Key Takeaways at a Glance
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The 65 Cut-Off: You must be enrolled in the NDIS before your 65th birthday. If you acquire a disability after 65, you must access support via My Aged Care, not the NDIS.
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Staying Put: If you are already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, you do not get kicked off. You can remain on the NDIS for the rest of your life if you choose.
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Funding Disparities: NDIS plans generally cover a broader range of disability-specific supports and higher funding caps than the Aged Care system, so staying on NDIS is often preferable.
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Co-payments: NDIS is not means-tested. If you switch to Aged Care after 65, you may be required to pay income-tested care fees that didn’t apply under the NDIS.
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My Aged Care Options: For those ineligible for NDIS due to age, support comes via CHSP (entry-level) or HCP (packaged care), which focus on ageing in place rather than disability goals.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is available to Australians between 7 and 65 years of age. If you’re wondering about the NDIS after 65, this guide will help you to understand your options and what will happen to your funding and care options once you’re over 65.
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What is the NDIS and who does it apply to?
The NDIS is provided by the Australian Government and is designed to help Australians between the ages of 7 and 65 and living with a disability to receive the types of care they need. Those receiving NDIS through funding can use it to access support including at-home care (such as personal care, domestic assistance, and more) that helps them to live independently and continue to enjoy the life they love.
The NDIS is not means tested, which means that your income and assets do not prevent you from accessing NDIS funding. If you are currently receiving Centrelink income support, you can read more about NDIS funding and how your NDIS Centrelink payments will be affected here.
What is the NDIS age limit?
The NDIS is designed to meet the needs of those living with a disability, between the ages of 7 and 65. Once you turn 65, you will no longer be eligible to apply for NDIS funding. That’s not to say you won’t have any support for your care needs after you’ve surpassed the NDIS age limit. There are other options available to you if you haven’t already been enrolled in the NDIS.
Explore our comprehensive NDIS & Disability Services Guide for in-depth insights and support options tailored to your needs.
What alternatives are there to NDIS after 65?
If you have not already applied for the NDIS before you turn 65, and you require support, there are other options available to you including the Australian Government’s aged care system. Once you’re over 65 years of age, and depending on your needs, you may be eligible for support from the My Aged Care program including:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for entry-level care at home
- Home Care Packages (HCPs) for more comprehensive care at home
You will need to provide information on your health, how you’re managing at home, what support you need, and other types of support you are currently receiving. It’s important to note that, while the NDIS is not means tested, some other programs are subject to income and asset assessments and may require your financial input depending on your means. You can find out more about the types of support available via the My Aged Care website.
Does my NDIS funding continue after I turn 65?
Yes. If you are already enrolled in the NDIS, you will continue to receive support from the NDIS after 65 years of age. Once you turn 65, nothing changes, and you will continue to receive funding in the same way you have been. This also means that your NDIS plan can continue to evolve, as you require more care or different types of care.
After you turn 65, you can decide whether to continue receiving your existing NDIS funding or transition to aged care funding under the Commonwealth Government’s aged care programs.
What is the difference between the NDIS and My Aged Care?
The major differences between the NDIS and My Aged Care supports are their age limits for applying, and the types and levels of funding they provide. Both services are designed to provide you with the support you need to have the best quality of life, whether you are living with a disability or simply finding it hard to manage without extra support as you get older.
The NDIS provides: Non-means-tested support in the form of funding, that you can decide where to allocate, including which service providers you use. Your own income or assets are not taken into account when calculating your funding.
The My Aged Care system provides: A variety of government-funded services, once you’re over the age of 65, that aim to help you live independently. You may be asked to contribute financially, if you’re able to, based on an income assessment through Services Australia.
What types of care can you access with the NDIS?
The NDIS provides funding to support you with:
- Receiving care at home, including grooming, toileting, and personal care
- Nursing care such as help with medication, wound care, and more
- Assistance with day-to-day living such as domestic tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning
- Transport support to get to and from appointments or to the grocery store
- Companionship and support to remain active in the community
- Funding to cover the cost of assistive technologies and home upgrades that relate to living with a disability
What types of support can you access with My Aged Care?
My Aged Care gives you the choice to enter an aged care home or remain at home with some extra support. An aged care worker may attend your home, under My Aged Care’s HCSP or HCP, and provide subsidised support including:
- Personal care
- Access to the community
- Assistance with medications
- Companionship care
- Home modifications
- Assistive equipment
NDIS age limit summary
You can still access the NDIS after 65 if you’re already enrolled, and continue with your NDIS plan as usual. However, if you’ve not yet applied to the NDIS and are over the age of 65, you may be eligible to receive support under the My Aged Care system. You can find out more information on the NDIS website and My Aged Care website.
NDIS and My Aged Care services from Care For Family
As a trusted NDIS provider in Sydney, Care For Family provides services under both the NDIS and My Aged Care. Our team of dedicated care professionals are experts in providing care for those living with a disability and older Australians. From personal care to companionship, nursing care, domestic assistance, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and more, we can help you to maintain your quality of life and live independently at home for as long as possible.
For more information about our services and how we can provide support under the NDIS and My Aged Care programs, please contact our team today.
Frequently answered questions (FAQs)
1. Can I switch from NDIS to Aged Care?
Yes, you can choose to leave the NDIS and enter the Aged Care system once you turn 65, but be aware that you generally cannot switch back to the NDIS once you leave.
2. Does my NDIS plan change when I turn 65?
No. Your plan continues to be reviewed based on your disability needs and goals, just as it was before you turned 65.
3. What if I get dementia after 65?
If you are not already on the NDIS, you cannot join. You would access dementia support through a Home Care Package (Level 3 or 4) via My Aged Care.
4. Can I use my NDIS funds for nursing home fees?
Generally, the NDIS supports people to live in the community. It does not typically cover standard residential aged care fees (accommodation/board), though the interaction between the two systems is complex.
5. Do I lose my mobility allowance if I join the NDIS?
Yes. NDIS funding replaces many existing allowances. It is designed to cover transport and mobility costs within the plan itself.
