If you're injured in a motor accident in NSW and need help with household tasks, you may be eligible for domestic duties care costs under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. This guide explains what documentation you need to support your claim, based on NSW laws and SIRA guidelines.
What Documentation Supports Domestic Duties Care Costs?
To claim domestic duties care costs, you must prove your injury limits your ability to perform household tasks. Key evidence includes:
- Medical records showing your injury's impact on daily functioning (e.g., a doctor's note stating you cannot cook or clean)
- Care plan detailing the type of assistance needed (e.g., help with meal preparation, laundry, or personal hygiene)
- Invoices or receipts for care services (e.g., a cleaner's invoice or a carer's time records)
- Witness statements from family members or friends confirming your need for assistance
- Accident report from the police or insurance company
SIRA guidelines emphasize that claims must clearly link domestic duties support to the injury. For example, if you need help cooking due to hand injuries, medical evidence must show this limitation.
How SIRA Guides the Documentation Process
SIRA's What you can claim page confirms that domestic duties care costs are available for injuries that prevent you from managing household tasks. To meet SIRA's requirements:
- Provide a medical certificate confirming your injury's severity and duration
- Submit a care plan from a healthcare professional outlining your needs
- Keep records of expenses for all care services
- Include photographs of your home environment if it affects your ability to perform tasks (e.g., a broken staircase limiting mobility)
A hypothetical example: If you broke your leg in a car accident and cannot walk, you may need help with cooking and cleaning. Your doctor's note must explicitly state that your injury prevents you from performing these tasks.
Key Considerations for Your Documentation
- Medical evidence must be contemporaneous, documents should reflect the injury's impact at the time of the accident
- Keep all records organized, label documents by date and type (e.g., '2023-05-15 - Doctor's Note')
- Submit claims promptly, while there's no fixed deadline, delays may reduce your ability to prove ongoing needs
- Avoid incomplete records, SIRA may reject claims without a clear link between the injury and the care costs
Time Limits and Dispute Options
NSW CTP claims must be made within five years of the accident date, per the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. However, delays can complicate proving ongoing care needs. If your claim is denied:
- Request a review by SIRA within 28 days of the decision
- Seek legal advice if you believe the rejection was unfair
When to Seek Independent Advice
Consult a legal professional if:
- Your injury requires long-term care
- You're unsure how to organize your documentation
- You've been denied a claim and need to challenge the decision
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.