NDIS Costs Explained

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the way Australians living with disability access essential supports. While the scheme is broad, covering everything from therapeutic services to daily personal care, two common areas of confusion are cleaning services under the NDIS and payments made by self-funders.

How much does the NDIS actually charge per hour for cleaning? And how does the system handle costs for participants who choose to self-fund certain services rather than relying solely on their allocated NDIS budget?

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of these two important topics, helping participants, families, and providers navigate the financial aspects of the scheme with clarity.

Many NDIS participants experience challenges with maintaining a clean, safe home environment due to physical limitations, chronic health conditions, or cognitive disabilities. Access to cleaning services can significantly improve quality of life by ensuring hygiene, reducing risks of infection, and supporting independent living.

Cleaning services are typically funded under the Core Supports budget, specifically within the Assistance with Daily Life category. This funding is designed to cover everyday tasks that participants cannot safely or independently perform.

The cost of NDIS-funded cleaning services is governed by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. As of 2025:

• Hourly rates for household cleaning generally fall between $50 and $65 per hour, depending on the provider, location, and whether the service is delivered by a registered NDIS provider.
• Higher rates may apply in regional or remote areas due to additional travel and service delivery costs.
• Providers must not charge above the price cap set by the NDIS.

1. Provider Registration – Registered NDIS providers are bound by official price caps, while unregistered providers may set their own rates (participants must negotiate carefully).
2. Location – Metro vs rural service delivery impacts pricing.
3. Scope of Work – Light cleaning such as vacuuming may cost less compared to deep cleaning, sanitisation, or specialist cleaning after illness.
4. Frequency – Regular weekly cleaning often comes at a lower negotiated rate compared to one-off deep cleans.

NDIS-funded cleaning typically covers:

• Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping.
• Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
• Dusting surfaces.
• Laundry support.
• General tidying for health and safety.

It does not cover luxury cleaning services, yard work, or non-essential tasks unrelated to disability support.

A participant with mobility impairments may receive funding for 2 hours of weekly cleaning at $55 per hour. Over a month, this amounts to approximately $440, which is directly billed against their Core Supports budget.

While the NDIS provides funding, some participants choose to pay for additional supports outside their allocated budget. This is known as self-funding. In other cases, participants may temporarily cover costs themselves if their NDIS plan does not yet approve a service.

The phrase can be confusing. In practice:

• The NDIS does not reimburse self-funded expenses unless they are approved supports within the participant's plan.
• Self-funders cover the full market rate of services. For example, if cleaning services are $60 per hour, a self-funded participant pays this directly without NDIS contribution.

1. Service Gaps – Sometimes participants need immediate support before plan approval.
2. Non-Approved Supports – Services outside the scope of the NDIS must be self-funded.
3. Choice and Flexibility – Some prefer providers not registered with the NDIS, even if this means paying out-of-pocket.

• Financial Burden – Costs can add up quickly without NDIS reimbursement.
• No Guarantee of Reimbursement – Even if later requested, expenses are not always backdated.
• Compliance Issues – Using unregistered providers may create challenges for accountability and quality assurance.

• Check Your Plan: Confirm that cleaning is listed under Core Supports.
• Work with a Support Coordinator: They can connect you with cost-effective, compliant providers.
• Request Plan Adjustments: If your cleaning needs change, you can request a plan review.

• Always confirm whether a support is covered before paying.
• Use registered providers when possible.
• Keep clear documentation of any self-funded expenses for future reference.

The NDIS continues to evolve. In recent years, there have been discussions about flexibility for self-funders, potentially creating hybrid models where participants can top up NDIS payments with personal funds for premium services.

Similarly, cleaning services remain under review as part of broader pricing reforms. With inflation and rising service costs, hourly caps may be adjusted in the future.

Understanding the financial aspects of the NDIS is crucial for both participants and providers. Cleaning services, while straightforward, have defined hourly rates and guidelines that must be followed. Self-funding, on the other hand, gives participants flexibility but comes with added costs and risks.

By being informed, participants can make better decisions about their care, avoid unnecessary expenses, and ensure they maximise the benefits of their NDIS plan.

• NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme
• NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
• Australian Government Department of Social Services
• Social Policy in Australia – Wikipedia
• Disability in Australia – Wikipedia