Aged Care vs the NDIS: Which Applies to You?
Aged care vs NDIS: who qualifies for each, what happens at 65, why you can't be on both for the same supports, and how to choose the right system.
Two different systems
The age rule
What happens when you turn 65
You can't be on both for the same supports
Disability-related vs age-related needs
How to work out which applies
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between aged care and the NDIS?
The NDIS funds support for people with a permanent, significant disability and requires you to apply before turning 65. Aged care funds support for older people, generally 65 and over (50 and over for First Nations people). They provide similar supports but run as separate systems with different…
Can I join the NDIS after 65?
Generally no. You must be younger than 65 on the day you apply for the NDIS. If you're already an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can usually stay on the scheme. If you're not on it and have turned 65, aged care becomes your pathway instead.
Can I get both NDIS and aged care?
Not for the same supports. The two systems are designed not to overlap, so you generally can't receive NDIS and aged care funding for the same needs at the same time. If you move into residential aged care after 65, you'd typically leave the NDIS.
I'm turning 65 on the NDIS — what happens?
You can usually continue on the NDIS indefinitely, but you also have the option to move to aged care if it suits you better. Because the two systems fund things differently, it's worth getting advice before deciding, rather than assuming one is automatically better.