What Is NDIS Assistance with Daily Life?
NDIS assistance with daily life means getting help with everyday tasks that you find hard to do on your own because of your disability. This support helps you live more independently at home and in your community.
In your NDIS plan, this type of support is called "Assistance with Daily Life" and sits under the Core Supports budget. Core Supports is the most flexible part of your plan—you can often move money between different types of support within this category.
Home care support is about helping you do the things you need to do each day—so you can focus on living your life the way you want.
What Home Care Services Does NDIS Fund?
The NDIS can fund a wide range of home care services. What you receive depends on your individual needs and goals. Here are the main types of support:
Personal Care
Help with personal tasks like showering, getting dressed, grooming, and toileting. Support workers assist with dignity and respect, helping you maintain your personal hygiene and feel good about yourself.
- Showering and bathing assistance
- Getting dressed and undressed
- Grooming and personal hygiene
- Toileting support
Household Tasks
Help with keeping your home clean and tidy. This includes tasks that are directly related to your disability—things you would do yourself if you could.
- Cleaning and tidying living areas
- Laundry and ironing
- Changing bed linen
- Basic home maintenance
Meal Preparation
Support with planning, shopping for, and preparing meals. This ensures you eat well and stay healthy.
- Meal planning and grocery shopping
- Cooking and food preparation
- Assistance with eating if needed
- Managing special dietary needs
Life Skills Development
Learning new skills to become more independent over time. Your support worker can teach and guide you to do more things on your own.
- Learning to cook simple meals
- Money management and budgeting
- Using public transport
- Building daily routines
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Home Care?
To receive NDIS home care support, you must first be an NDIS participant. This means meeting the basic NDIS eligibility requirements:
Age
You must be under 65 years old when you first apply for the NDIS.
Residency
You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Disability with Functional Impact
You must have a permanent disability that makes it hard for you to do everyday tasks like self-care, communication, or getting around.
Important: Not all NDIS participants automatically receive home care funding. Your plan is based on your individual needs. If you need help with daily tasks, make sure to discuss this during your planning meeting.
How NDIS Home Care Funding Works
Your home care funding sits in the Core Supports category of your NDIS plan. This is the most flexible type of funding—you can often move money between different support types within Core Supports.
How You Can Manage Your Funding
You have three options for managing your NDIS funding. Each gives you different levels of control and flexibility:
| Management Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Managed | You manage your own budget, pay providers directly, and claim reimbursement from the NDIS | People who want maximum control and can handle paperwork |
| Plan-Managed | A plan manager handles payments and paperwork while you choose your providers | People who want choice without the admin work |
| NDIA-Managed | The NDIA pays your providers directly—you must use registered providers only | People who want a hands-off approach |
What Affects Your Funding Amount
- Your disability type and severity—how much your condition affects your daily life
- Your goals—what you want to achieve with your support
- Your living situation—whether you live alone, with family, or in shared housing
- Informal supports available—help you already get from family or friends
Types of NDIS Daily Living Assistance
The NDIS uses specific categories to describe different types of daily living support. Understanding these can help you get the right funding in your plan:
Assistance with Daily Personal Activities
Help with personal care like showering, dressing, and grooming. Also includes help with eating and moving around your home safely.
High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities
For people with complex needs requiring highly skilled support workers. This includes help with medical-type tasks like catheter care or tube feeding.
Assistance with Household Tasks
Help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and basic home maintenance. This covers tasks that keep your home liveable and safe.
Community Access and Participation
Support to get out of your home and participate in community activities. This might include going shopping, attending appointments, or joining social groups.
How to Access NDIS In-Home Support
Getting started with NDIS home care involves five main steps:
Check You're NDIS Eligible
If you're not already an NDIS participant, you'll need to apply first. Check that you meet the age, residency, and disability requirements. Our team can help you understand if you're likely to be eligible.
Prepare for Your Planning Meeting
Think about what daily tasks you need help with. Write down specific examples of things you find difficult and how support would help you achieve your goals. The more detail you provide, the better.
Get Your NDIS Plan with Home Care Funding
At your planning meeting, clearly explain your daily living needs. If your plan is approved with home care funding, you'll see it listed under Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life.
Find and Choose Your Providers
Research providers in your area who offer the services you need. Look for providers who are experienced, reliable, and a good fit for you. You can use the NDIS Provider Finder or ask for recommendations.
Start Receiving Support
Once you've chosen your provider, you'll sign a service agreement that outlines what support you'll receive, when, and how much it costs. Then your support can begin!
How to Choose a Quality Provider
Finding the right provider makes a big difference to your experience. Here's what to look for and ask:
Quality Indicators
NDIS registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Trained support workers with relevant experience
Clear communication and responsive to your needs
Positive reviews from other participants
Transparent pricing aligned with NDIS price guide
Flexible service that adapts to your changing needs
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
- Are you registered with the NDIS Commission?
- What experience do your workers have with my type of disability?
- How do you match support workers with participants?
- What happens if my regular worker is sick or unavailable?
- How do you handle complaints or feedback?
- Can I meet potential support workers before starting?
NDIS Home Care Pricing
NDIS home care services are funded based on standard pricing arrangements. Here are the typical hourly rates for common services:
Household Cleaning
Help with house cleaning, tidying, laundry, and linen changes
$58.03
per hour
Garden Maintenance
Lawn mowing, weeding, garden upkeep, and outdoor maintenance
$56.98
per hour
Important: Prices may vary based on location, complexity of the task, and whether you're using agency-managed or self-managed funding. Always confirm pricing with your chosen provider.
Source: NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2025-26 - Visit ndis.gov.au for the latest pricing information
Warning Signs: Red Flags to Avoid
Unfortunately, not all providers offer quality service. Watch out for these warning signs:
No written service agreement—all providers should give you a clear agreement before starting
Pressure to sign quickly—take your time to read and understand agreements
Unclear or hidden fees—pricing should be transparent and match the NDIS price guide
Workers who are often late or don't show up—reliability is essential
Ignoring your preferences—good providers listen to what you want and need
Making decisions without consulting you—you should always be in control of your support
Know your rights: You can make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if you experience poor service or have safety concerns. Call 1800 035 544.