As people get older, health needs often change — sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly. Many older Australians begin to experience physical limitations, medical conditions, or disabilities that make daily life more challenging.
A common question we hear at U Matter Care is:
👉 Can elderly people get help through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)?
It’s an important question, especially for families and older adults who want to stay independent, comfortable, and well-supported.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program that provides support to people living with a permanent and significant disability.
It helps people live more independently by funding things like:
The NDIS is all about giving people choice and control — helping them decide how they want to live and what support works best for them.
The NDIS isn’t based on income or family background. Instead, it’s based on:
To qualify, you must:
Here’s the key point:
👉 The NDIS is only for people who are under 65 years old when they apply.
If you are 65 or older, you cannot start a new NDIS plan.
However, there are still many ways older Australians can get support — so don’t worry, there are options!
Let’s go over them step-by-step.
If you were already receiving NDIS support before turning 65, you can continue receiving it for life — as long as you remain eligible.
You don’t lose your plan or your supports just because you have a birthday. 🎂
So, if someone started receiving NDIS support at 63, they can still have that plan when they’re 70, 80, or even 90!
If you are 65 or older and haven’t applied for the NDIS, you will not be eligible to start a plan.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t get support — you just get it through a different program.
That program is called My Aged Care.
My Aged Care is the main government system that supports older Australians.
It provides help for seniors who need assistance to live safely and comfortably at home or in a residential care setting.
Through My Aged Care, you can access:
You can receive help with:
The best part? You can tailor the care to your needs — just like with the NDIS.
| Feature | NDIS | My Aged Care |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | People with permanent disability under 65 | People aged 65 and over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) |
| Focus | Disability support and independence | Age-related care and living support |
| Funding style | You get a personal plan and choose providers | You get services through government-funded programs |
| Examples of support | Therapy, equipment, home modifications, personal care | Domestic help, personal care, meals, nursing, transport |
| Goal | Help people live independently with disability | Help older adults stay at home or in care safely |
This is a very common situation. Many older people live with disabilities such as:
If these conditions began before the person turned 65 and they joined the NDIS before that age, they’ll continue under NDIS.
If the disability developed after 65, they will receive support through My Aged Care instead.
Sometimes, both systems can overlap — for example, someone may have NDIS funding and still receive certain aged care services if they meet both sets of eligibility criteria. But in most cases, people stay under one main system.
If you or a loved one are in your early 60s and starting to experience challenges with mobility, communication, or daily tasks, it’s important to apply for the NDIS as early as possible.
Why? Because once you turn 65, you can’t enter the scheme.
Starting early helps you build a support plan that grows with your needs — before the age limit locks in.
So, if you’re between 60 and 64 and struggling due to a long-term disability, apply now — don’t wait.
Families and carers play an important role in supporting elderly loved ones. Whether you’re helping with meals, transport, or medical needs, caring can be emotionally and physically demanding.
If your loved one is not eligible for the NDIS because of age, there’s still help for you as a carer through:
Remember, caring for yourself helps you care better for someone else. 💚
Let’s make it simple again:
At U Matter Care, we help participants and families understand both systems — so you can find the best pathway to support, no matter your age.
At U Matter Care, we believe that every person — regardless of age or ability — deserves compassionate, personalized care.
We support:
Whether you’re navigating NDIS eligibility or exploring aged care services, our team makes the process simple, respectful, and stress-free.
We can help you with:
Because at U Matter Care, your wellbeing truly matters. 💚
So, can elderly people access the NDIS?
Yes — but only if they joined before turning 65.
If you’re 65 or older and haven’t applied, don’t worry — you can still get amazing support.
Both systems have the same purpose: to help people live safely, happily, and independently, surrounded by care and dignity.
Whether you’re planning ahead or supporting an older loved one today, the key is to understand your options early — and to reach out for help when you need it.
At U Matter Care, we’re always ready to guide you every step of the way.
