Aging with a Disability: Transitioning from the NDIS to Aged Care

Important information:

• There is no automatic transition out of the scheme for NDIS participants once you turn 65. You can remain in the NDIS over 65.
• You cannot use the NDIS and My Aged Care at the same time. Once you leave the NDIS for aged care, you cannot return.
• Unlike My Aged Care, the NDIS is not means tested. Your funding is based on support needs rather than income or assets.
• Before deciding, consider how your needs may change, what local aged care providers can offer, and how the funding compares for your situation.

Eligibility criteria for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) states that you need to be between 9 and 65 years of age to apply. This can be confusing for NDIS participants - can you still access NDIS supports after your birthday? Will you have to transition into aged care services?

Can you still access NDIS over 65?

You can remain an active NDIS participant, receiving new plans and NDIS support, over age 65. You just can't apply to the NDIS for the first time after you turn 65. Nor can you leave after turning 65, and then return to the scheme; once you're out, the age rules apply.

There's no automatic rollover – if you're currently enrolled, there's no need to worry about losing your supports unless you choose to leave the scheme.

Your plan will still be reviewed based on your disability needs and goals, just like before you turned 65. You could remain on the NDIS for the rest of your life if you choose to. However, because you would be eligible for other supports outside of the NDIS, it's worth exploring your options to see if there's a better fit.

Related: NDIS Eligibility: A Complete Guide on How to Apply for Funding

NDIS vs Aged Care: Which is right for me?

My Aged Care and the NDIS are both federally funded schemes. The main differences between them are who can access them, and the type of support they're designed to provide.

NDIS for over 65s

The NDIS is specifically designed to support eligible Australians living with disability. If you choose to stay in the NDIS scheme after 65, your plans will continue to run as usual. Though changes can happen over time, such as changes in funding for specific categories and the complexity of disability support you require, NDIS plan funding will be business as usual for 'reasonable and necessary' supports.

One major benefit to staying on NDIS (other than accessing disability-specific supports that may be outside of aged care offerings) is that it's not means tested. Your funding is determined by assessing the support you need, not your income or savings.

My Aged Care explained

The Department of Health's My Aged Care system is designed to support Australians aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) with aging, health, and daily living. This can include things like in-home care, residential aged care, respite care, and allied health services. Your eligibility for aged care services depends on your age and assessed care needs. Unlike NDIS, this is a subsidy system to access services through government programs.

There are 3 main aged care programs to help older Australians access the right supports at home or in the community:

• Commonwealth Home Support Program: Designed for when you need more help at home (with available supports ranging widely, from domestic assistance to home adjustments or nursing care). If you only need one or two services to help you live independently, this is likely the right level of aged care support for you.
• Support at Home Program: This subsidy replaces the previous Home Care Packages Program and Short-term Restorative Care Program to help you live at home for longer, particularly if you have more complex or intensive needs.
• Aged Care Homes (also called Residential Aged Care): This is designed for when you can no longer live independently at home, so you can receive ongoing help with everyday tasks and healthcare in an aged care home. The housing options available in your area may vary depending on local providers.

Depending on your care program, your supports, and what you can afford, the Australian Government can cover all or some of your costs. If there is a gap, you will need to cover this yourself. Your contributions will be based on your means (your income and assets), as well as the amount and type of services you need. When applying, check to see what kind of income assessment you may need.

Can you use both?

No – NDIS and Aged Care programs don't stack. Once you start using an aged care program, you will be considered ineligible for the NDIS funded supports. For example: if you apply and are approved for residential aged care, you must leave the NDIS as you will be getting your key supports elsewhere.

5 questions to determine which is right for your needs

1. Are your support needs likely to change significantly as you age? If your disability needs are complex, specialised, or unlikely to be well-understood in an aged care context, staying on NDIS may let you keep access to support that aged care simply won't fund.
2. How does the funding compare for your specific situation? Look at the type and level of support you currently get under the NDIS, and what you may be funded for in aged care. The gap can be bigger than you think.
3. What does your expected future living situation look like? Where you live and who you live with (e.g. a spouse or family member, vs living alone) can impact both options, but the NDIS is generally considered the more 'portable' of the two if your situation changes.
4. Have you stress-tested the "what if things get worse?" scenario? The system you choose now is the system you'll be navigating at your most vulnerable. Map out a scenario where your health or disability needs escalate significantly in 5–10 years, and see if your chosen path still works for you.
5. Does the aged care system have the specialist disability expertise your condition requires? Aged care is designed around general age-related decline, and its workforce is trained accordingly. For support with complex or less common disability – such as cerebral palsy, an acquired brain injury – check whether providers in your area can help with your specific needs.

How to transition into Aged Care

If you have decided aged care is the right path forward, you will be assessed through My Aged Care to determine what supports you need, and what Government assistance you're eligible for. Here's a quick guide to making the transition:

1. Doing your research

See what services have helped people in similar situations, what supports are available, and whether you can stay in your own home or move into an aged care home.

2. Getting assessed for Aged Care support

You can apply for an assessment with My Aged Care online, by phone, or in person at a Services Australia centre. The actual assessment will be carried out in your home by a trained assessor. You can do them in other locations or via telehealth where needed, but in your home is best as it gives an accurate picture of your daily needs.

3. Leaving the NDIS

Only do this once you're absolutely sure you don't want to remain in the scheme. You can't use your NDIS funding once you've told the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) you want to leave. Be careful with timing - there's no stand-down period. You may want to let the NDIA know you're leaving once you have your new system in place, not when you're in the research phase and still deciding.

4. Finding an Aged Care provider

Like finding an NDIS provider, it's important to find an Aged Care provider who's right for your needs - and compatible with your aged care program (e.g. Commonwealth Home Support Program, Support at Home). The My Aged Care website offers a shortlisting tool that can help you compare aged care providers.

5. Setting up your services

This might feel familiar for NDIS participants and their loved ones. It involves using referral codes, setting up service agreements - and if you have been approved, moving into residential aged care.

Staying in the NDIS? NDSP can make plan management easier

If you're choosing to remain in the NDIS system over 65, it's worth looking into how you can streamline the journey ahead. Working with a trusted plan manager like NDSP can save you time, stress and energy. We take on the tricky stuff like provider invoice processing, budget tracking, reporting, and other financial admin - so you can focus on doing more of what you enjoy, with the people you love.

If you're new to NDIS plan management or looking to change plan managers for a better fit, we would love to help. Our expert team is friendly, accessible, and has fast answers for your questions – why not contact NDSP today to find out more about our comprehensive plan management services.