NDIS vs Aged Care: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?
NDIS or Aged Care: Which One Is Right for You?
If you are approaching 65, or caring for someone who is, this question probably matters to you. The two systems overlap in age but not in purpose, and knowing the difference could determine what support you can actually access.
The Core Difference
The NDIS is for people with permanent disability who are aged 0 to 64 at the time of application. Aged care, specifically, the Support at Home program, is for older people, generally 65 and over, who need help to stay living at home as they age.
The critical line is 65. If you are diagnosed with a disability condition at 63 and apply for the NDIS, you may be eligible. If you are diagnosed at 66 and have never had an NDIS plan, you would typically access Support at Home instead.
What the NDIS Covers
NDIS funding is for disability-related supports, not for general ageing. This includes personal care, therapy, community participation, assistive technology, home modifications, and supports that help you build independence and pursue your goals. It must be related to your disability, not to general health or ageing.
To qualify, your disability must be permanent and substantially reduce your functional capacity in at least one area: self-care, communication, mobility, learning, self-management, or social interaction. The NDIS assesses function, not diagnosis severity.
Source: ndis.gov.au/applying/eligibility-requirements
What Support at Home Covers
Support at Home started on 1 November 2025. It is for people aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need help to remain living at home. It funds personal care, domestic help, nursing and clinical care, transport, allied health, home modifications, and social support.
Funding comes as a quarterly budget across eight classification levels, from $2,682.75 to $19,526.59 per quarter. Your level is determined through a comprehensive assessment. From 1 October 2026, personal care and clinical care are fully government-funded, stretching your budget further.
Source: myagedcare.gov.au/support-at-home
What if You Are Already on the NDIS and Turn 65?
If you are an existing NDIS participant when you turn 65, you can choose to stay on the NDIS or transition to the aged care system. Most people in this situation choose to remain on the NDIS. You cannot join the NDIS for the first time after turning 65.
What If You Have Both a Disability and Age-Related Needs?
Some people have an existing disability and also have age-related care needs. If you are under 65 with a disability, the NDIS is generally the right pathway. The NDIS does not fund general health costs, but it does fund supports related to your disability, and your support coordinator can help connect your plan with mainstream aged care and health services for anything outside that scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both NDIS and aged care support at the same time?
Generally no. Once you turn 65, you transition from the NDIS to the aged care system. However, if you were already on the NDIS before turning 65, you may be able to continue with your plan.
What is the cut-off age for the NDIS?
You must apply for the NDIS before your 65th birthday. After 65, new applicants must use the aged care system instead.
Does the aged care system cover disability support?
Yes, to an extent. Support at Home and other aged care programs can fund disability-related supports for older Australians, though the range may differ from the NDIS.
Not Sure Which Applies to You?
Greater Support works with both NDIS participants and aged care recipients across Brisbane, Logan, Sydney, Ballina, Lismore, and the greater Northern Rivers region. If you are trying to work out which system is right for your situation, we are happy to help you think it through. Get in touch, no obligation.
