A threshold injury under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW) includes a soft tissue injury and a psychological or psychiatric injury that is not a recognised psychiatric illness (adjustment disorder and acute stress disorder are the usual examples; s 1.6 and Motor Accident Guidelines Part 5).
If you're recovering from a motor accident in Auburn and need help with household tasks due to injury, you may be eligible for domestic duties care costs under NSW CTP claims. This article explains what counts as eligible care costs, how to prepare for medical assessments, and what evidence to gather to support your claim.
What Domestic Duties Are Covered Under NSW CTP?
NSW CTP claims cover care costs for household tasks you can't perform due to injury. This includes cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing finances. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and SIRA guidelines define these as 'domestic duties support' under the CTP scheme. For example, if your injury prevents you from preparing meals, the cost of hiring a cleaner or a meal delivery service may be claimable.
How to Document Domestic Duties for Medical Assessments
Medical professionals assess your ability to perform daily tasks. To prepare, keep records of:
- A list of tasks you can't do due to injury
- Dates when you couldn’t complete specific tasks
- Receipts or invoices for hired help (e.g., cleaning services)
- Notes from family or friends about your reduced capacity
SIRA recommends documenting how your injury impacts your ability to manage household responsibilities. For instance, if you can’t walk to the shops, note how this affects your ability to buy groceries.
Evidence Needed for Domestic Duties Claims
To support your claim, gather:
- Medical reports confirming your injury limits daily functioning
- Statements from caregivers or family members about your reduced capacity
- Proof of expenses (e.g., receipts for hired help)
- A detailed diary of tasks you couldn’t complete
SIRA’s What You Can Claim page explains that domestic duties support is only available if your injury meets the 'threshold injury' criteria under the Motor Accident Guidelines. This means your injury must be serious enough to require care assistance.
How SIRA Guidelines Apply to Domestic Duties
SIRA’s guidelines state that domestic duties care costs are only available if your injury results in a 'whole person impairment' of 10% or more. This is determined by a medical assessor. For example, if your injury prevents you from cooking meals for 12 weeks, you may qualify for care costs during that period.
Practical Steps for Medical Assessments
When preparing for a medical assessment, focus on:
- Clearly explaining how your injury affects your ability to perform daily tasks
- Bringing records of your injury’s impact on household duties
- Being honest about your capacity to manage tasks
If your claim is disputed, SIRA may request additional evidence. It’s important to respond promptly and provide any missing documentation.
Time Limits and When to Seek Advice
You have 52 weeks from the accident date to claim domestic duties support under the CTP scheme. After this period, weekly benefits typically stop unless you have a long-term impairment. If your claim involves disputes over care costs or medical assessments, seek legal advice before deadlines expire.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.