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# Navigating NDIS vs. My Aged Care: Understanding Key Differences and Choosing the Right Path Choosing between the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care can feel overwhelming when you or your loved one needs support services. Both programs provide essential assistance, but they serve different populations and operate under distinct frameworks. Understanding these differences is crucial for accessing the right support at the right time. The [NDIS, administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), supports Australians under 65 with permanent and significant disability through individually tailored plans that fund "reasonable and necessary" supports across Core, Capacity Building, and Capital categories](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10778-2025-26-ndis-pricing-arrangement-and-price-limits-released). Meanwhile, [My Aged Care, managed by the Department of Health, provides funded home care packages and in-home supports for older Australians aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) based on assessed need](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aged_Care_Act_2024). With [717,001 participants currently supported by the NDIS as of March 2025](https://ndis.gov.au/news/10718-ndis-quarterly-report-published-march-2025) and [approximately 1.3 million older Australians receiving government-supported aged care in 2022–23](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aged_care_in_Australia), both systems play vital roles in Australia's disability and aged care landscape. However, navigating between them requires understanding their unique eligibility criteria, funding models, and service delivery approaches. ## Introduction to NDIS and My Aged Care The NDIS and My Aged Care represent two distinct approaches to providing support services in Australia, each designed to meet the needs of different populations at various life stages. The NDIS operates on a person-centred approach, focusing on individual choice and control. It provides funding for people with permanent and significant disabilities to purchase supports that help them achieve their goals and participate in their communities. The scheme emphasises building capacity and independence, with participants having the flexibility to choose their providers and how they use their funding. My Aged Care, on the other hand, is specifically designed for older Australians who need assistance to continue living independently at home or require residential care. The system provides a range of services from basic domestic assistance through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to comprehensive care packages for those with more complex needs. A significant development in the aged care sector is the introduction of the [Support at Home program from 1 November 2025, which replaces existing Home Care Packages and offers more funding levels, restorative care, and assistive technology modifications](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-home-program). This change represents the most substantial reform to aged care in decades under the [Aged Care Act 2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aged_Care_Act_2024). The fundamental difference lies in their target populations and philosophical approaches. While the NDIS focuses on disability support across all life stages (for those under 65 at entry), My Aged Care addresses the changing needs that come with ageing. Understanding this distinction is essential for determining which system is most appropriate for your circumstances. Both systems face significant challenges in meeting demand. [Around 87,000 older people are currently waiting for Home Care Packages, with some wait times extending up to two years](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/27/pressure-on-government-to-speed-up-aged-care-home-support-as-waitlist-balloons), while the NDIS continues to grow, with [participants reporting 80% greater choice and control](https://ndis.gov.au/news/10718-ndis-quarterly-report-published-march-2025) when they've been in the scheme for at least two years. ## Eligibility Criteria for NDIS and My Aged Care Understanding eligibility requirements is the first step in determining which system can provide the support you need. Both programs have specific criteria that must be met before you can access services. ### NDIS Eligibility Requirements [NDIS participants must be under 65 at entry, Australian citizens or permanent residents, and have a permanent, significant disability that substantially reduces functional capacity. Eligibility is confirmed via an Access Request Form and evidence from allied health professionals](https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation). The disability must be likely to be permanent, significantly impact daily activities, and require support that would otherwise be provided informally by family and friends. The NDIS uses a functional approach to disability, focusing on how your condition affects your ability to participate in everyday activities rather than just the medical diagnosis. This means that two people with the same condition might have different eligibility outcomes based on how their disability impacts their daily life. Recent legislative changes have provided [clearer definitions of NDIS supports and streamlined plan details](https://ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation), making it easier to understand what supports are considered "reasonable and necessary" under the scheme. For those interested in understanding more about navigating NDIS systems, our guide on [Navigating the Dual Systems of NDIS](/posts/navigating-the-dual-systems-of-ndis-and-aged-care-in-australia-8e8587ce) provides additional insights. ### My Aged Care Eligibility [My Aged Care eligibility applies to older Australians (65+, or 50+ for First Nations people) who must undergo a My Aged Care eligibility check assessing health and daily living ability, followed by an ACAT assessment to access Home Care Packages, respite, or residential care](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/how-apply-assessment). The eligibility process begins with a phone assessment to determine your basic eligibility and what type of assessment you might need. This is followed by a more comprehensive assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS), depending on the level of care required. Unlike the NDIS, My Aged Care doesn't require a permanent disability diagnosis. Instead, it focuses on your current functional capacity and the support you need to maintain independence and quality of life as you age. The assessment considers factors such as your ability to perform activities of daily living, your social support networks, and your living environment. ### Transition Between Systems For younger people currently in residential aged care, there's