What Domestic Duties Support Means in NSW CTP Claims
If you were injured in a motor accident in New South Wales, you may be entitled to claim compensation for domestic duties support under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This support covers the cost of hiring someone to perform household tasks you can no longer do because of your injury, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping or caring for dependants. It is not automatic and must be claimed under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA). Common errors in claiming this support, particularly in Greater Sydney, where claim complexity and insurer scrutiny may be higher, can delay or reduce your entitlement.
What You Can Claim for
Domestic duties support is intended to cover actual out-of-pocket expenses for replacement services. This includes costs for meal delivery, house cleaning, laundry services, grocery shopping assistance, and care for children or other dependants. The support does not cover informal help from family or friends unless it is formally arranged and documented with a record of hours, tasks and a reasonable cost estimate.
To qualify, you must show that your injury has reduced your ability to carry out these tasks independently. The claim must be supported by medical evidence confirming functional limitations and a clear record of the tasks you used to perform and now require help with.
Key Evidence You Must Provide
To support your claim, you must submit the following evidence:
- A signed statement from you detailing the household tasks you previously performed and the extent to which you now need assistance.
- A medical certificate or report from your treating medical practitioner confirming your injury and its impact on your ability to perform domestic duties.
- For hired services: copies of invoices, receipts, and proof of business registration for the provider.
- For informal help: a signed statement from the person providing the help, including a description of tasks performed and time spent, along with a reasonable estimate of the replacement cost.
SIRA guidelines state that claims must reflect actual or reasonable replacement costs. Claims based solely on time spent by family members are not automatically accepted and require evidence that the cost of hiring a replacement would be reasonable and necessary.
Time Limits and Procedural Requirements
A claim for domestic duties support must be made within 12 months of the motor accident. This deadline is strict and not extended by delays in treatment, insurer responses, or medical assessment. Missing the deadline may result in a permanent loss of entitlement.
If you have already made a claim and wish to add domestic duties support, you must notify your insurer in writing within 12 months of the accident. You cannot claim for support provided before the claim was formally submitted.
How Claims Are Assessed
SIRA’s guidance confirms that domestic duties support is a form of treatment and care benefit under the CTP scheme. It is not a separate entitlement but part of the broader support available to injured persons under MAIA.
Claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with emphasis on whether the need for assistance is directly caused by the motor accident and whether the cost of replacement services is reasonable and necessary. The insurer may request a formal assessment from a rehabilitation professional to verify your functional capacity.
A common example: A woman in Sydney was injured in a car crash and was unable to prepare meals for her children for six weeks. She arranged for a local meal delivery service and kept all receipts. Her initial claim was rejected because she had not provided a medical certificate confirming her inability to cook. After obtaining a medical report stating she had sustained a soft tissue injury to her neck and shoulders that limited her ability to stand for long periods and use kitchen equipment, the claim was approved.
When to Seek Help
If you are unsure whether your claim meets the legal requirements, or if your insurer has rejected your claim, it is advisable to seek independent advice. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and SIRA’s claims guidelines are complex, and small errors in documentation or timing can have significant consequences.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.