Keeping your home clean, safe, and comfortable is an important part of living independently. If your disability makes everyday household tasks difficult, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund practical support to help you manage daily life. This guide explains what NDIS Household Tasks and In-Home Supports include, what's covered, who is eligible, and how participants in Alice Springs and Central Australia can access these services.

If vacuuming, laundry or getting dinner on the table has become genuinely hard or unsafe because of your disability, you may already be entitled to funded help—you just haven't put it into your plan yet. Household Tasks and In-Home Supports are two of the most practical parts of an NDIS plan, but they're also among the most misunderstood. Here's what you need to know.

What Are NDIS Household Tasks?

NDIS Household Tasks are funded through the Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget to help participants complete essential household duties they cannot safely or independently perform because of their disability.

These supports are designed to help you maintain a clean, safe, and healthy home environment while promoting greater independence and quality of life.

What Are In-Home Supports Under the NDIS?

In-Home Supports are broader than Household Tasks. They provide practical assistance within your home and can include household help alongside personal care, daily routine support, medication assistance, and other services that help you live safely and independently.

Both Household Tasks and In-Home Supports generally fall within your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget. Because Core Supports funding is flexible, many participants can move funding between eligible support categories as their needs change without requiring a formal plan review.

What's Typically Covered?

Depending on your NDIS plan and individual needs, Household Tasks and In-Home Supports may include:

• General household cleaning, including vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning and kitchen cleaning
• Laundry, including washing, drying, folding and changing bed linen
• Meal preparation, cooking, food preparation, safe food storage and washing dishes
• Basic yard maintenance, such as lawn mowing, weeding and clearing trip hazards where it relates to participant safety
• Cleaning and maintaining mobility equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices
• Daily routine support to help you manage household activities independently
• Assistance that promotes your confidence and ability to remain living safely at home

What's Not Covered?

The NDIS funds the support worker's time, not everyday living expenses.

Generally, the following are not covered:

• Groceries and food purchases
• Cleaning products and household supplies
• Utility bills
• Structural home repairs
• Appliance replacement
• Painting or renovations
• Major landscaping and gardening projects

Accessibility-related home modifications may be funded separately through Capital Supports, where approved.

Am I Eligible?

Household Tasks and In-Home Supports may be funded when they meet the NDIS requirement of being reasonable and necessary.

This usually means:

• Your disability directly affects your ability to complete the task safely or independently.
• There is no informal support, such as a family member, who can reasonably provide the assistance.
• The support is directly related to your NDIS goals.
• The support has been included in your approved NDIS plan.

There is no standard number of funded hours. Your allocation depends on your individual circumstances, functional capacity and goals, and may range from a few hours each week to more extensive ongoing support.

What Does This Look Like in Alice Springs?

Delivering in-home support across Alice Springs, Central Australia, and the Northern Territory comes with unique local considerations.

Participants living in remote or very remote areas may be subject to different NDIS pricing arrangements due to travel and service delivery requirements. Local conditions such as long travel distances, heat and environmental factors can also influence scheduling.

Choosing an experienced provider based in Alice Springs often means:

• More reliable appointment scheduling
• Better continuity with the same support worker
• Local knowledge of community services
• A team that understands the practical challenges of living in Central Australia

How to Include Household Tasks in Your NDIS Plan

If you need support at home, consider the following steps:

• Tell your NDIS planner exactly which household tasks you struggle to complete and explain why.
• Ask your GP, occupational therapist or allied health professional to provide supporting evidence where appropriate.
• Check whether you already have funding available under your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget.
• Choose an experienced NDIS provider who can deliver consistent support that aligns with your goals.

Why Choose Leah Bett Nursing & Disability Services?

At Leah Bett Nursing & Disability Services, we provide person-centred Household Tasks and In-Home Supports throughout Alice Springs and surrounding communities.

Our experienced team can also deliver complementary services where funded within your plan, including:

• Personal Care
• Community Nursing
• Medication Management
• Disability Support Services
• Daily Living Assistance

By receiving multiple supports from one trusted provider, you can enjoy greater continuity of care, simpler communication and personalised support tailored to your individual needs.

If you're unsure what your NDIS plan currently covers, our friendly team is happy to help you understand your funding and discuss your available options.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're looking for reliable NDIS Household Tasks or In-Home Support in Alice Springs, our experienced team is here to help.

Whether you're new to the NDIS or already have an approved plan, we can explain your options, answer your questions and help you access the supports you need to live more independently.

Contact Leah Bett Nursing & Disability Services today to discuss your NDIS plan or make a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NDIS cover cleaning and household chores?

Yes. If your disability makes it unsafe or impossible to complete everyday household tasks, the NDIS may fund Household Tasks through your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget. This may include cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and basic yard maintenance. It does not cover groceries, cleaning products or general household expenses.

What's the difference between Household Tasks and In-Home Supports?

Household Tasks focus on domestic assistance such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and maintaining a safe home environment. In-Home Supports are broader and may also include personal care, medication prompts, daily routine assistance and other supports provided in your home.

Do I need a new NDIS plan to access Household Tasks?

Not necessarily. If you already have funding available under your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget, you can often begin using it for Household Tasks or In-Home Supports without requiring a formal plan review. Your plan manager or support coordinator can help confirm your available funding.

Is support more expensive in Alice Springs than in metropolitan areas?

Participants living in remote and very remote regions may be subject to different NDIS pricing arrangements. Your plan manager, support coordinator or provider can explain the current pricing that applies to your location.

Can I choose my own support worker?

Yes. Wherever possible, you can choose a provider and support worker who best suits your needs and preferences. Having the same support worker regularly can provide greater consistency, trust and continuity of care.

Can Household Tasks and Personal Care be provided during the same visit?

Yes. If your NDIS plan includes both supports, a provider may be able to deliver Household Tasks alongside Personal Care during the same visit, making your support more convenient and coordinated.

How often can I receive Household Task support?

The frequency of support depends on your approved NDIS funding, goals and individual needs. Some participants receive assistance weekly, while others may require more frequent or intensive support.