Can the NDIS pay for gardening?
Sometimes, but only essential upkeep. The NDIS may fund basic yard maintenance when your disability stops you doing it and no one else can help.
It depends, and the bar is higher than for indoor cleaning. The NDIS can fund essential yard and lawn maintenance when your disability means you can't do it, you looked after it yourself before, and there's no informal support available. It generally covers keeping the yard safe and tidy — not landscaping, new gardens or improvements.
The short answer
Why gardening has a higher bar
What's usually covered — and what isn't
How to ask, and what evidence helps
A realistic picture
Frequently asked questions
Will the NDIS fund a gardener for my whole yard?
Usually only for essential upkeep, not the entire garden. The NDIS funds the maintenance you can no longer do yourself for safety and access reasons — not landscaping, new plantings or improvements that enhance the property.
Does it matter that I used to do the gardening myself?
Yes, it helps a lot. The NDIS is more likely to fund upkeep you previously managed yourself, because it's restoring something your disability took away rather than adding a brand-new service you never did.
Is tree removal covered?
Generally no, unless a tree poses a genuine safety hazard linked to your disability and access. Removing trees for appearance or convenience is treated as an ordinary property cost, not a disability support.
Which budget pays for yard maintenance?
When funded, it comes from your Core budget under Assistance with Daily Life. Access-related changes like ramps or levelled paths are different — they're assessed as home modifications under your Capital budget.