If you’re an NDIS participant in Newcastle, you may be eligible for professional cleaning services as part of your plan. Maintaining a clean, safe home environment is essential for health and wellbeing—and the NDIS recognizes this.
Whether you live in Charlestown, Hamilton, Merewether, Adamstown, or Kotara, this guide will help you understand how to access NDIS-funded cleaning services in Newcastle.
What Are NDIS Cleaning Services?
NDIS cleaning services help participants who are unable to clean their homes independently due to their disability. These services support you to maintain a safe, hygienic living environment.
Why NDIS Covers Cleaning
The NDIS funds cleaning services because:
- ✅ Health & Safety: A clean home prevents illness and accidents
- ✅ Independence: Helps you live independently in your own home
- ✅ Wellbeing: Clean environment supports mental health
- ✅ Dignity: Everyone deserves a clean, comfortable home
- ✅ Social Participation: Clean home allows you to have visitors and engage socially
💡 Important: NDIS cleaning is different from regular domestic cleaning. It’s funded because your disability prevents you from cleaning independently—not just as a convenience.
Are You Eligible for NDIS Cleaning Services?
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible if:
- You’re an active NDIS participant with an approved plan
- Your disability prevents you from cleaning independently
- Cleaning is deemed “reasonable and necessary” by the NDIA
- Cleaning supports your goals to live independently
- It’s not something others in your household would normally do for you
Common Disabilities That Qualify
- Mobility impairments (wheelchair users, limited movement)
- Chronic pain conditions
- Intellectual disabilities
- Psychosocial disabilities (mental health conditions)
- Vision impairments
- Neurological conditions (MS, cerebral palsy, etc.)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
What’s NOT Typically Covered
NDIS won’t fund cleaning if:
- ❌ You can clean independently but choose not to
- ❌ Someone else in your household can reasonably do it
- ❌ It’s general household maintenance others would normally do
- ❌ Your disability doesn’t impact your ability to clean
Where Cleaning Services Appear in Your NDIS Plan
Core Supports Budget
Cleaning services typically come from your Core Supports budget under:
- Assistance with Daily Life (0104) – Most common category
- Flexible funding that you control
- Can be used for various support needs
Plan Management Types
Self-Managed:
- You hire and pay cleaners directly
- Keep invoices and claim from NDIS
- Maximum flexibility in choosing providers
- Newcastle Cleaners can provide invoices for your claims
Plan-Managed:
- Your plan manager pays invoices on your behalf
- You choose the provider (Newcastle Cleaners)
- Provider sends invoice to your plan manager
- Easy administration
Agency-Managed (NDIA-Managed):
- NDIA manages payments
- Must use registered NDIS providers
- Less flexibility but simple process
What Cleaning Tasks Are Covered?
Typically Covered Cleaning Tasks
Bathrooms:
- Cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs
- Mopping floors
- Wiping mirrors and surfaces
- Sanitizing high-touch areas
Kitchen:
- Wiping countertops and splashback
- Cleaning stovetop and sink
- Wiping outside of appliances
- Mopping floors
- Taking out rubbish
Living Areas & Bedrooms:
- Vacuuming all floors
- Mopping hard floors
- Dusting accessible surfaces
- Making beds (if requested)
- General tidying related to cleaning
General Throughout Home:
- Emptying bins
- Spot-cleaning walls and doors
- Wiping light switches and handles
- Light organizing to enable cleaning
What’s Typically NOT Covered
- ❌ Garden maintenance or outdoor cleaning
- ❌ Heavy organizing or decluttering
- ❌ Repairs or handyman work
- ❌ Pet care or cleaning
- ❌ Window cleaning (external)
- ❌ Deep carpet shampooing (unless disability-related need)
💡 Note: If you need specialized cleaning due to your disability (e.g., extra sanitization for immune issues), discuss this with your planner. It may be reasonable and necessary for your specific situation.
How Much NDIS Cleaning Funding Should You Request?
Assessing Your Needs
Consider these factors when planning:
| Factor | Impact on Hours Needed |
|---|---|
| Home Size | 1-bed: 2hrs/week, 3-bed: 3-4hrs/week, 4+ bed: 5-6hrs/week |
| Your Disability Impact | Complete inability = more hours, Partial ability = fewer hours |
| Household Members | Living alone = more support needed |
| Pets | Extra cleaning needed for pet hair/mess |
| Health Needs | Allergies, immune issues = more frequent cleaning |
Common Cleaning Schedules
Weekly Cleaning (Most Common):
- 2-4 hours per week
- Annual funding: $8,320 – $16,640 (52 weeks × 2-4 hours × $80/hr)
- Suitable for most participants
Fortnightly Cleaning:
- 3-5 hours per fortnight
- Annual funding: $6,240 – $10,400 (26 visits × 3-5 hours × $80/hr)
- May be suitable if you have some cleaning ability
Twice Weekly:
- 2-3 hours × 2 per week
- Annual funding: $16,640 – $24,960
- For higher support needs or health conditions
How to Include Cleaning in Your NDIS Plan
New Plan or Plan Review
Step 1: Prepare Your Case
- Document how your disability prevents you from cleaning
- Get reports from health professionals (OT, GP) if needed
- Identify specific cleaning tasks you can’t do
- Calculate reasonable hours needed per week
Step 2: Discuss with Your Planner/LAC
- Explain your disability’s impact on cleaning ability
- Provide examples of daily living challenges
- Link cleaning to your independence goals
- Request adequate Core Supports funding
Step 3: Get It in Writing
- Ensure Core Supports budget is adequate
- Confirm funding can be used for cleaning
- Understand any restrictions or limitations
Sample Language for NDIS Requests
“Due to my [disability], I am unable to safely/effectively clean my home independently. Specifically, I cannot [list tasks: vacuum floors, clean bathroom, reach high areas, etc.]. Professional cleaning support is reasonable and necessary to maintain a safe, hygienic living environment and support my goal of living independently. I request [X hours per week] of cleaning support funded through my Core Supports budget.”
