Updated on October 27, 2025
Keeping a home clean, safe, and comfortable is key to everyone’s well-being, but for people living with disabilities, everyday household tasks can present significant challenges. That’s where NDIS domestic assistance comes in, providing important support that helps participants maintain their independence and quality of life at home.
NDIS domestic assistance
NDIS domestic assistance falls under the Core Supports budget, specifically within the Assistance with Daily Life category. This funding helps participants manage everyday tasks at home that may be difficult or unsafe to complete independently due to their disability.
The support must be considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ in relation to your disability needs. It’s designed to help participants live as independently as possible while building skills and confidence in managing their home environment.
It’s important to note that NDIS participants are responsible for day-to-day living costs, including rent, groceries, utilities, and general household items such as cleaning products. The NDIS covers the cost of support workers who assist with tasks, not the consumable products themselves.
Top 10 household tasks covered
1. General house cleaning
NDIS assists participants in living independently and safely with the help of general house cleaning. This includes sweeping, dusting, mopping floors, wiping surfaces, and cleaning windows, all the essential tasks that keep a living space fresh, healthy, and hygienic.
Support workers can help maintain regular cleaning routines across all commonly used areas of your home, ensuring your environment remains safe and comfortable. For participants with mobility challenges or limited energy, having assistance with these tasks can significantly reduce stress and prevent the accumulation of dirt and clutter that could pose health or safety risks.
2. Kitchen cleaning and maintenance
Kitchen cleaning services provided by NDIS include wiping benches and cupboards, cleaning stoves, ovens, and fridges, removing trash, and arranging pantries. A clean kitchen is fundamental to food safety and promoting healthier eating habits.
Support workers can help participants maintain hygiene standards in food preparation areas, which is particularly important for those who may be more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. This support ensures that cooking spaces remain functional, organized, and safe to use.
3. Bathroom cleaning and sanitization
Domestic care under NDIS may involve scrubbing of toilets, cleaning of showers and bathtubs, cleaning of tiles, sanitising of surfaces, and changing of bathroom supplies like toilet paper. Bathrooms require regular attention to prevent mold growth, bacterial buildup, and potential safety hazards.
A clean bathroom will reduce falls, moulds, and infections, making this support particularly valuable for participants with restricted mobility or those who need a safe and accessible environment. The combination of moisture and hard surfaces in bathrooms can create slip hazards, so maintaining cleanliness in these areas is a priority.
4. Laundry services
An NDIS domestic assistant can help with washing, drying, folding, ironing clothes, and hanging clothes. While laundry might seem straightforward, it can be physically demanding for participants who struggle to bend, lift, or maintain their posture for extended periods.
Having clean clothes, towels, and bed linen readily available impacts daily hygiene, comfort, and self-confidence. Support workers can establish efficient laundry routines that ensure participants always have fresh clothing and household linens, reducing stress and supporting better personal presentation.
5. Bed making and linen changes
Home help can be provided under NDIS, and it can include stripping and remaking beds, changing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, as well as rotating bedding according to the weather. Regular linen changes are important for hygiene and comfort, particularly for individuals with chronic illness, disability, or those who experience fatigue.
Fresh bedding contributes to better sleep quality and can help prevent skin irritations and respiratory issues. For participants with limited upper body strength or mobility, the task of lifting mattresses and fitting sheets can be particularly challenging, making this support invaluable.
6. Dishwashing and kitchen organization
Managing dishes and kitchen organization is another key area where NDIS domestic assistance can help. Support workers can assist with washing, drying, and putting away dishes, as well as organizing cupboards and pantries to ensure everything is accessible and in its proper place.
For participants who cook regularly or have family members to prepare meals for, keeping up with dishes can quickly become overwhelming. Having support in this area helps maintain kitchen hygiene and ensures cooking spaces remain functional and inviting.
7. Vacuuming and floor care
Support includes keeping floors clean and tidy through vacuuming and washing floors. Regular floor maintenance is important for preventing trip hazards, reducing allergens, and maintaining a clean living environment.
For wheelchair users or people with mobility aids, clean and clear floors are important for safe movement around the home. Support workers can ensure that carpets are vacuumed regularly and hard floors are mopped, creating a safer and more pleasant living space.
8. Yard maintenance
NDIS household tasks assistance includes yard maintenance. While often overlooked, outdoor space maintenance is important for both safety and well-being. This can include basic garden care, mowing lawns, removing debris, and ensuring pathways are clear and safe.
For participants who enjoy spending time outdoors or who need safe access to their homes, yard maintenance helps prevent overgrown vegetation that could create hazards or harbour pests. It also contributes to maintaining property standards and enjoying outdoor living areas.
9. Cleaning and maintaining assistive equipment
NDIS can provide support for cleaning equipment, including support rails, bathroom safety tools, and general assistive aids. Keeping assistive equipment clean and well-maintained is important for both hygiene and safety.
Support workers can help participants ensure their equipment remains in good working order, is clean, and is safe to use. This might include cleaning wheelchairs, walking frames, shower chairs, or other daily living aids that require regular attention.
10. Meal preparation cleanup
While meal preparation itself is often a distinct service, the cleanup associated with cooking is an important household task covered under domestic assistance. This includes cleaning cooking utensils, wiping down food preparation surfaces, and ensuring the kitchen is left clean and organized after meals.
For participants who are learning to cook independently or who prepare their own meals with supervision, having support with the cleanup component can encourage continued participation in meal preparation without the burden of managing all aspects of the task.
Who can access these services?
NDIS domestic assistance is available to all NDIS participants who have funding allocated in their Core Supports budget under Assistance with Daily Life. This support is for people whose disability impacts their ability to complete household tasks safely or independently. You don’t need a specific diagnosis, what matters is how your disability affects your daily functioning at home. You can be self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed, and you can access domestic assistance services as long as they’re included in your plan and align with your goals.
How to access NDIS domestic assistance
If you don’t currently have household assistance in your NDIS plan but think you would benefit from it, here’s how to request it:
- Talk to your NDIS planner: Talk to your NDIS planner or support coordinator and let them know what daily tasks you’re struggling with and why you need support. Be specific about how your disability impacts your ability to complete household tasks independently.
- Gather evidence: Gather evidence such as a letter from your doctor, therapist, or support worker explaining your needs. Documentation from healthcare professionals strengthens your case for why this support is reasonable and necessary.
- Request a plan review: Request a plan review and ask for Assistance with Daily Life to be added under Core Supports. You can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances change or if you identify gaps in your current support.
Choosing the right support provider
The best care comes from people you trust. When selecting a provider for domestic assistance, consider these factors:
- Experience and qualifications: Look for registered NDIS providers with trained support workers who understand disability support.
- Compatibility: Choose a provider who will match you with support workers suited to your needs, lifestyle, and personality.
- Flexibility: Find a provider who can accommodate your schedule and adapt to changing needs.
- Cultural sensitivity: If relevant, seek providers who understand and respect your cultural background and practices.
- Communication: Select a provider who communicates clearly and keeps you informed about your support.
At Centre Disability Support, we understand that every participant has unique needs and preferences. Our experienced support workers are dedicated to providing respectful, person-centered assistance that promotes independence and dignity.
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