for: People under 65 with a permanent disability that affects their ability to safely use stairs.

What's covered: The full cost of supply and installation can be covered depending on your plan and the complexity of the modification.

How to get started: Speak to your support coordinator or contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.



For the full step-by-step process, read our detailed guide on NDIS funding for stairlifts in NSW.

2. My Aged Care (CHSP and Home Care Packages)

If you're over 65, the NDIS doesn't apply to you — but My Aged Care does. The Australian Government funds two main programs through My Aged Care that can contribute to stairlift costs.



The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides entry-level support and may cover minor home modifications. For larger modifications like stairlifts, a Home Care Package is usually more appropriate. Home Care Packages come in four levels with increasing budgets, and Level 3 or Level 4 packages can often accommodate the cost of a stairlift as part of your overall home modification plan.

Who this is for: Australians over 65 who need support to continue living independently at home.

What's covered: Varies depending on your package level and provider. Higher-level packages can cover a significant portion or all of the cost.

How to get started: Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and request an assessment.

For the full process including the new Support at Home program changes, read our guide on getting a stairlift through My Aged Care.

3. DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs)

If you're an Australian veteran or war widow/widower, DVA provides funding for home modifications and assistive technology through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program. DVA Gold Card holders can access funding for any clinically necessary equipment. White Card holders can access funding for equipment related to their accepted service-related conditions.

DVA can fund both straight and curved stairlifts as well as outdoor stairlifts and other home modifications. The process requires a GP referral, an OT assessment, and a quote from a DVA-approved provider.

Who this is for: Veterans and war widows/widowers with a DVA Gold Card or White Card.

What's covered: The full cost of supply and installation for clinically necessary equipment.

How to get started: Speak to your GP about a referral, or contact DVA on 1800 555 254.



For the full process, read our guide on DVA funding for stairlifts in NSW.

4. EnableNSW Through icare

This is the funding pathway that most people don't know about. If you've been seriously injured in a workplace accident or road accident in NSW, you may be eligible for home modification funding through EnableNSW, which operates under icare.



The Workers Compensation scheme covers people injured at work. The Motor Accident Injuries scheme covers people injured in road accidents. The Lifetime Care and Support Scheme covers people with the most serious injuries from road accidents. All three pathways can fund stairlifts and other home modifications.

Who this is for: People in NSW who have been seriously injured in a workplace or road accident.

What's covered: The full cost of supply and installation can be covered depending on your scheme and case manager approval.

How to get started: Speak to your case manager through your insurer, or contact icare on 13 44 22.

For the full process, read our guide on EnableNSW and icare funding for stairlifts.

5. Private Purchase and Payment Options

If you don't qualify for any of the above funding pathways — or if you'd rather not wait for approval processes — purchasing a stairlift privately is always an option. This is the fastest route because there's no application, no assessment wait times, and no approval delays. We can often install a straight stairlift within days of your enquiry.

For those who prefer not to pay the full amount upfront, there are several options to make a private purchase more manageable.

Superannuation early release. In limited circumstances, the ATO allows early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds for medical equipment or home modifications. This applies when the equipment is necessary due to a severe medical condition and you can't afford it otherwise. Contact the ATO or speak to a financial adviser about whether this applies to your situation.

Stairlift hire. If you only need a stairlift temporarily — for example, during recovery from surgery — hiring is significantly cheaper than buying. Read our guide on stairlift hire in NSW for more on this option.

Tax deductions. In some cases, medical equipment like stairlifts may be claimable as a medical expense through your tax return. Speak to your accountant about whether this applies to you. We can provide an itemised invoice and any documentation needed for tax purposes.

Not Sure Which Pathway Applies to You?

It can be confusing to figure out which funding option is the right one, especially when multiple programs seem to overlap. Here's a quick summary to help you narrow it down.

If you're under 65 with a permanent disability, start with the NDIS. If you're over 65, start with My Aged Care. If you're a veteran or war widow/widower, contact DVA. If you were injured at work or in a road accident in NSW, speak to your insurer about EnableNSW. If none of these apply or you want to move quickly, consider a private purchase with payment options.



In some situations, more than one pathway may apply. For example, a veteran over 65 might be eligible for both DVA and My Aged Care support. We can help you figure out which option gives you the best outcome.

How Bespoke Mobility Can Help

We've helped clients access funding through every one of these pathways. Whether you're navigating the NDIS, waiting for a Home Care Package, applying through DVA, or working with an icare case manager, we know what documentation is needed and how to keep the process moving.



We provide free home assessments, detailed quotes formatted for whatever funding body you're applying to, and we work alongside your OT, support coordinator, or case manager to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Areas We Service

Bespoke Mobility services all of Sydney and NSW including Western Sydney, North Shore, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Sutherland Shire, Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter, Wollongong and the Illawarra, Blue Mountains, South Coast, and regional NSW. We also service all of QLD.

Get Started

Call us on 1300 495 572, email info@bespokemobility.com.au, or fill in our contact form for a free home assessment and quote.



Bespoke Mobility is an NDIS registered provider, DVA approved, and the exclusive Australian distributor of Bespoke Stairlifts — winner of UK Stairlift Manufacturer of the Year 2023.