As an NDIS provider offering house and yard maintenance services, it's important to know what types of services you can offer to participants. There are specific requirements in place, and services must be considered reasonable and necessary for a participant's ability to function independently and safely at home. In this article, we'll explore what services are and are not covered under the NDIS, how providers can charge for their services, and answer commonly asked questions regarding end of lease cleaning, decluttering, and project size restrictions.
What services you can and cannot offer as a provider
For the NDIS to provide participants with funding for house and yard maintenance, it needs to be considered reasonable and necessary by directly relating to the participant’s ability to function independently and safely at home.
Typically, this can include tasks such as:
Cleaning
Vacuuming
Dusting
Mopping
Weeding
Mowing lawns
Gardening
Repairs for safety and accessibility reasons
However, tasks that are purely cosmetic or non-essential may not be covered under the NDIS. For example, painting a room to change its colour may not be considered a necessary support. Typically, the NDIS also do not fund tip or dumping fees or the cost of cleaning supplies.
Ultimately, the NDIS will consider a participant’s specific needs, circumstances, and goals to determine what services and supports can be provided under house and yard maintenance.
Now you know what services you can offer… how do you charge for them?
Whether a provider is registered or non-registered, they still need to adhere to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. This outlines the maximum amount a provider can charge for their services. However, the actual price charged is something that should be discussed between providers and participants.
Providers offering house and yard maintenance services for NDIS participants typically charge based on the type and duration of the services provided. The costs can vary depending on the location, equipment, and labour required to complete the tasks.
Commonly asked questions
Can participants access end of lease cleaning services?
End of lease cleaning services (or bond cleaning services) can be beneficial for participants who are moving out of rental properties to assist in retrieving their bond and avoiding any disputes with landlords. The service typically includes cleaning kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and any other areas as per the lease agreement.
NDIS participants can hire end of lease cleaning services if it is within the hourly price limit set by the NDIS. As this is not considered an essential or standard service, it’s important to be transparent with participants about the availability and cost of bond cleaning services.
Can participants request decluttering services?
Decluttering is an area that can cause some challenges. Typically decluttering goes beyond a standard cleaning service which is reflected in the higher price for this type of service. As there is a wide gap between house cleaning and professional therapeutic services, it should be noted that the NDIS has limited options in the Pricing Arrangements to fund this type of service. It all comes down to the provider's qualifications.
For example, if a provider has therapeutic qualifications, and decluttering is part of therapy, then a Capacity Building support item may be suitable to claim. However, with no therapeutic qualifications, options are predominately limited to standard core supports such as assistance with self-care activities, or house and yard maintenance line items. It’s important to note the price limit on these line items.
Are there restrictions on the size of projects undertaken?
Larger projects such as tree removal or landscaping are typically not considered reasonable and necessary as they are unlikely to be specifically related to a disability. The same can be said for pest control, which is typically an everyday expense. It is recommended to seek specific approval from your NDIS planner to add funding for these kinds of services.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.