NDIS Help at Home: What You Can and Can’t Claim
If you or someone you care for has NDIS funding, you might be wondering:
“Can the NDIS help with things around the house?”
The short answer is yes — but only for certain supports.
This guide explains NDIS help at home, including what you can claim, what you can’t, and how it all works.
What does “NDIS help at home” mean?
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) help at home usually falls under Core Supports, especially:
- Assistance with Daily Living
- Household tasks
These supports are there to help you:
- Live safely at home
- Build independence
- Take part in everyday life
What you can claim through the NDIS
The NDIS can fund help at home when you’re unable to do tasks yourself because of your disability.
Most of the time, NDIS help at home is done with a support worker alongside you. They help with tasks you find hard because of your disability, or show you how to do them safely and build your confidence.
Cleaning and household tasks
- Vacuuming and mopping
- Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
- Changing bed linen
- General household cleaning
Laundry
- Washing and drying clothes
- Folding and putting clothes away
Meal preparation
- Help preparing meals
- Support with cooking
- Help to learn cooking skills
Personal care at home
- Showering and hygiene
- Dressing
- Toileting
Help with daily routines
- Getting ready for the day
- Support to manage your home safely
- Prompting or supervision where needed
Home maintenance (in some cases)
- Lawn mowing
- Basic gardening
- Minor home upkeep
These supports must be reasonable and necessary and linked to your disability.
What you can’t claim through the NDIS
The NDIS won’t pay for everyday costs that everyone has, or things not related to your disability.
General living expenses
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries
- Utility bills (electricity, water, internet)
Cleaning that isn’t disability-related
- Cleaning if you’re able to do it yourself
- One-off deep cleans not linked to disability needs
Luxury or lifestyle services
- Premium cleaning services
- Landscaping or major garden makeovers
- Non-essential home upgrades
Repairs and major maintenance
- Fixing appliances
- Plumbing or electrical work
- Renovations (these fall under home modifications, which are assessed separately)
Support that should be funded elsewhere
- Medical care (covered by the health system)
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Traffic Accident Commission
- General aged care supports (for older Australians)
Can I hire a cleaner, gardener or handyman without being there?
This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is:
Sometimes, but it depends on your situation and your plan.
Can I have a professional cleaner without helping?
Yes, if your disability means you can’t safely do the cleaning yourself or with help from a community support worker.
You don’t always need to be physically involved. The NDIS can fund a cleaner to:
- Do regular household cleaning
- Maintain a safe and healthy home
The key question is: Is this support needed because of your disability?
Can I have a gardener mow my lawn or maintain my garden?
Yes, basic garden maintenance can be funded if:
- You’re unable to do it yourself due to your disability
- It’s about safety and upkeep (not appearance or landscaping)
This can include:
- Lawn mowing
- Weeding
- Basic garden maintenance
It won’t cover things like:
- Full garden redesigns
- Landscaping or aesthetic upgrades
Can I have a handyperson fix odd jobs around my home?
Usually no for general repairs, but yes in some limited cases.
May be covered:
- Small, disability-related maintenance tasks
- Minor fixes that help you use your home safely
Not covered:
- General home repairs
- Plumbing, electrical or major maintenance
- Upgrades that aren’t disability-related
Do I need a support worker with me?
Not always.
There are two main ways supports can be delivered:
1. A support worker helping you
This is common when the goal is to:
- Build your skills
- Support your independence
- Help you do tasks safely
2. A service done for you
In some cases, tasks can be done without you being involved, like:
- Cleaning
- Lawn mowing
This usually applies when:
- Your disability prevents you from doing the task at all
- There’s no skill-building goal
In simple terms:
- If it’s about learning or participation, a support worker may work alongside you
- If it’s about getting the job done safely, it may be done for you
How does the NDIS decide what you can claim?
The NDIS looks at whether the support is:
- Related to your disability
- Something you can’t safely do yourself
- Good value for money
- Likely to help you live more independently
Tips to get the right support in your plan
- Be clear about what you struggle with at home
- Get reports from OTs or allied health professionals
- Explain how support will help you live safely and independently
- Use simple, clear language about your daily challenges
If you’re not sure what you can claim
NDIS funding can be confusing, especially when it comes to everyday tasks.
If you’re unsure:
- Talk to your support coordinator
- Speak with your NDIS planner or LAC
- Check your plan and budgets carefully
A quick summary
- The NDIS can fund help at home if it’s related to your disability
- This includes cleaning, cooking, personal care and daily support
- Some services can be done for you, not always with you
- It does not cover everyday living costs or major repairs
- Supports must be reasonable and necessary
Need help at home?
Lifely support workers can support you with personal care and help you feel comfortable and confident at home.
We can also help with housework and jobs around the home by working alongside you — building your skills, supporting your independence and making everyday life a bit easier.
Learn about how we can help you at home.
Check out our full list of services.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you, get in touch with our team today.
