Can the NDIS help with washing and ironing?

Here at Leap in! HQ we’re often asked if tasks such as washing and ironing will be covered by the NDIS.

The answer is yes, when the support is reasonable and necessary, and related to a participant’s disability support needs.

Support with household tasks can fall under two categories. If a participant needs someone else to complete the tasks, then it falls under the Core supports. If they want help to learn how to do these tasks and build independence, then Capacity Building supports can be used.

A reminder about reasonable and necessary supports.

It’s important to remember that the NDIS will only fund supports if they are reasonable and necessary. Read more on What is “reasonable and necessary? in our previous story.

If a participant is unable to safely do household tasks like washing or ironing because of a disability, or has a goal to learn to do their own laundry, they might be able to use NDIS funding to support these activities.

Different types of laundry supports the NDIS may fund.

There are two options available for getting support with household tasks like washing and ironing through the NDIS Core supports – Assistance with daily life budget:

1. Support at home
2. Linen service.

Getting laundry support at home.

Laundry support provided at home involves someone dropping in on a regular basis to assist with specific laundry-related tasks. This may include washing, hanging, drying, folding, ironing and putting away or a combination of these that the participant is unable to do for themselves because of their disability.

Anyone who has Core supports funding can access in-home laundry support if it is considered reasonable and necessary. Simply find a provider, set up a service agreement and get started!

There is a price limit on this support set by the NDIS. Check out the latest NDIS Support Catalogue for the maximum amount the NDIS will pay – look for house cleaning and other household activities.

Linen service.

For anyone unable to wash and iron, it may be possible to arrange for a linen service or laundromat to pick up the washing and return it later cleaned, ironed and ready to use again.

Linen service needs to be approved by the NDIS. Participants need to obtain a quote from a provider and submit it for consideration and approval before being able to pay for linen service with NDIS funds.

The Leap in! Provider Network Directory is a great place to find providers who can assist with in-home laundry support or linen service.

Getting laundry support at home.

Laundry support provided at home involves someone dropping in on a regular basis to assist with specific laundry-related tasks. This may include washing, hanging, drying, folding, ironing and putting away or a combination of these that the participant is unable to do for themselves because of their disability.

Anyone who has Core supports funding can access in-home laundry support if it is considered reasonable and necessary. Simply find a provider, set up a service agreement and get started!

There is a price limit on this support set by the NDIS. Check out the latest NDIS Support Catalogue for the maximum amount the NDIS will pay – look for house cleaning and other household activities.

Linen service.

For anyone unable to wash and iron, it may be possible to arrange for a linen service or laundromat to pick up the washing and return it later cleaned, ironed and ready to use again.

Linen service needs to be approved by the NDIS. Participants need to obtain a quote from a provider and submit it for consideration and approval before being able to pay for linen service with NDIS funds.

The Leap in! Provider Network Directory is a great place to find providers who can assist with in-home laundry support or linen service.

Any questions?

If you’d like to connect with us call 1300 05 78 78, email connect@leapin.com.au or use the chat function on our website.

Originally published 17 September 2019, updated 30 November 2021.

Further reading

Assistance with Daily Life: NDIS budget areas explained.

What is “reasonable & necessary”?

NDIS support categories explained.