Support at Home vs NDIS: What's the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

Support at Home and the NDIS are both Australian Government funding programs, but they serve different groups. Support at Home funds in-home aged care for older Australians, while the NDIS funds support for people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability. Age and circumstance, not the type of support needed, is usually what decides which program applies to you.

Here's how to tell them apart, and what to do if you're not sure which one fits your situation.

Who is Support at Home for?

Support at Home is Australia's main in-home aged care program, replacing the former Home Care Packages system. It's generally aimed at people aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need help to keep living safely and independently at home. Funding is organised into eight classifications, Levels 1 to 8, based on an assessment of care needs, and is paid as a quarterly budget.

Who is the NDIS for?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. Funding is allocated through an individualised plan and can cover a wide range of supports, from daily personal care to equipment, therapy, and social participation.

What happens if someone turns 65 while on the NDIS?

Generally, if you were already an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can usually choose to remain on the NDIS rather than move to Support at Home. New entrants aged 65 and over who don't already have an NDIS plan would typically go through the aged care system, including Support at Home, instead.

Do the two programs cover similar services?

There's real overlap in the types of services both programs fund, including personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and allied health. The difference lies in eligibility (age and disability status), how funding is structured (individualised NDIS plans vs quarterly Support at Home budgets), and which government body oversees each program.

Can someone be on both at once?

Generally no. These are separate programs with separate eligibility rules, and a person is typically supported through one or the other, not both simultaneously. If you're unsure which applies to your situation, My Aged Care or the NDIS can help clarify based on your age and circumstances.

How does this affect where I shop or get services?

Providers like InCare Supports work across both programs, supplying NDIS consumables and equipment for eligible participants, and Support at Home services for approved aged care clients. Whichever program you're funded under, our team can help make sure the right products and services are matched to your specific plan or package.

Which one applies to you?

If you're under 65 with a permanent disability, the NDIS is the relevant program to look into. If you're 65 or over (or 50 and over as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person) and need help staying independent at home, Support at Home is the pathway to explore through My Aged Care.

If you're still not sure which applies, our team is happy to help point you in the right direction, whether that's toward an NDIS plan, a Support at Home assessment, or simply the right products for your current situation regardless of funding.