If you are an NDIS participant struggling to keep up with household tasks because of your disability, domestic assistance may be funded in your plan. But what exactly does it cover — and what does it not? This guide breaks it down in plain English.
What is NDIS Domestic Assistance?
Domestic assistance is a funded NDIS support that helps participants with household tasks they are unable to perform independently due to their disability. It falls under the Core Supports — Assistance with Daily Life category.
The goal is not to do everything for you — it is to bridge the gap between what you can manage independently and what your disability prevents you from doing safely or consistently.
What Does NDIS Domestic Assistance Cover?
Cleaning
General house cleaning including vacuuming, mopping, dusting, wiping surfaces, cleaning bathrooms and toilets, and maintaining a safe, hygienic living environment. This does not typically include deep cleaning, carpet steam cleaning or window washing unless specifically justified.
Laundry
Washing, drying, folding and putting away laundry. Ironing may be included where required. The support worker uses your machines and laundry products.
Meal preparation
Assistance with planning, preparing and cooking meals that meet your nutritional needs and dietary requirements. This can include help with grocery lists and basic cooking tasks.
Grocery shopping assistance
Support to shop for groceries and household essentials — either accompanying you to the shops or shopping on your behalf where you are unable to go yourself.
Home organisation
Help organising and decluttering living spaces to ensure your home is safe, accessible and easy to navigate — particularly important for participants at risk of falls or with mobility challenges.
What is NOT Covered by NDIS Domestic Assistance?
The NDIS will not fund domestic assistance for tasks that:
Are not related to your disability — if your disability does not affect your ability to perform the task, it will not be funded
Can be done by informal supports — if a family member or housemate reasonably performs these tasks, the NDIS will not duplicate that support
Are the responsibility of a landlord — maintenance, repairs or tasks that fall under a tenancy agreement
Are general home improvements — painting, gardening or renovations are not covered under domestic assistance
Gardening and lawn mowing are a grey area — they may be funded if you can demonstrate a clear disability-related reason why you cannot manage this task and why it is essential to your safety or wellbeing.
Who is Eligible for NDIS Domestic Assistance?
To have domestic assistance funded in your NDIS plan, you need to demonstrate that:
Your disability directly affects your ability to perform household tasks
The support is reasonable and necessary — it helps you participate in daily life and maintain a safe home
You do not have adequate informal support — a family member or carer is not already performing these tasks regularly
The stronger the evidence from your GP, occupational therapist or physio linking your disability to your functional limitations at home, the more likely domestic assistance is to be funded and adequately resourced in your plan.
Tips for Getting Domestic Assistance in Your Plan
Get an OT assessment
An Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment is one of the most effective ways to build a case for domestic assistance. An OT can observe you in your home, document what you struggle with and why, and provide a professional recommendation for the level of support required.
Be specific at your planning meeting
Rather than saying "I need help around the house", describe specific tasks you cannot manage: "I cannot vacuum due to chronic pain in my shoulder", or "I cannot prepare meals safely because my fatigue means I cannot stand at the stove." Specific, functional descriptions carry more weight.
Document your current support gaps
If tasks are currently going undone — or you are putting yourself at risk trying to manage them — document this before your planning meeting. Photos, a diary of tasks you attempted and failed, or a letter from your GP or carer all help build your case.
Accessing Domestic Assistance in Western Sydney
Bopha Cares provides NDIS domestic assistance and in-home support to participants across Western Sydney — including Blacktown, Stanhope Gardens, the Hills District, Parramatta and surrounding suburbs.
Our support workers are experienced, well-matched to each participant, and committed to helping you maintain a comfortable, safe and independent home environment. We work around your schedule and your preferences.
Call us on 0452 330 837 or get in touch via our contact page to discuss your domestic assistance needs.