If you’ve been injured at work in New South Wales (NSW), you may be eligible for more than just medical treatment and weekly payments. One lesser-known but important benefit available under the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme is compensation for domestic assistance.
If your injury affects your ability to carry out everyday household tasks — such as cleaning, cooking, or laundry — you might be entitled to have someone assist you with these duties, with the cost covered by your workers compensation insurer.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what domestic assistance is, who’s eligible, and how to make a successful claim — including key information about the 15% whole person impairment (WPI) threshold required for ongoing assistance.
What is Domestic Assistance?
Domestic assistance refers to help with everyday household tasks that you can no longer manage due to a work-related injury or illness. This can include:
- Cleaning (vacuuming, mopping, dusting)
- Laundry and ironing
- Cooking meals
- Grocery shopping
- Dishwashing
- Basic household maintenance
It’s different from medical or personal care services — domestic assistance is strictly non-medical support to help with normal household duties.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible to claim domestic assistance if:
- You’ve suffered a compensable workplace injury under the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme;
- A medical practitioner certifies that the assistance is reasonably necessary as a result of your injury;
- You were performing these tasks prior to your injury;
- There is no one else in your household who can reasonably take over these responsibilities;
- The request is approved by the insurer, or the Personal Injury Commission (PIC) upon dispute resolution.
Types of Domestic Assistance
There are two main types of domestic assistance available under the scheme:
-
Temporary Domestic Assistance
- Intended for short-term injuries or during the recovery phase either immediately after the injury or after surgery
- Can be accessed without meeting a WPI threshold
- Approved on a case-by-case basis, usually for a fixed period (e.g., 2 hours per week for 12 weeks)
-
Ongoing (Permanent) Domestic Assistance
- Provided when the injury causes long-term or permanent disability
- A 15% whole person impairment (WPI) threshold must be met to qualify for this long-term support
- The assistance must still be medically certified as reasonably necessary and related to your injury
The 15% Whole Person Impairment (WPI) Threshold
To access ongoing domestic assistance, you must have a permanent impairment of at least 15% WPI, assessed by an approved medical specialist under SIRA guidelines.
If you’re unsure how WPI is calculated or what it means, check out our blog:
👉 What is Permanent Impairment in New South Wales?
If your WPI is below 15%, you may still receive temporary assistance, but not ongoing domestic assistance.
Tip: If your WPI assessment is close to the threshold or disputed, it’s worth speaking to a workers compensation lawyer to explore your options.
How to Claim Domestic Assistance
Step 1: See Your Doctor
Your nominated treating doctor must complete a Certificate of Capacity, noting your inability to perform domestic tasks due to your injury. This is your key piece of supporting evidence.
Step 2: Notify the Insurer
Contact your workers compensation insurer (via your case manager) and let them know you’re seeking domestic assistance. Provide any supporting documents, including the Certificate of Capacity.
Step 3: Functional Assessment
The insurer may refer you to an occupational therapist or rehabilitation provider for a home visit and assessment. Learn more in our blog:
👉 How Occupational Therapists Help Injured Workers in the NSW Workers Compensation System
The assessment will determine:
- Which tasks you can’t perform
- How often you need help
- Whether assistance is temporary or long-term
They’ll also check whether someone else in the home can reasonably perform those tasks.
Step 4: WPI Assessment (for Ongoing Assistance)
If your need for domestic assistance is likely to be permanent, you’ll need a WPI assessment by a SIRA-approved specialist.
Step 5: Insurer Approval
If approved, the insurer will outline the tasks covered, the frequency and duration of support, and the provider (if applicable).
What if the Insurer Denies the Claim?
If your request for domestic assistance is denied, you still have options — and it’s important not to give up. Insurers don’t always get it right, especially when it comes to complex entitlements like domestic assistance.
We’re Here to Help
At Bourke Legal, we can help you challenge unfair decisions and secure the support you’re entitled to.
✅ We can:
- Review the insurer’s decision
- Help you gather medical evidence
- Lodge a dispute with the Personal Injury Commission (PIC) on your behalf
- Guide you through the process, step by step
📞 Contact Bourke Legal today for a free consultation:
- Phone: 1300 026 875
- Email: reception@bourkelegal.com
- Website: www.bourkelegal.com
Final Thoughts
If your injury has affected your ability to manage household tasks, you may be entitled to temporary or ongoing domestic assistance. Remember:
- Temporary assistance doesn’t require a WPI threshold
- Ongoing assistance requires a 15% WPI or higher
- A functional assessment and medical certification are essential
Understanding your rights and getting the right support early on can make the recovery process much smoother.