The Negative Impact of the NDIS Over 65 Rule
The Negative Impact of the NDIS Over 65 Rule is a growing concern for older Australians living with disability. This policy prevents individuals who acquire a disability after the age of 65 from accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Instead, they must rely on aged care services, which often lack the funding flexibility, personalisation, and specialised support available through the NDIS. As a result, many older Australians face limited choices, reduced independence, and poorer health outcomes. The rule has sparked calls for reform, with advocates urging the government to adopt a needs-based approach rather than one based solely on age. Addressing this issue is essential to ensuring equitable care for all Australians, regardless of age.
The NDIS over 65 rule has become a source of frustration for many older Australians who require disability support. This rule limits access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) based on age. Specifically, if a person acquires a disability after turning 65, they are not eligible to join the NDIS. Instead, they are referred to the aged care system, which operates under a different framework. This exclusion has led to disparities in support quality, funding options, and personal choice for ageing Australians living with disability. In this article, we explore the implications of the over 65 rule, its impact on individuals, and the growing call for policy reform.
Understanding the NDIS Over 65 Rule in Detail
The NDIS was designed to support people with permanent and significant disabilities. However, individuals who acquire a disability after their 65th birthday are excluded from joining the scheme. Instead, they are directed to My Aged Care services, which are not tailored for complex disabilities. This rule creates a cut-off point based solely on age, rather than need. Critics argue that this approach is discriminatory and inconsistent with the principles of equity and person-centred care. The rule has sparked confusion among healthcare professionals, aged care providers, and support coordinators, highlighting the need for more inclusive disability policy in Australia.
Disparity in Support Between NDIS and Aged Care Systems
One of the biggest consequences of the over 65 rule is the difference in support between the NDIS and aged care. The NDIS provides tailored funding, therapies, home modifications, and assistive technologies based on individual needs. In contrast, aged care funding is capped and not always flexible. Individuals accessing aged care packages often face long wait times, reduced funding levels, and limited choice in services. This disparity leaves older Australians at a disadvantage, especially those with newly acquired complex disabilities. The inequality created by this rule goes against the NDIS’s original intent of fairness and inclusion.
Financial Strain on Older Australians with Disability
Older Australians who acquire a disability after age 65 often find themselves struggling to afford essential supports. NDIS participants can access significant funding, while those placed in aged care must navigate restricted budgets. This financial gap puts extra pressure on families who may need to pay out-of-pocket for necessary equipment or therapy. Some individuals are forced to compromise on care or delay important health interventions. The cost burden can lead to deteriorating health outcomes and reduced independence. Financial stress is a major side effect of the over 65 rule that needs urgent government attention and review.
Reduced Access to Specialist Disability Services
The over 65 rule also limits access to specialist disability services. Many providers focus their operations on NDIS participants, and do not deliver the same level of care to aged care clients. This results in older Australians missing out on services such as behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, or supported independent living. Access to skilled allied health professionals is crucial for managing complex disabilities, yet this is often compromised by aged care’s limited scope. The system unintentionally isolates those over 65 from accessing innovative support that could improve their quality of life and wellbeing.
The Impact on Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Communities
The NDIS over 65 rule disproportionately affects First Nations peoples and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Many of these communities experience higher rates of chronic illness and disability at a younger age. When they reach 65, they are more likely to require complex support. However, cultural sensitivities and systemic barriers often make aged care services unsuitable or inaccessible. The rule thus perpetuates existing health and social inequalities. For inclusivity, disability and aged care policy must be culturally responsive and equitable, especially in rural and remote Australian communities where service gaps are already pronounced.
Emotional and Psychological Toll on Individuals
Beyond financial and service impacts, the over 65 rule can have serious emotional effects. People feel excluded, devalued, and forgotten by the system. After living full and independent lives, many older Australians experience sudden loss of autonomy when denied NDIS support. The transition to aged care can feel abrupt and inadequate, with little recognition of their specific disability-related needs. These emotional burdens can lead to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Individuals often feel that their age, rather than their abilities, is being judged, which goes against the principles of dignity and respect promoted by Australian disability rights movements.
