One of the most common questions we hear from families is: “Should my loved one be on the NDIS or aged care?” It is a genuinely confusing area — the two systems overlap in some ways, serve different purposes in others, and use completely different language. This guide cuts through the confusion.
The short answer
The NDIS supports people with permanent disability, regardless of age (up to 65). Aged care supports older Australians (generally 65 and over) who need help due to the effects of ageing. Age is the key dividing line — but the reality is more nuanced than that.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a federally funded program that provides individualised support to Australians under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability. It is designed around the person’s goals — not just their diagnosis — and provides funding across a wide range of supports including personal care, therapy, community participation, assistive technology, and supported living.
Key features of the NDIS:
- Available to people under 65 at the time of first access
- Based on permanent disability, not age
- Highly individualised — each participant has their own plan and funding
- Can be self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed
- Covers a broad range of disability types including physical, intellectual, psychosocial, sensory, and neurological
What is the Aged Care system?
Australia’s aged care system supports older Australians — generally those aged 65 and over — who need help due to the natural effects of ageing. It is administered through My Aged Care and includes two main programs for people living at home: the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for entry-level needs, and Home Care Packages (HCP) for more complex ongoing support.
Key features of aged care:
Also covers Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) programs for eligible veterans
Generally available from age 65 (or 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Based on age-related support needs, not a specific diagnosis
Assessed through My Aged Care and the ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team)
Includes Home Care Packages (Levels 1–4), CHSP, and residential aged care
The key differences at a glance
Age: NDIS is for under 65s. Aged care is for 65 and over. Basis of eligibility: NDIS requires a permanent disability. Aged care is based on age-related need. Assessment: NDIS uses an access request and planning process through the NDIA. Aged care uses My Aged Care and an ACAT assessment. Funding structure: NDIS provides a personalised plan with specific line items. Home Care Packages provide a set budget per level that a provider manages with you. Provider registration: NDIS providers must be registered (for agency-managed participants). Aged care providers must be approved by the government.
What if someone is under 65 and ageing with a disability?
This is where it gets complex. A person who has been on the NDIS and turns 65 can choose to either stay on the NDIS or transition to aged care — but they cannot access both for the same supports. Most people in this situation are encouraged to carefully compare what each system offers before making a decision, as transitioning away from the NDIS may mean losing some supports.
Can a family use both systems at the same time?
Yes — different family members can access different systems. For example, an adult child with a disability may be on the NDIS, while their ageing parent receives a Home Care Package. At Surf Coast Support Services, we support people across both streams and can coordinate care within the same family — so you are not repeating your story to multiple providers.
What if I am not sure which system applies?
This is very common and absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. The best starting points are:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss aged care options
- Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to discuss disability support eligibility
- Speak to your GP, who can advise on the right assessment pathway
- Or simply call us — we help families work through exactly this question every week, at no cost and with no obligation
How Surf Coast Support Services can help
We are experienced across both the NDIS and aged care systems and can help you understand which pathway is right for your situation, what to expect from assessments, and how to get the most from your funding once it is in place.
email info@surfcoastsupport.com.au — we will listen first and walk you through your options clearly, without jargon and without pressure.