NDIS and aged care: what happens when you turn 65
General information only. Not financial, legal or medical advice. Your situation is unique — consider speaking with an aged care specialist, financial adviser or your GP before making decisions. Information is current as at April 2026 and may change. Always verify with My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au) or Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au) for the most current details.
The NDIS and My Aged Care are two completely separate systems — and the rules for which one applies to you hinge almost entirely on your age. If you or someone you care for has a disability and is approaching 65, it's worth understanding this now, before the birthday, not after.
The key rule — age 65 is the dividing line
You must be under 65 to apply for the NDIS for the first time. Once you turn 65, the door closes to new NDIS applications. If you already have an NDIS plan when you turn 65, that changes things — see below.
The NDIS is designed for people with a permanent and significant disability who need support to live and participate in their community. My Aged Care is designed for older Australians who need help because of age-related frailty or illness. These two systems rarely overlap — and the government's intent is that you access one or the other, not both simultaneously.
Three situations — which one is yours?
You have a choice, and you do not have to leave the NDIS. Your plan continues. A plan review may happen around this time but it is not automatic — turning 65 does not trigger an automatic reassessment. If your NDIS plan is working well for you, the simplest answer is: stay on it. You can also choose to move to My Aged Care if you feel it better suits your needs as you age. Some people prefer the aged care system because it better covers age-related supports. Talk to your NDIS planner or support coordinator before your birthday so you can make this decision deliberately, not by default.
You cannot apply for the NDIS now. Your support comes through My Aged Care. The good news: the aged care system can still fund many disability-related supports through home care packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme — personal care, home modifications, mobility aids, and more. The supports look different but the coverage is broader than many people expect. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to start an assessment.
The government strongly prefers that you access the NDIS rather than residential aged care if you're under 65. Residential aged care is designed for older Australians — younger people in nursing homes is a known policy problem the government is actively working to address. The NDIA has a specific initiative called YPIRAC (Younger People in Residential Aged Care) specifically to help people under 65 avoid going into a nursing home unnecessarily, or to help those already in residential care move to a more appropriate setting. If this is your situation, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 before making any decision about residential care.
NDIS vs My Aged Care — the key differences
NDIS: Not means tested. Funding is based on your disability-related needs and goals. The amount you receive is determined by an NDIS planning meeting. No income or assets assessment.
My Aged Care (home care): Income tested only. Assets — including the family home — are not counted. The basic daily fee applies to everyone; an income-tested fee may also apply.
My Aged Care (residential care): Both income and assets are assessed. The family home is exempt if a spouse, dependent child, or eligible carer continues to live there.
You generally cannot receive both the NDIS and My Aged Care funded supports at the same time for the same need. The systems are designed to be separate. In practice, some people receive minimal supports from each, but this requires careful coordination and is not the standard pathway.
What to do right now
If you're on the NDIS and approaching 65: Contact your NDIS planner or support coordinator well before your birthday — ideally 6 months out. Discuss your options deliberately. Decide whether to stay on the NDIS or move to My Aged Care. Don't wait until after you turn 65, when your options narrow.
If you're over 65 with a disability and not on the NDIS: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to start an assessment. You can still get significant support — it just comes through the aged care system rather than the NDIS.
If you're under 65 in or considering residential aged care: Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to check eligibility. Ask specifically about the YPIRAC pathway. You may have more options than you think.
If you're unsure which category applies: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 — they can help clarify which system is right for your situation and refer you to the appropriate service if needed.
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