a specific pathway to transition to the NDIS. [The YPIRAC (Younger People in Residential Aged Care) process requires a home-and-living application, NDIS panel review, and if declined, a pathway referral to My Aged Care for ACAT assessment](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/living-and-moving-out-residential-aged-care/process-younger-person-considering-entering-residential-aged-care). This transition process recognises that younger people with disabilities may have different needs and goals compared to older residents in aged care facilities. Success stories like Kelly, Darryl, and Michael demonstrate the transformative potential of moving from aged care to NDIS-funded accommodation and support services. ## Funding Models: NDIS vs. My Aged Care The funding structures of NDIS and My Aged Care differ significantly, affecting how services are delivered and what participants can expect in terms of choice and flexibility. ### NDIS Funding Structure [NDIS funding is uncapped and needs-based, whereas My Aged Care funding is allocated within set package bands and subject to means testing and co-payments under the new Aged Care Act](https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/executive/ndis-provides-benchmark-for-aged-care-funding/). The NDIS operates on three main funding categories: **Core Supports** cover everyday activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community participation. **Capacity Building** focuses on developing skills and independence, including support coordination and therapeutic interventions. **Capital Supports** fund assistive technology, home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). [The 2025–26 Support Catalogue details 21 support categories, including Behaviour Support (Capacity Building) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (Capital)](https://improvements.ndis.gov.au/providers/claims-and-payments/support-catalogue), providing comprehensive coverage across different support needs. Recent changes include [plans being issued with three-month funding periods from 19 May 2025 to improve budget management](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10721-changes-ndis-funding-periods). This change addresses previous challenges where participants struggled to manage their budgets across longer funding periods. For more information about plan management, see our guide on [Navigating Your NDIS Plan: How Often Can You Change It?](/posts/navigating-your-ndis-plan-how-often-can-you-change-it-180607cd). ### My Aged Care Funding Programs My Aged Care operates several funding programs designed to meet different levels of need: [The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level assistance, while Home Care Packages (Levels 1–4) cater to varying complexity, with current wait times of 9–12 months for medium priority Levels 1–4](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages). The new [Support at Home program, launching 1 November 2025, replaces Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care, offering more funding levels, restorative care, and assistive technology/access modifications](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-home-program). This represents a significant shift toward more flexible and responsive aged care funding. ### Cost and Co-payment Differences A key difference between the systems is how costs are managed. NDIS participants generally don't pay co-payments for their funded supports, though they may contribute to daily living costs in some accommodation settings. The NDIS pricing arrangements include [a 3.95% wage-related increase for 2025–26](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10778-2025-26-ndis-pricing-arrangement-and-price-limits-released). My Aged Care, however, operates on a means-tested system where participants may be required to pay co-contributions based on their income and assets. [The Aged Care Act 2024 establishes new co-payment rules and a $15,000 lifetime home-modification cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aged_Care_Act_2024), providing clearer guidelines for what participants can expect to pay. Understanding these funding differences is crucial for planning your support needs and budget. Those interested in specific NDIS support types can explore our [Comprehensive Guide to Accessing NDIS Personal Care Assistance](/posts/a-comprehensive-guide-to-accessing-ndis-personal-care-assistance-e6737f5a). ## Support Options and Service Delivery The types of supports available and how they're delivered vary significantly between NDIS and My Aged Care, reflecting their different target populations and objectives. ### NDIS Support Categories and Delivery The NDIS offers comprehensive support across multiple life domains. Core supports include assistance with daily personal activities, household tasks, and community participation. These supports are designed to help participants maintain their independence and engage with their communities. Capacity building supports focus on developing skills and independence over time. This might include support coordination to help navigate the system, therapeutic supports to improve functional capacity, or employment-related assistance to help participants achieve their career goals. Our [NDIS Quality and Safeguards: Ensuring Quality Care](/posts/understanding-ndis-quality-and-safeguards-ensuring-quality-care-96ae0b32) guide provides more information about service quality standards. Capital supports address one-time or infrequent high-cost items such as assistive technology, vehicle modifications, or home modifications. For participants with high support needs, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provides purpose-built housing with accessibility features. The NDIS emphasises participant choice and control, allowing people to choose their providers, decide how supports are delivered, and change arrangements if they're not meeting their needs. This flexibility extends to support delivery models, with options for agency-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed funding. ### My Aged Care Service Options My Aged Care provides a range of services designed to help older Australians maintain their independence and quality of life. Entry-level services through CHSP include domestic assistance, personal care, social support, and transport to appointments. Home Care Packages provide more comprehensive support for people with complex needs, offering services such as nursing care, allied health services, equipment and home modifications, and respite care. [High priority clients receive packages within one month, while medium priority clients face 9–12 month waits for Levels 1–4](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages). The upcoming Support at Home program will provide more flexible funding arrangements, allowing for restorative care approaches that focus on improving or maintaining functional