This is general information only and does not replace advice from the official schemes below. Eligibility rules and programs change — always confirm current details with the NDIS and My Aged Care.
NDIS vs aged care: what’s the difference?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Australia’s aged care system both fund support to help people live well at home and in the community — but they are separate systems with different eligibility, run by different bodies. Which one applies to you depends mainly on your age and why you need support.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS funds supports for people with a permanent and significant disability. As a general rule you must be under 65 at the time you first apply, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a disability that substantially affects your everyday activities.
Funded supports can include assistance with daily living, personal care, community participation, supported independent living, household tasks, transport and therapies — built around an individual plan.
If you join the NDIS before you turn 65, you can generally choose to stay on the scheme as you get older rather than move into the aged care system. To check eligibility or apply, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au.
The aged care system
Australia’s aged care system supports older people whose needs are mainly related to ageing. It is generally for people aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Access starts with a free assessment arranged through My Aged Care.
Aged care support ranges from help at home (such as domestic assistance, personal care, meals and transport) through to higher-level home care and residential aged care. To get started or arrange an assessment, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au.
Which one applies to me?
- Under 65 with a permanent and significant disability: the NDIS is usually the right pathway.
- Already an NDIS participant and turning 65: you can generally choose to remain on the NDIS.
- 65 or over and needing support related to ageing (and not already on the NDIS): the aged care system, via My Aged Care, is usually the right pathway.
If you’re unsure which system fits your situation, the NDIS and My Aged Care contact lines above can point you in the right direction.
Where SADC fits in
SADC Disability Services is a registered NDIS provider supporting people with disability across Sydney. If you’re an NDIS participant — or checking whether the NDIS is right for you — you’re welcome to get in touch. For support that sits within the aged care system, My Aged Care (above) is the place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be on both the NDIS and aged care?
Generally no — the two systems are not designed to fund the same supports at the same time. People who enter the NDIS before 65 can usually choose to stay on it as they age instead of moving to aged care.
I’m over 65 and was never on the NDIS — can I join now?
As a rule, no. People who first need support after 65 are directed to the aged care system through My Aged Care rather than the NDIS.
How do I get an aged care assessment?
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. They will arrange a free assessment to work out what support you’re eligible for.