The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for home and yard supports when these are directly related to a participant’s disability and meet the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary criteria. This guide provides an overview of what may or may not be funded by the NDIS in relation to home and yard supports.
It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.
What Is Commonly Funded?
These supports are considered low risk and are commonly funded by the NDIS without the need for extensive supporting evidence, provided the relevant Support Category is available in the participant's plan.
Household Tasks
- ✅ Essential house or yard maintenance, such as, mowing, whipper snippering
- ✅ Essential cleaning and laundry (typically excludes services related to a child’s plan)
These supports help participants complete essential household activities they cannot undertake due to their disability.
What Is Sometimes Funded? (Evidence Required)
Some home and yard related supports may be funded but require:
- Explicit written approval from My NDIS Contact or an NDIS Delegate
- Inclusion in the participant’s NDIS plan.
Household Tasks
- ⚠️ Household or yard maintenance related to a child’s disability needs
- ⚠️ Cleaning and laundry services (laundromats, ironing, linen service, dry cleaning, carpet or steam cleaning)
- ⚠️ Outdoor window cleaning involving special equipment
- ⚠️ Assistance with daily life tasks in shared living environments (temporary or ongoing)
Household Related Expenses
- ⚠️ Moving costs directly related to disability, such as, moving disability-specific equipment like a hoist or electric bed
Home Modification, Design, and Construction
- Home design, modification, or construction to promote independence and safety:
- ⚠️ Installing equipment or altering fixtures/fittings
- ⚠️ Building modifications to repair disability-related damage
- ⚠️ Regulatory certification for completed works
- ⚠️ Rails and ramps
What Is Not Funded by the NDIS?
Certain home and yard supports are considered day-to-day living costs or are the responsibility of homeowners or other services. These are generally not funded by the NDIS.
Household Tasks
- ❌ Standard home maintenance
- ❌ Pool maintenance or cleaning
- ❌ Professional services, such as, carpet cleaning, electricians, gutter cleaning, tree lopping, stump removal, mould removal
- ❌ Routine home repairs, such as, painting, plumbing
- ❌ Bond cleaning, standard mould cleaning
Household Related Expenses
- ❌ Home security and standard maintenance costs
- ❌ Utilities: water, gas, electricity, council rates, land taxes
- ❌ Solar panels, home batteries, hot water systems
- ❌ Home and contents insurance
- ❌ Rubbish removal, skip bins, tip fees
Home Modifications and Construction
- ❌ Fencing, gates, standard renovations, or repairs
- ❌ Housing or changes to government-owned facilities (e.g., aged care, public housing)
- ❌ Cosmetic home upgrades (e.g., marble tiles, upgraded tapware, automated lighting)
- ❌ Pools, hydrotherapy pools, spas, saunas
- ❌ Modifications not meeting Australian laws (unlawful goods/services)
Participant Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for ensuring that any supports purchased with NDIS funding:
- Align with the goals in their plan
- Are charged to the correct budget category
- Respect any stated supports listed in the plan
- Are spent within the correct funding periods
- Meet the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines
If you are unsure whether a support can be claimed, consult with your plan manager or My NDIS Contact for advice.
Need Help Getting a Support Funded?
To explore whether a home or yard support might be funded by the NDIS:
👉 Visit Kismet Healthcare – NDIS Supports
👉 Speak to your ‘My NDIS Contact’ or Support Coordinator.