When navigating support services in Australia, understanding eligibility and funding options is crucial, particularly for the elderly.
A common question many people ask is: Is there NDIS funding for the elderly? Unfortunately no, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support Australians with disabilities under the age of 65. However, this doesn’t mean there are no support options available for older Australians with disabilities or other care needs. Instead, services for the elderly are typically managed through My Aged Care, which offers government-subsidised programs.
We’ll break down the differences between NDIS and My Aged Care, explain eligibility requirements for both, and guide you on how elderly Australians can access the support they need.
What is the NDIS, and who is eligible?
The NDIS is a program that provides funding for Australians with permanent and significant disability to help them achieve their goals, increase independence, and improve their quality of life.
To qualify for the NDIS. you must meet all of the following criteria
- Age requirement: You must be under 65 years old when you apply.
- Disability requirement: You must have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your ability to perform daily tasks.
- Residency status: You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
If you’re over the age of 65 and have a disability but did not have a NDIS plan prior to turning 65, you are no longer eligible to apply for the NDIS. Instead, your care and support needs will typically fall under the aged care system, managed by My Aged Care.
What happens when someone over 65 develops a disability?
For Australians over the age of 65 who develop a disability past this age, support is accessed through the My Aged Care system, not the NDIS.
However, if you were receiving NDIS support services before turning 65, you can continue accessing those services.
Both options aim to provide the assistance you need, but the funding structures and types of services available are different.
Key differences between NDIS and My Aged Care
| Feature | NDIS | My Aged Care |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility age | Under 65 years old | Over 65 years old |
| Focus | Disability-focused | Age-related support and general care |
| Funding | Individualised funding | Government-subsidised programs |
| Choice of providers | Wide choice, including unregistered providers (when self-managed or plan-managed) | Limited to My Aged Care–approved providers |
What is My Aged Care and how does it work?
My Aged Care is Australia’s gateway to aged care services, helping people aged 65 and older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) access government-subsidised support.
This system is designed to assist elderly Australians with a range of needs, from basic assistance with daily tasks to more comprehensive care.
What are the types of support available through My Aged Care?
- Help at home: Help with cleaning, personal care, meal preparation, and transport.
- Products and home modifications: Assess to a range of products, assistive technology and home modifications to provide make life easier and safer at home or within your community.
- Allied Health Services: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other health services to maintain mobility and independence.
- Support at Home Program (Previously Home Care Packages): Tailored packages offering more comprehensive care to support independent living.
- Residential Aged Care: Full-time care in an aged care facility for those unable to live independently.
How to apply for My Aged Care
If you or someone you know is over 65 and requires support services due to age or a disability, you can apply for My Aged Care through the following process:
- Contact My Aged Care: Call the My Aged Care national contact centre on 1800 200 422 (free to call) and ask of an assessment, apply online at My Aged Care website or apply in person by making an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Offer (ACSO) at a Services Australia centre by calling 1800 227 475.
- Initial screening: If you are eligible, a representative will call you to discuss your situation and determine the types of services you might need and arrange a date for an aged care needs assessment.
- Aged Care Needs Assessment: An aged care needs assessor will visit you at home to determine your care needs.
- Receive a care plan: Based on the assessment, you’ll receive a tailored care plan outlining the care and services you are eligible for.
- Choose your providers: Once approved and you have a care plan, you can choose from approved providers who deliver the required services for your needs.
Am I eligible for My Aged Care if I have a disability?
Elderly Australians living with a disability can access My Aged Care, but eligibility isn’t based on disability alone. Instead, it depends on your age, care needs, and personal circumstances.
People over 65 who require support for age-related conditions, disabilities, or chronic health issues can receive assistance through the aged care system.
If you’re already receiving NDIS funding and turn 65, you have the option to stay in the NDIS or transition to My Aged Care. Some people choose to stay with the NDIS if they feel their disability-focused supports are better suited to their needs.
What if I’m over 65 and need support beyond My Aged Care?
For some older Australians, government-subsidised aged care may not fully meet their needs. In such cases, private services are an option. Private care providers can offer additional flexibility, higher levels of support, or specialised care for specific conditions.
Carers and family members of elderly individuals with disabilities may qualify for support programs like the Carer Gateway, which provides access to respite care, counselling, and financial assistance.
Can MyIntegra help me with My Aged Care support?
As a NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination services provider, MyIntegra’s expertise lies in the NDIS. Our focus is on supporting NDIS participants and their families. We help connect NDIS participants to the right services they need and help them maximise the inclusions of their NDIS plans to achieve their goals.
If you’re approaching or have already turned 65 and have an existing NDIS plan, we can continue to assist you through our NDIS Plan Management or Support Coordination services.
However, if you’re looking to access support through My Aged Care, we recommend reaching out directly to My Aged Care or consulting a specialist aged care provider for tailored guidance.
Staying informed and accessing what you are eligible for
While the NDIS is not available for older Australians after the age of 65, support options do exist through My Aged Care and other government programs.
Whether you’re transitioning from the NDIS or seeking care for the first time, understanding your options is key to ensuring you receive the support you need.
