Home Modifications to Assist with Functional Access Policy 21-403 | Effective Date: March 18, 2025

Policy

WorkSafeNB assists workers with functional access to, or to be mobile or functional within their home by providing home modifications, such as:

• Grab bars;
• Stair or porch lifts;
• Widening of doorways and hallways;
• Expanding or adjusting rooms (such as a bathroom) to accommodate maneuvering or to allow for the accessibility of mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walker; and
• Accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, walkways, railings).

To receive this discretionary benefit, WorkSafeNB determines whether:

• The worker has experienced a compensable workplace injury or illness that resulted in significant long-term functional impairment; and
• There is a need.

When requirements for both eligibility and need are met, WorkSafeNB provides a home modification.

Interpretation

Eligibility

1. WorkSafeNB determines whether there is a significant long-term functional limitation. This may include spinal cord or brain injuries requiring the use of a wheelchair, or other workplace injuries or diseases of similar severity that may result in limitations with functional access to, or mobility within their home.

2. WorkSafeNB assesses the worker’s function at home to identify if there is a necessity for home modifications to enable the worker to gain access to their dwelling or be mobile or functional within it. 

3. The assessment of the worker’s function at home consists of the primary living areas, such as the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, as well as the garage, driveway, and walkways. Other parts of the home, such as storage areas, recreational areas, workshops, and exercise rooms, as well as secondary residences, are excluded.

4. Home modifications are generally authorized on a one-time only basis; however, WorkSafeNB will consider exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Home Modifications

5. WorkSafeNB assigns the home modification to an external project manager who is responsible for completing the project within the identified budget. 

6. The budget includes:

• The costs required for the modifications as identified by the project manager or professional who assessed the project. This may include costs to address the building structure so that the modification can be completed;
• Fees related to the project such as licences; and
• Incidental costs such as temporary living arrangements, moving, storage, and other related items, up to $2,000.

7. The budget for home modifications must not exceed what WorkSafeNB considers to be necessary and appropriate. Prior to any proposed structural modifications, WorkSafeNB may have a home appraisal done to determine the current market value of the residence and the financial feasibility of the project. The home modifications are not expected to increase the value of the home.

8. The project manager will develop a plan for the proposed modifications in consultation with the worker and WorkSafeNB. Both the worker and WorkSafeNB must sign an acceptance of the proposed modification plans.

9. Where a worker does not own the primary residence requiring modification, the property owner must provide:

• Written consent to modifications;
• Proof of ownership; and
• Written agreement that WorkSafeNB will not be responsible for future costs related to restoring the residence to pre‐modification conditions.

10. Where a worker wishes to upgrade the modifications approved by WorkSafeNB, the worker is responsible for payment of any costs which exceed the original plan and must arrange for payment to be made directly to the contractor.

11. WorkSafeNB considers home modifications to be permanent and the property of the worker. The worker is responsible for any alterations, including regular maintenance.

12. WorkSafeNB may pay for repairs or replacement of equipment that are necessary due to:

• Normal wear and tear;
• Damage from accidental causes;
• Changes in the physical condition of the worker and fit of the equipment.

Alternative Housing

13. Alternative living arrangements may be necessary in the following situations:

• The property owner of the worker’s existing residence does not agree to modifications;
• Modifications to an existing residence are not a practical option due to structural issues; or
• WorkSafeNB determines modifications are not financially feasible.

14. Alternative living arrangements include: 

• An accessible residence; or
• A residence that can be modified to become accessible.

15. WorkSafeNB will cover the cost of the move, including any lease penalties at the current rental, as well as increased rental and utility costs.

16. When reviewing alternative living arrangements, the budget must not exceed what WorkSafeNB considers to be necessary and appropriate. The contribution from WorkSafeNB will be the lesser of the budget estimated for modifications to the existing home or the cost of an accessible residence.

17. When an alternative living arrangement is considered the best option, the worker is responsible for providing an amount equivalent to the current market value of the existing residence, if the worker owns that residence.

18. WorkSafeNB may require security documents to protect the investment.

Additional benefits

19. In addition to home modification benefits, WorkSafeNB also provides separate benefits that may help workers live more independently when their function has been impacted by a workplace injury or disease. These benefits include:

• Personal care under Policy 25-003 Home Care and Independence; and
• Assistive devices under Policy 25-007 Prostheses, Orthoses, and Assistive Devices.

Tax Implications

Home modifications as outlined in this policy are generally considered as medical expenses and not reportable on a T5007.

Previous versions

• Policy 21-403 Home Modifications to Assist with Functional Access release 5, effective January 1, 2020
• Policy 21-403 Home Modifications to Assist with Activities of Daily Living release 4, effective May 26, 2016
• Policy 21-403 Home Modifications to Assist with Activities of Daily Living release 3, effective September 1, 2014