Everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, and maintaining a safe home can become difficult for NDIS participants due to disability-related challenges. That’s where domestic assistance comes in. It’s a practical and essential support that ensures you can live independently and safely at home. But how do you add it to your NDIS plan?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding domestic support to your plan, including what qualifies, how to request it, and how Apex Support Services can support your journey.
What Is Domestic Assistance?
Domestic assistance includes everyday household tasks that you might need help with because of your disability. These tasks are usually necessary to keep your home safe, clean, and liveable. If these supports are directly related to your disability and help you reach your goals, they can be funded under the NDIS.
Here are a few common examples of domestic assistance supports:
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
- Laundry and ironing
- Meal preparation
- Dusting and surface cleaning
- Changing bed linen
These supports allow you to live at home safely and focus on other aspects of life, such as community participation, work, or personal development.
Does the NDIS Cover Domestic Assistance?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. The NDIS funds support that is considered reasonable and necessary. This means the assistance must:
- Be related to your disability
- Not be day-to-day living costs unrelated to your disability
- Be value for money
- Be likely to benefit you and help achieve your goals
- Not be more appropriately funded by another system (e.g. health or housing)
If you can show that domestic tasks are difficult or unsafe due to your disability and that help with these tasks is vital to your wellbeing, the NDIS may approve funding.
Which Budget Does It Come Under?
Domestic assistance usually falls under the Core Supports category in your NDIS plan. More specifically, it’s funded through the Assistance with Daily Life support category. This category is flexible, allowing you to use funds for various daily living tasks based on your needs.
If your current plan includes core supports, and you’re not using all of it on other supports like personal care or transport, you might already be able to use some of it for domestic help, without needing a full plan review.
How To Add Domestic Assistance To Your NDIS Plan
If your plan doesn’t already include domestic assistance or if you need additional funding, follow these steps:
1. Identify Your Need for Assistance
Start by documenting how your disability makes it difficult to manage household tasks. Think about the risks, limitations, or challenges you face.
Ask yourself:
- Can I clean safely without risk of falls or injury?
- Does fatigue or mobility impact how often I can maintain my home?
- Have I been avoiding cooking or cleaning due to pain or lack of support?
Your answers can help shape your case.
2. Get Supporting Evidence
You’ll need evidence to show that domestic assistance is reasonable and necessary. This might include:
- Letters or reports from your GP, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist
- A home safety assessment
- A daily activity journal or personal statement
NDIS decision-makers rely on this kind of information to approve funding.
3. Request A Plan Review (If Needed)
If your current plan doesn’t include enough Core Support funds, you’ll need to request a Plan Review through the NDIA. You can ask for an early review if your needs have changed.
When applying:
- Clearly state that you’re seeking funding for Domestic Assistance
- Attach your evidence
- Outline how it supports your goals (e.g., remaining independent, maintaining a safe living environment)
4. Work With Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator
If you’re unsure about how to gather evidence or submit a request, your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can assist. They can also help you understand how domestic assistance fits within your existing plan.
How Apex Support Services Can Help
At Apex Support Services, we work closely with participants to ensure their needs are met in a way that makes everyday life safer and more manageable. Our team can help you:
- Understand whether Domestic Assistance is suitable for your situation
- Gather the right documentation and evidence
- Navigate plan reviews and NDIS processes
- Connect with reliable domestic support workers who understand your needs
- Monitor how your supports are working for you
We take the time to get to know you and match you with the right supports to make your home a comfortable, safe, and functional space.
When Can Domestic Assistance Be Delivered?
Once approved, domestic assistance can be delivered on a weekly, fortnightly, or as-needed basis, depending on your plan and goals. You may choose to engage a registered NDIS provider (like Apex Support Services) or use self-managed funds to find a support worker independently.
The NDIS is flexible, and the level of assistance can be adjusted over time. If your needs change, you can review your plan and make updates.
Tips For Getting Domestic Assistance Approved
Here are some helpful pointers to improve your chances of having domestic assistance added to your NDIS plan:
- Be specific in your request: Avoid vague language like “help around the house”. Instead, say “assistance with vacuuming, kitchen cleaning, and meal preparation due to fatigue and mobility limitations.”
- Use clear evidence: A letter from an occupational therapist carries more weight than a general statement.
- Link it to your goals: Show how maintaining your home helps you stay healthy, reduce stress, or engage in community life.
- Avoid unnecessary detail: focus on how your disability impacts your ability to perform the tasks, not just that you dislike doing them.
Key Points to Remember When Requesting Domestic Assistance
Here are a few quick things to remember when adding Domestic Assistance to your NDIS plan:
- It must be linked to your disability
- Funded under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life
- Evidence from health professionals strengthens your case
- You may need a plan review for additional funding
- Support coordinators or LACs can guide you through the process
Can You Use Domestic Assistance Short-Term?
Yes. Domestic assistance doesn’t have to be permanent. You may only need it for a short time, such as during recovery from surgery or after a change in your physical health. As long as it meets the NDIS funding criteria, short-term use can be considered.
Talk to your provider or LAC to see if short-term funding can be arranged without a full plan review.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is domestic assistance different from personal care?
Yes. Domestic assistance covers household tasks, while personal care includes activities such as bathing, dressing, and hygiene. They are funded under the same category but are considered separate support items.
2. Can family members provide domestic support?
In most cases, the NDIS prefers that a paid support worker deliver services. Family members can help inform your needs but are usually not paid to provide support unless there are exceptional circumstances.
3. How can domestic assistance help you stay independent at home?
Book a Free Consultation or Get Started with a Support Plan Review through Apex Support Services.
Your home should support your lifestyle – let’s work together to make that happen.
Final Thoughts
Adding NDIS domestic assistance to your NDIS plan is a practical step that can improve your quality of life. From improving home safety to freeing up your energy for more meaningful activities, this support can make a real difference.
It all starts with understanding your needs and taking action. Whether you’re currently managing without support or exploring options for the first time, Apex Support Services is here to guide you every step of the way.
