Understanding Domestic Duties Care Costs in NSW CTP Claims
If you were injured in a motor accident in Greater Sydney and now struggle to perform everyday household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry or shopping, you may be entitled to compensation for domestic duties care costs under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This support is available when your injury has caused a reasonable need for assistance with these activities, and it is not limited to those who were previously responsible for them. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA) and the Motor Accident Injuries Regulation 2017 set out the legal framework for claiming such support.
What Qualifies as Domestic Duties Care Costs?
Domestic duties care costs cover reasonable assistance with daily household tasks that you are unable to perform due to your injury. This includes tasks like preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning, shopping for groceries, and managing household bills. The support is not limited to those who were the primary homemaker before the accident. If you were a parent, student, or employed person who contributed to household duties, you may still qualify.
To claim, you must demonstrate that your injury has caused a measurable and ongoing need for assistance. The claim must be supported by medical evidence and a detailed account of how your injury limits your ability to carry out these tasks. The value of the claim is not based on what you paid a third party to do, but on the reasonable cost of care services or the value of informal care provided by a family member.
How Domestic Duties Care Costs Are Calculated and Claimed
Under the CTP scheme, domestic duties care costs are calculated based on the reasonable cost of a professional carer or the value of unpaid care provided by a family member. The value of unpaid care is determined using a national rate per hour, adjusted for inflation and applicable to the period of care required.
You must provide evidence that the care was necessary and reasonable. This includes:
- A medical certificate from your treating practitioner confirming the impact of your injury on your ability to perform domestic duties.
- A written statement detailing the tasks you can no longer perform and how long you need assistance.
- Records of any paid care services, including invoices and service provider details.
- If care was provided by a family member, a signed statement confirming the hours spent and nature of tasks performed.
SIRA, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, provides guidance on the reasonable value of informal care and the documentation required to support a claim. The claim must be made through the insurer of the vehicle involved in the accident, or through the CTP insurer if the vehicle was unregistered or not insured.
Practical Implications for Returning to Daily Activities
Returning to daily activities after a motor accident can be challenging, particularly when injuries affect physical capacity. Domestic duties care costs are intended to support recovery and reintegration by enabling you to maintain a stable home environment while you recover.
For claimants in Greater Sydney, access to care services and support networks may vary. However, the CTP scheme does not require you to use a specific provider. You may choose to employ a professional carer, or rely on a family member to assist. The scheme recognises that informal care is valid and compensable, provided it is reasonable and properly documented.
A common challenge is proving that the need for care is not temporary. The insurer may question whether the injury has caused a long-term or permanent impact on your ability to manage household tasks. To strengthen your claim, keep a daily log of tasks you are unable to complete and note any changes in your capacity over time.
Time Limits and Dispute Options
There are time limits for making a claim for domestic duties care costs. You must notify the insurer of your claim within 6 months of the accident, or within 6 months of the date you first became aware of the injury, whichever is later. This is a strict deadline under the MAIA.
If your claim is denied or the offer is insufficient, you may dispute the decision. You can request an internal review from the insurer, or apply to the Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination. SIRA provides guidance on the dispute process and offers free dispute resolution services.
When to Seek Independent Advice
Domestic duties care claims can be complex, particularly when the injury is not severe but still impacts daily functioning. The value of informal care, the reasonableness of hours claimed, and the interpretation of medical evidence all affect the outcome.
If you are unsure whether your claim is supported by evidence, or if the insurer has made an offer you believe is too low, it is advisable to seek independent legal advice. A solicitor experienced in CTP claims can help you assess the strength of your evidence, negotiate a fair settlement, or represent you in a dispute.
Hypothetical Example: Returning to Daily Activities in Sydney
Sarah, a 38-year-old mother of two, was injured in a car accident in Sydney’s inner west in August 2026. She sustained a soft tissue injury to her back and right shoulder, which limited her ability to lift, bend, or stand for long periods. Prior to the accident, she managed all household tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and transporting her children to school.
After the accident, she was unable to prepare meals, clean the house, or drive the children to activities. Her partner took on these responsibilities for six months. Sarah applied for domestic duties care costs, providing medical evidence and a statement from her partner detailing the hours spent on household tasks. The insurer accepted her claim and paid a lump sum based on the national rate for informal care.
This example illustrates how a claim for domestic duties care costs can support recovery and reintegration into daily life, even when the injury does not result in a long-term disability.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.