Choosing an NDIS Cleaning Provider in Newcastle
What to Look For
Essential Qualities:
- ✅ Experience with NDIS participants and understanding of needs
- ✅ Reliable and consistent – same cleaners when possible
- ✅ Police checked and insured for your safety
- ✅ Flexible scheduling around your support needs
- ✅ Clear invoicing for NDIS claiming/plan manager
- ✅ Respectful and patient staff who understand disability
- ✅ Accessible communication (phone, email, in-person)
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
- “Do you have experience with NDIS participants?”
- “Are your staff police-checked and insured?”
- “Can I have the same cleaner each time?”
- “What’s your cancellation policy if I’m unwell?”
- “Do you provide invoices suitable for NDIS claiming?”
- “How do you handle special requirements (allergies, sensory needs)?”
- “What’s your pricing and is it NDIS-compliant?”
Working with Your NDIS Cleaner
Setting Up for Success
First Visit:
- Show cleaner around your home
- Explain your specific needs and priorities
- Identify any areas to avoid or be careful with
- Discuss preferred products (eco-friendly, unscented, etc.)
- Establish communication preferences
Ongoing Communication:
- Provide feedback after first few cleans
- Let them know what’s working well
- Address any issues promptly and kindly
- Update them if your needs change
Your Rights as an NDIS Participant
You have the right to:
- ✅ Choose your own provider (if self or plan managed)
- ✅ Quality services that meet your needs
- ✅ Respectful treatment at all times
- ✅ Privacy and dignity in your home
- ✅ Change providers if you’re not satisfied
- ✅ Make complaints if services aren’t acceptable
- ✅ Access your records and invoices
Managing Your NDIS Cleaning Budget
Tracking Your Spending
- Keep all invoices organized
- Use the NDIS myplace portal to monitor spending
- Plan ahead to ensure funding lasts the full plan period
- Contact provider if you need to adjust hours/frequency
What If You Run Out of Funding?
Options:
- Request a plan review if needs have increased
- Reduce frequency temporarily and request more at next plan
- Use other Core Supports if you have flexibility
- Private pay for extra cleans if able (Newcastle Cleaners offers competitive rates)
♿ NDIS Cleaning Services Newcastle
Experienced NDIS cleaning support for participants across Newcastle
Reliable, respectful, and flexible service to support your independence
Or call (02) 4001 6254
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you need to be an active NDIS participant with an approved plan that includes Core Supports funding. If you’re not yet registered but think you’re eligible, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
Newcastle Cleaners charges $80/hour for NDIS cleaning services, which is within NDIS price guide limits. Most participants need 2-4 hours per week, costing $160-$320 weekly from their Core Supports budget.
Yes, if it’s reasonable and necessary due to your disability. Many participants schedule quarterly deep cleans in addition to regular weekly cleaning. Discuss with your planner to ensure adequate funding.
We provide detailed invoices showing date, hours, rate, and service description. You pay us directly, then submit the invoice through your NDIS myplace portal for reimbursement. Keep all invoices for your records.
Yes! We understand consistency is important for NDIS participants. We’ll assign you a regular cleaner who becomes familiar with your home and preferences. If they’re unavailable, we’ll notify you in advance.
We understand disability can be unpredictable. Just let us know as soon as possible and we’ll reschedule without penalty. Your wellbeing comes first!
Yes! We offer specialized cleaning for both NDIS participants and aged care recipients. Many of the same principles apply—respectful, reliable service focused on independence. Check our aged care cleaning services.
Supporting Your Independence
NDIS cleaning services aren’t just about having a clean home—they’re about supporting your independence, dignity, and quality of life. A clean, safe environment allows you to focus on your goals, participate in your community, and live the life you choose.
Newcastle Cleaners is committed to supporting NDIS participants across the greater Newcastle area with reliable, respectful cleaning services. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, and we work with you to provide the support that works best.
Have questions about NDIS cleaning or want to discuss your specific needs? Contact us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat about how we can support you.
About Newcastle Cleaners: We’re your local professional cleaning service, proudly serving NDIS participants and the broader Newcastle community with respectful, reliable, and high-quality cleaning services tailored to your needs.