What Are Attendant Care Services Under NSW CTP?
If you have been injured in a motor accident in New South Wales and now need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, or managing medication, you may be entitled to attendant care services through the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This support is available to people on the Illawarra and South Coast who are recovering from serious injuries that affect their ability to live independently. The CTP scheme, managed by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), covers these services when they are directly caused by the accident and are necessary for your recovery and daily functioning.
How the CTP Scheme Determines Eligibility for Attendant Care
Eligibility for attendant care services is not automatic. SIRA assesses whether your injury has caused a substantial and permanent loss of function that requires ongoing personal care. This assessment considers your medical condition, functional limitations, and the need for supervision or assistance with basic daily activities. For example, if you are unable to walk without assistance, cannot prepare food safely, or require help with transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, you may meet the criteria. The assessment is made by a qualified medical practitioner or independent assessor, not by your treating doctor alone.
What Types of Services Are Covered?
The CTP scheme covers a range of attendant care services, including:
- Personal care assistance (e.g. bathing, toileting, dressing)
- Supervision to prevent harm (e.g. during meals, medication intake, or mobility)
- Assistance with household tasks (e.g. cooking, cleaning, laundry)
- Support with managing appointments or financial matters
These services may be provided by a registered care worker, a family member (if approved), or through a care coordination service. The scheme does not cover general household help unrelated to your injury, such as gardening or home maintenance.
What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Claim?
To claim attendant care services, you must provide evidence that your injury has caused a need for ongoing personal care. Key documents include:
- A detailed medical report from your treating practitioner, outlining your functional limitations and the need for assistance
- A functional capacity assessment, if conducted
- A care plan developed by a qualified allied health professional (e.g. occupational therapist)
- Records of any prior care arrangements, including hours and frequency
- A written statement from a family member or carer describing the daily tasks you now require help with
Photographs of your home setup, if relevant (e.g. a wheelchair ramp, modified bathroom), may also support your claim.
Practical Steps to Claim on the Illawarra and South Coast
If you live on the Illawarra or South Coast and believe you are eligible for attendant care services, follow these steps:
- Seek medical treatment and ensure your doctor documents your injury and functional limitations.
- Contact your CTP insurer (usually the insurer of the vehicle that caused the accident) to notify them of your claim.
- Request a formal assessment for attendant care services through SIRA’s claims portal or by contacting SIRA directly.
- Submit all required evidence, including medical reports and care plans.
- Attend any required assessment appointments, which may be conducted in person or via telehealth.
SIRA provides a claims assistance service to help people on the Illawarra and South Coast navigate the process. You can call SIRA’s claims line or visit their website to access support.
Time Limits and Dispute Options
There is no fixed deadline for making a claim for attendant care services, but delays may affect the amount of backdated payments you receive. It is best to notify your insurer and begin the process as soon as possible after the accident.
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the level of care approved, you can request a review from SIRA. You may also seek an independent assessment or apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination. These processes can take several months, so early action is important.
Example: A Realistic Scenario
A 58-year-old resident of Wollongong was involved in a motor accident in June 2024. The injury resulted in partial paralysis on the right side, requiring assistance with walking, transferring from bed to chair, and preparing meals. After a medical assessment confirmed a permanent need for personal care, SIRA approved 12 hours of attendant care per week, provided by a registered care worker. The care was arranged through a local provider on the South Coast, and payments were made directly to the provider. The claim was supported by a report from a neurologist, an occupational therapist’s care plan, and a statement from the claimant’s daughter detailing daily assistance needs.
When to Seek Independent Advice
Every claim depends on its own facts. The available options may depend on the facts, evidence and applicable law. If you are on the Illawarra or South Coast and are navigating a CTP claim for attendant care services, it is advisable to seek independent advice to ensure your rights are protected. The process involves complex assessments and documentation, and a qualified professional can help you present your case effectively.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.