capacity rather than just providing ongoing support. ### Service Delivery Challenges and Solutions Both systems face significant service delivery challenges. The NDIS has implemented [quarterly funding periods and clearer support lists to reduce overspend risk](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10721-changes-ndis-funding-periods), addressing budget management issues that some participants experience. My Aged Care faces substantial waitlist pressures, with [interim CHSP services and advocacy for increased package release serving as critical stopgaps](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/27/pressure-on-government-to-speed-up-aged-care-home-support-as-waitlist-balloons) while people wait for appropriate care packages. Provider quality and compliance represent ongoing challenges in both sectors. [NDIS providers must navigate modular Practice Standards and independent audits, while aged care providers face Aged Care Quality Standards and specialisation verifications](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/updates-provider-specialisations). For families supporting someone in either system, our guide on [NDIS and Carers: Recognition and Support for Family Members](/posts/ndis-and-carers-recognition-and-support-for-family-members-1c09244e) offers valuable insights. ## Navigating Between NDIS and My Aged Care Successfully transitioning between or coordinating across NDIS and My Aged Care systems requires understanding the intersection points and available pathways. ### Transition Pathways and Success Stories Real-world examples demonstrate the potential for successful transitions. [Kelly, a 49-year-old, left aged care to live in a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) unit funded by the NDIS, gaining 24/7 Supported Independent Living (SIL) and reporting remarkable improvements in mood, social engagement, and family life](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/8832-ndis-helps-kelly-leave-aged-care-and-live-her-own-unit). Similarly, [Darryl, at 58, moved from residential aged care to SIL via NDIS funding, regaining mobility, speech clarity, and mental well-being, enabled by targeted physiotherapy and assistive technology](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/7306-ndis-funding-darryls-left-aged-care-restart-his-life). These stories highlight how appropriate system matching can dramatically improve quality of life outcomes. [Michael's story shows how a 42-year-old non-verbal participant moved into SDA with SIL, receiving round-the-clock care tailored to complex needs and enjoying community participation, leading to visible health and well-being gains](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/8192-after-15-years-michael-moves-out-aged-care-and-happier-and-healthier). ### Coordination Challenges and Solutions Navigating between systems can be complex, particularly for people who might be eligible for both or need to transition from one to another. The key is understanding that eligibility criteria, while distinct, can sometimes overlap, particularly for people with disabilities who are approaching 65. For younger people in aged care, the YPIRAC process provides a structured pathway to explore NDIS eligibility. This process recognises that people with disabilities may benefit from the NDIS's focus on choice, control, and capacity building, even if they've previously received aged care services. Support coordination plays a crucial role in helping people navigate these systems. NDIS support coordinators can help participants understand their options and connect with appropriate services, while My Aged Care assessment teams can provide guidance on available aged care options. ### Planning for System Transitions For people approaching 65 who are currently NDIS participants, planning for potential transition to aged care services is important. While NDIS participants can remain in the scheme if they entered before 65, understanding aged care options can help inform future planning decisions. Those interested in understanding transition planning can benefit from our guide on [Navigating the Transition from Child to Adult Services in the NDIS](/posts/navigating-the-transition-from-child-to-adult-services-in-the-ndis-45550ab5), which provides insights into managing system changes. Additionally, our [Empowering NDIS Participants: A Guide to Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness](/posts/ndis-person-centred-emergency-preparedness-guide) offers valuable information about maintaining support continuity during transitions. ## Conclusion and Key Takeaways Understanding the differences between NDIS and My Aged Care is essential for accessing appropriate support services in Australia. While both systems aim to provide assistance to people who need it, they operate under different frameworks, serve different populations ## References 1. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10778-2025-26-ndis-pricing-arrangement-and-price-limits-released) 2. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aged_Care_Act_2024) 3. [Source](https://ndis.gov.au/news/10718-ndis-quarterly-report-published-march-2025) 4. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aged_care_in_Australia) 5. [Source](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-home-program) 6. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/27/pressure-on-government-to-speed-up-aged-care-home-support-as-waitlist-balloons) 7. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation) 8. [Source](https://ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation) 9. [Source](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/how-apply-assessment) 10. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/living-and-moving-out-residential-aged-care/process-younger-person-considering-entering-residential-aged-care) 11. [Source](https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/executive/ndis-provides-benchmark-for-aged-care-funding/) 12. [Source](https://improvements.ndis.gov.au/providers/claims-and-payments/support-catalogue) 13. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10721-changes-ndis-funding-periods) 14. [Source](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages) 15. [Source](https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/updates-provider-specialisations) 16. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/8832-ndis-helps-kelly-leave-aged-care-and-live-her-own-unit) 17. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/7306-ndis-funding-darryls-left-aged-care-restart-his-life) 18. [Source](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/8192-after-15-years-michael-moves-out-aged-care-and-happier-and-healthier)

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Navigating NDIS vs. My Aged Care: Understanding Key Differences and Choosing the Right Path

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