The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's core support system for people with a disability. People with disability who receive support through the NDIS are called “participants”.
The eligibility criteria for the NDIS outlines that to access the NDIS, participants need to be aged between 7 and 65. For Australians living with disability, what happens when you turn 65? Can you access the NDIS? Where do you turn to for the support that you need? The answer will depend on whether you are already an NDIS participant before you turn 65. Here’s how it works.
Can I apply for the NDIS if I have turned 65?
No. Instead, you can access support from the government’s aged care system and other supports systems. If you need help at home, you may be able to get this through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). More comprehensive support may also be available through the Home Care Packages program.
If you’re already an NDIS participant when you turn 65
If you’re already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, you can continue to receive supports and services even after you turn 65. You can choose whether you would like to continue receiving supports through the NDIS or whether you would prefer to access support through the aged system.
Where can I go for support if I’m over 65 and have never been an NDIS participant?
If you are over 65 and have never been an NDIS participant, you will not be eligible for the NDIS. You will be able to receive aged care support instead. If you’re not sure where to start, the My Aged Care website can help.
What’s the difference between the NDIS and Aged Care Support?
The key difference between the NDIS and My Aged Care is in the funding allocations. The NDIS provides supports and services that are reasonable and necessary to help participants reach their goals. My Aged Care provides services that are designed to help you live independently.
Funding under the NDIS is not means testing which means that you are provided with funding based on the supports that you need not on your ability to pay for them. However, My Aged Care is means tested. This means that your eligibility to receive Government aged care support will be based on whether you can afford to pay for support.
Transferring from the NDIS to My Aged Care
If you choose to transfer from the NDIS to My Aged Care once you turn 65, the level of funding that you receive may change. The support should still meet your needs and help you to live more independently.
We’re here to help
Our team of Brisbane based Plan Managers and Support Coordinators are here to help. If you are an NDIS participant close to turning 65 or you have a loved one in this situation, call us on 1800 928 437 or email enquiries@infocusdisability.org.au
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