The difference between My Aged Care and NDIS

Do you need aged care home services or the NDIS? 

Understanding terms like ‘NDIS’ and ‘My Aged Care’ can feel a bit like learning a new language – at a stage of life when you’d rather be taking it easy, not doing homework. 

If you’re feeling confused and are wondering which one you might need now or in the future, you’re not alone. 

In a nutshell, both the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care are systems designed to help people remain independent while assisting with tasks that may become more difficult. But they apply in different situations. 

So, how do you know which one is for you? 

Whether you’re just starting to explore aged care home services or ready to get some support in place, we’re here to help you find the right pathway.  

The difference between the NDIS and My Aged Care 

Both the NDIS and My Aged Care provide government-funded support, based on eligibility requirements, to help you live your life on your terms. 

The key difference is what they deliver and the age requirements for each. 

• The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) (external link) supports people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability. 

• My Aged Care (external link) is the Australian Government’s gateway to aged care services for people 65 and over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). 

A simple way to picture it 

It can help to think of these systems as two doors within the same building. 

One door is labelled My Aged Care. It’s designed for people who need help with the natural changes of growing older, including aged care home services.

The other door is labelled National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s designed for people living with a permanent disability that significantly affects daily life. 

Both services are in the same building – and both are funded by the government – but they’re built for different life circumstances and ages. 

We’re here to help you find the right door. 

Which one applies to you?

If you’re over 65 and finding it harder to do the things you used to do – such as managing household tasks, personal care, or recovering after a health setback, My Aged Care is usually the right starting point.  

If you’re under 65 and living with a permanent disability that significantly affects daily life, the NDIS may be the appropriate pathway. 

Did you know? 

If you’d rather not wait on government funding and can afford to pay privately, you can choose to self-fund your aged care home services and disability services through a provider like Avivo.  

Read more about self-funded support options. 

All about My Aged Care

Support as you age (65 and over)

My Aged Care (external link) is your starting point to access Australian Government-funded aged care services.  

It’s the way you access the Support at Home program and the Commonwealth Home Support Program. 

My Aged Care is a support portal designed for people who:  

• are experiencing age-related decline; 

• need help to remain living safely at home; or 

• may be considering residential aged care. 

Services may include: 

• help with household tasks; 

• personal care; 

• nursing support; 

• home care packages; or 

• residential aged care. 

The focus is on supporting older Australians to maintain independence, safety, and wellbeing as they age. 

Support at Home Program

Support at Home is Australia’s new aged care home services program that launched on 1 November 2025. It’s a government-funded initiative that provides care for people who have complex or intensive needs, to help them stay at home longer.  

It offers services on an ongoing basis or across three short-term pathways: restorative care, assistive technology, and end-of life. 

At Avivo, we can work with you to understand how you want to live your life and how we can make the best use of your funding to give you that freedom and choice.  

With Support at Home funding, our team of dedicated Support Workers can help you with things like:  

• cleaning and laundry; 

• home modifications like ramps; 

• garden maintenance; 

• personal care including showers and toileting; 

• preparing meals; 

• transport to get to appointments; 

• grocery shopping.¹; 

• nursing; 

• allied health; and 

• end of life care 

Did you know?

With Avivo’s aged care home services, you’ll see the same Support Worker each visit through our ‘same face every time’ promise? Someone who gets to know you, your routines, and what matters most. 

Our Support Workers also live and work in the communities they serve, so they know more than just your care plan. They know the best coffee nearby, the shortcut to the post office, and the local places that make your suburb feel like home. 

With over 80 neighbourhood teams across WA, Avivo’s support is built on familiar faces and genuine local connection, making each visit personal. 

How do you apply?

You will need an aged care assessment to enter the Support at Home program. Apply for an assessment on the My Aged Care website. 

More information about inclusions and eligibility is available here. 

Commonwealth Home Support Program

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is a government-funded initiative that provides entry-level support to help older Australians live independently at home.  

It’s designed for people who need just a little help with daily tasks – not ongoing or complex care. Supports can include one or two basic services. 

CHSP is a great starting point if you’re waiting for Support at Home or only need occasional support.    

How do you apply?

You will need an aged care assessment to enter the CHSP. Apply for an assessment on the My Aged Care website. 

More information about inclusions and eligibility is available here. 

More reading on aged care home serivces

Choosing aged care home services is a big decision. We’ve answered the top seven questions families ask before getting started to help you feel informed and confident. 

And if you’d like to see what support can look like day to day with Avivo, read Myrna’s story on our blog – a reminder that the right support team can truly feel like family. 

All about the NDIS

Support for disability (under 65)

The NDIS is for people under 65 with a disability that impacts daily life.  

The NDIS supports people who apply before the age of 65 and who meet eligibility requirements relating to permanent and significant disability. 

To be eligible, you must: 

• be under 65 when you apply; 

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident; 

• live in Australia; 

• have a permanent impairment that substantially reduces your functional capacity; and 

• be likely to require NDIS supports for your lifetime. 

The NDIS focuses on disability-related supports that build or maintain your independence and participation in daily life. 

What you receive depends on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances, but there are several ways to access support.   

If you’re eligible and approved to receive NDIS funding, you can choose Avivo as your provider.  

We offer a wide range of disability services that can be shaped around your goals, your lifestyle, and what matters most to you. 

With NDIS funding, our team of dedicated Support Workers can help with things such as:  

• household tasks; 

• personal care; 

• meal planning and preparation; 

• transport to get to appointments; 

• grocery shopping; 

• nursing; and 

• companionship and social outings². 

Did you know?

 If you become an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can remain in the scheme after 65. However, you generally cannot apply to enter the NDIS for the first time once you have turned 65. 

You can also seamlessly transition from the NDIS into aged care home services with Avivo.  

How do you apply?

You will need to apply through the NDIS by submitting an Access Request Form and supporting documents.  

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to apply for disability support 

More reading

If you’re new to the NDIS, start with our First-time NDIS guide for WA families for a clear overview of how it all works. 

And if you’d like to understand how the right support match at Avivo can make all the difference, read John and Darren’s story on our blog, ‘No filter, no fuss – just the right match’. 

We’re here to help you

Getting ready to receive support is an important step. The sooner you understand your options, the more time you can spend enjoying life at your own pace and taking things easy. 

You don’t have to do this alone

If you’re unsure how to choose between aged care home services or the NDIS or want someone to talk through your situation with, get in touch with our team today.