NDIS Eligibility and Age Criteria
Table of Contents
Age and NDIS Eligibility Explained
The NDIS is only available to people aged under 65 at the time of their application. This is one of the most misunderstood rules around NDIS access—and if you're over that age limit, you’re not eligible to apply, regardless of disability status.
But if you're already on the NDIS before turning 65, your supports don’t stop.
This guide breaks down the NDIS age limits, what happens at 65, and what support pathways exist for those over the cut-off.
How NDIS Works for Different Age Groups
Under 65
You can apply for NDIS funding if you have a permanent and significant disability.
If accepted, you receive an NDIS plan with funding tailored to your goals.
If you stay in the scheme before turning 65, you can remain indefinitely.
Over 65
You cannot apply for NDIS after your 65th birthday.
Disability support is instead offered through My Aged Care, which generally has lower funding caps and fewer therapy hours than NDIS.
There are rare exceptions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants (age cut-off extended to 50).
What Happens When You Turn 65 and Have NDIS Funding?
If you’re already on the NDIS and turn 65:
You stay on the NDIS (unless you actively choose to switch to aged care funding).
Your plan and therapy supports continue as usual.
You may review your goals and services during annual planning, but funding levels are typically retained.
There is no automatic transition out of the scheme.
Alternative Support for Over-65s Who Are Ineligible for NDIS
If you’re 65+ and not eligible for NDIS, your funding comes from:
Home Care Packages (HCP) – for physio, OT, EP, mobility aids, home supports
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) – for entry-level support services
Private health or out-of-pocket – if waiting lists or support levels fall short
These programs are means-tested and offer lower therapy frequency and support hours compared to NDIS.
How to Transition from NDIS to Aged Care Support
If a participant chooses to exit the NDIS after turning 65, or moves into residential aged care:
Their NDIS plan is closed
They must apply for My Aged Care assessment
Therapy services (like Physio or EP) must be re-structured under HCP or CHSP guidelines
Providers (like ZYTO) can continue to deliver support, but at reduced frequency unless top-up funding is arranged
We support aged care clients with home-based and clinic-based therapy post-NDIS.
