Confused about the difference between NDIS and My Aged Care? Expert Health Services explains both systems so you can access the right support in Sydney
If you or a loved one needs support at home, you have likely come across two government funded systems: the National Disability Insurance Scheme, known as the NDIS, and My Aged Care. Both exist to help Australians live safely and independently, but they are built for different life circumstances, different age groups, and different types of support.
Understanding the difference between NDIS and My Aged Care is the first step towards getting the right help, faster. In this guide we break down exactly how each system works, who is eligible, what is funded, and how to know which pathway applies to your situation.
What Is the NDIS?
The NDIS supports Australians under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability that affects their daily life. Eligibility is based on the impact of the disability, not on age. Through an NDIS plan, participants can access funding for things such as personal care and daily living support, therapies including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy, assistive technology and home modifications, and supported independent living for those with complex needs.
A key feature of the NDIS is choice and control. Participants are given an individualised budget and can choose which registered providers deliver their supports.
What Is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s entry point for aged care services for people aged 65 and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Rather than being a funding scheme itself, My Aged Care is the gateway that connects older Australians to the right level of government funded support.
As of November 2025, the Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program as the main way older Australians access funded help at home. My Aged Care now connects people to either the Commonwealth Home Support Program for entry level help, or the Support at Home program for more intensive or complex needs, or residential aged care for those who can no longer live independently at home.
If you would like to understand how the Support at Home program works in detail, read our guide on the Support at Home program in Australia.
NDIS vs My Aged Care: Key Differences
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| NDIS | My Aged Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | People under 65 with a permanent and significant disability | People 65 and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people |
| Main focus | Building independence and achieving personal goals | Supporting safety, wellness, and daily living as people age |
| Funding type | Individualised plan budget, not means tested | Subsidised support, may include income tested fees |
| How you access it | Access Request with evidence of disability, followed by a planning meeting | My Aged Care screening, followed by an assessment to confirm the right level of support |
| Typical supports | Personal care, therapies, assistive technology, home modifications, supported independent living | Personal care, domestic assistance, nursing care, transport, social support, respite |
Can You Use NDIS and My Aged Care at the Same Time?
For most people, the answer is no. Once you are receiving permanent aged care services, you are generally required to leave the NDIS. However, there are some important exceptions.
If you became an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can usually choose to remain on the NDIS for life, even after your 65th birthday. This is one of the most important things to understand if you are approaching 65 and already receive NDIS support.
For some people, there can also be an overlap where aged care covers daily living support through the Support at Home program, while the NDIS continues to fund disability specific supports. Coordination between the two systems is improving, but it is still worth speaking to a provider who understands both systems to avoid confusion about which funding applies to which service.
If you have noticed your parent or loved one struggling with daily tasks and are unsure which pathway to consider, our article on signs your elderly parent needs home care may help you recognise what kind of support is needed.
How to Know Which System Applies to You
A simple way to think about it is this. If you are under 65 and have a permanent disability that significantly affects your daily life, the NDIS is generally the right pathway. If you are 65 or over and need support with the natural changes of ageing, My Aged Care is generally the right pathway. If you are already an NDIS participant approaching 65, you can usually choose to stay on the NDIS rather than move across to aged care.
If you are still unsure, the safest first step is to start an assessment with whichever system seems closest to your situation. Both My Aged Care and the NDIS have dedicated phone lines and online screening tools to help guide you.
How Expert Health Services Can Help, Whichever Pathway You Are On
At Expert Health Services, we are proud to be an NDIS registered provider, and we also support clients accessing care through the Support at Home program and My Aged Care. This means whichever system applies to you or your loved one, our team can help coordinate the right care without you needing to manage multiple unfamiliar providers.
Our services include:
- Nursing Care
- Nurse Practitioner Home Visits
- Personal Care
- Domestic Assistance and Support
- Allied Health Support
We service a wide range of suburbs across South Western and South Eastern Sydney. To check whether we cover your area, visit our locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between NDIS and My Aged Care?
The NDIS supports people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability, while My Aged Care supports people 65 and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with the natural changes of ageing. The NDIS focuses on building independence and achieving personal goals, while My Aged Care focuses on safety, wellness, and daily living as people age.
Can I stay on the NDIS after I turn 65?
Yes, if you became an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can generally choose to remain on the NDIS for life. If you start receiving permanent aged care services after turning 65, you will be required to leave the NDIS, as the two systems do not stack for the same supports.
Can I receive support from both NDIS and My Aged Care at the same time?
Generally no, for the same type of support. However, some people may receive different supports from each system at the same time, particularly during the transition period around age 65. It is best to speak with a provider experienced in both systems to avoid confusion about funding.
How do I apply for NDIS or My Aged Care?
To apply for the NDIS, you submit an Access Request with evidence of how your disability significantly affects your daily life, followed by a planning meeting. To apply for My Aged Care, you complete a screening, generally followed by an assessment to determine your approved level of support. Both processes can be started online or by phone.
Does Expert Health Services support both NDIS and My Aged Care clients?
Yes. Expert Health Services is a registered NDIS provider and also supports clients accessing care through the Support at Home program via My Aged Care. Our team can guide you through whichever pathway applies to your situation and coordinate the right services for your needs.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between NDIS and My Aged Care can feel overwhelming at first, but it really comes down to two key questions: how old are you, and is your need for support related to a disability or to the natural process of ageing. Once you know which system applies, the path forward becomes much clearer.
At Expert Health Services, we support clients across both systems, which means you do not need to navigate this alone. Our experienced team can help you understand your options, start the right assessment, and put the appropriate support in place as quickly as possible.
Call us today on 0414 072 871 or visit our contact page to speak with our friendly team about your situation.
Not Sure Which Pathway Is Right for You?
Whether you need support through the NDIS or My Aged Care, Expert Health Services can help you understand your options and start the right assessment. Our experienced team supports clients across both systems throughout South Western and South Eastern Sydney.