Inconsistencies with Australia’s Human Rights Obligations
Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The current age-based restriction contradicts the spirit of that agreement. It limits the rights of older persons to access appropriate supports that uphold their independence and community participation. Advocacy groups argue that this rule undermines non-discrimination principles and restricts access to essential services. Policy reform is essential to bring Australia’s disability system into alignment with its international obligations. True equality means that disability support should be based on need, not age or arbitrary bureaucratic thresholds.
Challenges for Aged Care Providers and Caregivers
Aged care providers are increasingly under pressure to deliver services that are not within their traditional scope. As more over-65s with complex disabilities are referred to aged care, providers struggle to meet their needs with limited training, funding, and workforce capacity. Informal carers—often family members—also face burnout and emotional stress. Unlike NDIS, the aged care system does not offer flexible packages for respite or carer supports. This places older Australians and their families at risk of inadequate care, stress-related health issues, and emergency interventions that could have been avoided with the right disability support framework.
The Need for NDIS Policy Reform and Flexibility
The increasing number of Australians impacted by the over 65 rule highlights the urgent need for policy reform. The system must adapt to changing demographics and longer life expectancy. People are living longer and acquiring disabilities later in life, often due to accidents, strokes, or chronic illness. The NDIS should consider flexibility for late-onset disability cases where care needs mirror those of existing participants. A needs-based approach would ensure equity and reduce the growing gap between aged care and disability support. Collaborative reform involving stakeholders, including aged care and disability providers, is essential for a more inclusive system.
The Role of NDIS Consultants in Supporting Transition
NDIS consultants play a key role in helping individuals and organisations navigate this policy challenge. They offer support to providers in understanding how to deliver services under both frameworks. They also assist families in transitioning loved ones to appropriate care systems. NDIS consultants can identify alternative pathways for funding, such as through assistive technology grants, or help advocate for clients on borderline eligibility. Their expertise in both the NDIS and aged care landscape is vital to bridging the policy gap. For more support, Disability Services Consulting provides resources and expert guidance for providers and families.
Digital Inclusion and Age-Friendly Innovation Gaps
Many NDIS services use modern, tech-driven tools to enhance service delivery. Older Australians who are redirected to aged care often miss out on these innovations. From mobile apps to remote therapy sessions, the digital divide becomes more noticeable post-65. Aged care clients typically have less access to platforms used for service tracking, participant engagement, or digital health management. Bridging the gap between aged care and NDIS requires digital inclusion strategies that are age-friendly and adaptable. Without addressing this gap, the over 65 population may remain digitally disconnected from essential supports available to younger participants.
Long-Term Outlook and Public Advocacy
Public awareness around the limitations of the NDIS over 65 rule is growing. Advocacy organisations, health professionals, and policy experts are urging the government to re-evaluate this restriction. Greater investment in community education and public consultations is needed to build momentum for reform. Including voices from lived experience groups, especially those affected by disability post-retirement, can guide future policy direction. Change may take time, but with unified effort, the NDIS can become a more inclusive system that reflects Australia’s ageing population. Only then can it live up to its promise of delivering individualised support across all stages of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NDIS Over 65 Rule
Q: Can I apply for the NDIS if I’m over 65?
A: No. If you acquire a disability after turning 65, you are not eligible to join the NDIS. You must apply for support through aged care services.
Q: What is the alternative to NDIS for over 65s?
A: Over 65s are directed to My Aged Care programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Program or Home Care Packages.
Q: Can someone continue NDIS funding after 65?
A: Yes, individuals who joined the NDIS before turning 65 can continue receiving support under the NDIS.
Q: Will there be changes to the over 65 rule?
A: Several advocacy groups are pushing for reform, but no official changes have been made yet.
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