Published by SESI Care Services · Updated November 2026 · 2-minute summary
Quick answer: In-home NDIS support is paid help with everyday life, delivered at your home or out in the community. It can include personal care, cleaning, laundry, meals and getting to social activities. What you can use it for depends on the funding in your NDIS plan and on how the task links to your disability. Before you book, work out which tasks you want help with. Then check them against your plan, and agree the details with your provider in writing.
Key takeaways
- Your plan decides what is funded. Support must link to your disability needs and sit within your plan budget.
- Help can happen at home or out and about. Support to join a social activity or reach an appointment is different from help inside the house.
- Not every household task is covered. Funding is for tasks that your disability makes hard, not every chore.
- You choose what the help looks like. Say what you want to do yourself and where you want a hand.
- Get the details in writing. A service agreement should list tasks, times, costs and how to raise a concern.
What can in-home NDIS support help with?
It can help with the daily tasks your disability makes harder. That may include:
- Personal care. Showering, dressing, grooming and toileting. See our Personal & Domestic Activities service and our guide to personal care hours in your NDIS plan.
- Household tasks. Cleaning, laundry and meal preparation. See Cleaning, Meals & Household Tasks.
- Practising skills. A worker can help you learn the steps of a task, such as making lunch, rather than doing it all for you.
Funding depends on your plan. Ask your support coordinator or the NDIA if you are not sure what yours includes.
Can I use NDIS funding for cleaning, laundry and meals?
Sometimes, yes. The task must relate to your disability, and it must be something your plan covers. NDIS funding does not pay for every household expense or chore. Our post on using your Core budget for cleaning, laundry and meals explains how this works in more detail.
What about help to get out and about?
Support can go beyond the front door. A worker can help you join a social event, a local group or a recreational program. They can also help you get to an appointment.
Think about each step. Do you need help getting ready? Do you need help travelling? Do you need help once you arrive? Tell your provider which steps matter to you. Read more about community participation and travel and transport support. Our post on how support workers build community connection shows what this can look like in practice.
How do I describe the help I want?
You do not need perfect words. Start with these four questions:
- Which task do I want help with?
- What can I already do myself?
- What would the worker do?
- When do I want the help (for example 8am on weekdays)?
Write your answers down or tell a support coordinator or someone you trust. The clearer you are, the easier it is for a provider to match the right worker to you.
Quick checklist before you start
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pick one or two tasks that would make daily life easier. |
| 2 | Check your plan budget for those supports. |
| 3 | Tell the provider your routine and preferences. |
| 4 | Read the service agreement before you sign. |
| 5 | Ask how to change a worker or time if it is not working. |
Frequently asked questions
Can family members or carers help plan my support?
Yes, if you want them involved. They can share what works for your routine. You stay in charge of the decisions about your own support.
How do support workers fit the help to my goals?
They can shape the help around what you want to do. If making lunch is your goal, a worker can help you practise the steps instead of doing everything for you.
How flexible is the timing of support?
Times are agreed between you and your provider. Tell them which routines the support needs to fit, such as a regular morning task or a planned outing.
What does in-home support cost?
It depends on the support you need, when it happens and the funding in your plan. Ask your provider for a written quote before you start.
Is support available if I have higher support needs?
Your plan sets what is funded. Tell your provider about the daily tasks you need help with and how much help you need. They can talk through the options with you.
Talk to SESI
If you want help at home or out in the community, SESI Care Services can talk through what suits you. Make a referral or call us on 1800 017 374.
This article is general information only. It is not personal advice. Check your own NDIS plan or ask your support coordinator about what is funded for you.
Ready to talk?
See how SESI can support you or someone you love.