It is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: often yes, but not automatically. Cleaning is funded when it is a direct consequence of your disability — not simply because you would rather not do it.
Where Cleaning Sits in Your Plan
Household cleaning is generally funded under Core Supports, in the category Assistance with Daily Life. Because Core Supports is largely flexible between categories, participants who already have daily living funding can often direct some of it to cleaning without needing a plan change.
The Test the NDIA Applies
Every support has to be “reasonable and necessary”. In practice, for cleaning, that means:
- The need arises from your disability — not from being busy, or from preference
- It represents value for money compared with the alternatives
- It is likely to be effective and beneficial for you
- It is not something the health system or another service should be providing
- It relates to a goal in your plan
When It Is Usually Funded
- Mobility limitations that make bending, reaching or standing unsafe
- Chronic fatigue or pain conditions where exertion causes a crash
- Psychosocial disability where executive function makes household tasks unmanageable
- Vision impairment affecting the ability to clean safely and thoroughly
- Intellectual disability or acquired brain injury affecting task sequencing
When It Is Usually Not
- Cleaning up after other adults in the household who have no disability
- Garden maintenance and yard work, which are treated separately and funded far less often
- Tasks a co-resident would reasonably do anyway
- General life admin unrelated to disability
A useful distinction. The NDIA funds the portion of household work created by your disability — not the whole household’s share. If you live with two other adults, expect the funded portion to reflect that.
How to Ask for It Properly
Describe the task, not the diagnosis
“I cannot kneel to clean the shower base and I cannot stand for more than five minutes” is far more useful than naming a condition.
Bring supporting evidence
An OT functional assessment carries real weight, as does a GP or specialist letter describing functional impact.
Connect it to a goal
Link it to living independently and safely at home. Supports are assessed against your stated goals.
Be specific about hours
Ask for a defined number of hours per week or fortnight, with a reason for that number.
What About Aged Care?
If you are over 65 the NDIS is generally not the pathway — domestic assistance is delivered through aged care instead. Our Support at Home explainer covers how that works, and we provide aged care home support directly.
Getting Help
We deliver NDIS cleaning services across Melbourne and the Goulburn region. If you are not sure whether your plan covers it, send it to us and we will give you a straight answer — including if the answer is no.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Core Supports funding for cleaning without a plan review?
Usually yes. Core Supports is flexible between most of its categories, so if you have Assistance with Daily Life funding you can generally direct some of it to household tasks.
Does the NDIS cover gardening?
Much less often. Yard maintenance is funded only in limited circumstances, typically where it is essential for safe access to the property.
How many hours will I get?
It depends entirely on your assessed functional need and your household. A common starting point is one to three hours per week or fortnight.
Can I choose my own cleaner?
Yes. You have choice and control over providers, and you can change provider if the arrangement is not working.
Still not sure where you stand? Send us your plan or give us a call — we will tell you what is covered, and what is not.
Ask us a question