Aged Care Equipment vs NDIS Equipment Eligibility: What’s the Difference?
In Australia, finding the right mobility equipment often starts with understanding which support system is best suited to your circumstances. Depending on your age, disability, and level of care needs, funding for mobility aids and assistive technology may be available through either the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or the Aged Care System.
Although both programs aim to support independence, safety, and quality of life, they have different eligibility requirements and funding processes. Understanding how each program works can make it easier to apply through the right pathway and avoid delays or unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program that provides funding to eligible people with a permanent and significant disability. Rather than focusing on age, the NDIS focuses on helping participants build independence, achieve personal goals, and participate in everyday life.
Main Features of the NDIS
- Managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
- Every NDIS plan is tailored to individual needs, providing funding for essential supports such as mobility equipment, therapies, home changes, and daily assistance.
- NDIS is designed for people with a permanent disability.
- Supports independence, employment, education, and community participation.
What Is Australia’s Aged Care System?
Australia’s Aged Care system provides support to older Australians who need help due to ageing, illness, frailty, or reduced mobility. It aims to help older people maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life through services delivered at home or in residential aged care settings.
Main Features of the Aged Care System
- Managed through the Australian Government’s My Aged Care System.
- Designed primarily for older Australians.
- Focuses on age-related care rather than permanent disability.
- May provide mobility equipment, home support services, and personal care.
- Helps aged people remain independent at home for as long as possible.
What Equipment Can Each Program Cover?
Both programs may fund similar equipment, but the reason for funding and eligibility differ:
NDIS Equipment
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Walking frames
- Rollators
- Walking sticks
- Crutches
- Patient hoists
- Pressure care cushions
- Standing frames
- Wheelchair seating systems
- Vehicle modifications
- Home modifications
- Other disability-related assistive technology
Aged Care Equipment
Based on your care assessment, aged care support may include assistance with:
- Walking frames
- Rollators
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Shower chairs
- Over-toilet aids
- Hospital beds
- Pressure mattresses
- Bed rails
- Transfer aids
- Lifting equipment
- Daily living aids
Key Differences Between NDIS and Aged Care System
- Purpose of Funding
The NDIS focuses on helping people with permanent disabilities achieve personal goals, improve independence, and participate more fully in everyday activities. In contrast, the Aged Care system focuses on supporting older Australians to maintain safety, wellbeing, and quality of life as they age.
- Age Eligibility
NDIS funding is generally available to people who enter the scheme before turning 65, while Aged Care is available to people aged 65 years and over, or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who meet the eligibility requirements.
- Who Qualifies
NDIS requires you to have a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects your ability to complete everyday activities, on the other hand Aged Care supports people with age-related care needs identified through an aged care assessment.
- Assessment Process
NDIS usually requires assessments from allied health professionals, such as Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapists, particularly for medium- and high-cost equipment, while Aged Care support is based on an aged care assessment that determines the level of care and equipment required.
- Funding Decisions
The NDIS determines whether requested equipment meets the reasonable and necessary criteria under your NDIS plan, while Aged Care funding depends on your assessed care needs, approved aged care program, and available funding.
- Equipment Ownership
Equipment purchased through the NDIS is often owned by the participant, while equipment provided through Aged Care may be loaned, hired, or supplied through approved providers without permanent ownership.
NDIS vs Aged Care Equipment Comparison
| Feature | NDIS | Aged Care System |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Supports permanent disability | Supports age-related care needs |
| Typical Age Group | Eligible participants under 65 at entry | Generally 65+ (50+ for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) |
| Managed By | National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) | Australian Government Aged Care System |
| Funding Focus | Disability-related supports | Age-related care and support |
| Equipment Covered | Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, hoists, seating systems, home modifications and more | Walking aids, wheelchairs, hospital beds, shower chairs, mobility aids and daily living equipment |
| Assessment | Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or other allied health professionals | Aged Care assessment |
| Individual Funding Plan | Yes | Support depends on approved aged care services or package |
| Goal | Increase independence and participation | Improve safety, comfort and quality of life |
Can You Receive Both NDIS and Aged Care Support?
If you joined the NDIS before turning 65, you can generally continue receiving NDIS support as you age. In some situations, you may also access Aged Care services, but the same support cannot be funded by both systems. The two programs work together by covering different types of needs. For example, the NDIS may fund disability-related supports such as a powered wheelchair, assistive technology, or home modifications, while Aged Care may provide age-related services such as personal care, meal preparation, domestic assistance, or nursing support. Together, these systems aim to provide the right support without duplicating funding.
Which Program Should You Apply Through?
You should generally apply through the program that best matches the reason you need support. The determining factor is usually why you need the equipment. Disability-related needs are generally considered by the NDIS, while age-related care needs are usually considered under the Aged Care system.
Apply Through the NDIS If:
- You have a permanent and significant disability.
- You are an eligible NDIS participant.
- Your mobility equipment is required because of your disability.
Apply Through Aged Care If:
- Your mobility challenges are mainly due to ageing.
- You require support to remain living independently at home.
- You have completed an aged care assessment and qualify for government-funded aged care services.
Final Thoughts
Both the NDIS and Australia’s Aged Care system play an important role in helping people access mobility equipment and support, but they are designed for different needs. The NDIS focuses on supporting people with permanent and significant disabilities to improve independence and achieve their goals, while the Aged Care system helps older Australians access support related to ageing, reduced mobility, and daily care needs.
Before applying for funding, it is important to understand your circumstances, check which program you may be eligible for, and prepare any required assessments or supporting documents. Knowing the difference between these two systems can make the process easier, reduce confusion, and help you access the right equipment and support when you need it most.