My Aged Care vs NDIS — Which Funding Applies to You? | Physio to Home
My Aged Care and NDIS both fund physiotherapy — but they are entirely different systems. North Tasmania's home physiotherapist explains which applies to your situation, what each covers, and how to access both.
My Aged Care and NDIS both fund physiotherapy — but they are entirely different systems with different eligibility rules, different processes, and different amounts of support. North Tasmania's home physiotherapist explains which applies to your situation.
Micheal Ghattas
3/6/2026 · 6 min read
My Aged Care vs NDIS: Which Funding System Applies for Home Physiotherapy?
By Michael Ghattas, DPT | AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist | 18 Years Experience
Physio to Home, North Tasmania | Last reviewed: March 2026
The question of which funding system applies is one of the most common and most confusing aspects of accessing home physiotherapy in Australia. My Aged Care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) both fund physiotherapy for eligible people — but they are separate systems, designed for different populations, with different eligibility criteria, different amounts of support, and different access processes.
Getting this right matters because accessing the wrong system wastes time, and accessing the right system promptly can make the difference between receiving the physiotherapy you need and going without it for months.
The Core Distinction: Age vs Disability
The simplest way to understand the difference between the two systems is this:
My Aged Care is Australia's aged care system, designed for older Australians — generally people aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). It provides funded support including physiotherapy for older Australians who need help to remain living independently at home.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is Australia's disability support system, designed for people with permanent and significant disability — regardless of age, though it is capped for people who acquire a disability after age 65. It provides funded support including physiotherapy for eligible people with disability to pursue their goals and maintain function.
The age cutoff matters: If you are under 65 and have a disability, NDIS is almost certainly the relevant system. If you are over 65, My Aged Care is the default — but there are important exceptions described below.
My Aged Care: What It Is and How It Funds Physiotherapy
My Aged Care is the entry point for the Australian Government's aged care system. It provides two main programs relevant to physiotherapy:
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Entry-level support for older Australians who need a small amount of assistance to remain at home. CHSP provides subsidised allied health services — including physiotherapy — for eligible clients, with a small co-contribution from the client. The support is episodic rather than ongoing — appropriate for time-limited physiotherapy for a specific condition.
To access CHSP: Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You will have a brief screening conversation and, if eligible, be referred for an assessment. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
More comprehensive, ongoing support for older Australians with moderate to high care needs. Home Care Packages are allocated at four levels (Level 1–4) with increasing funding — Level 1 at approximately $10,000 per year and Level 4 at approximately $60,000 per year (2025 rates, subject to change).
Physiotherapy is a covered allied health service under all package levels. Package holders work with an approved provider to manage their funding and choose their services — including which physiotherapy provider they use.
Important: As of 1 July 2025, Home Care Packages are transitioning to the new Support at Home program. The new system changes some administrative details but retains physiotherapy as a covered service. Contact My Aged Care or your provider for current details.
To access a Home Care Package: Contact My Aged Care for an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment. There is currently a waiting list for packages — particularly Level 3 and 4. Apply as early as possible.
NDIS: What It Is and How It Funds Physiotherapy
The NDIS provides funding for people with permanent and significant disability to access the supports they need. Physiotherapy is funded under two support categories:
Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living — covers physiotherapy aimed at building skills, function, and independence.
Capacity Building — Improved Health and Wellbeing — covers physiotherapy supporting health maintenance and physical wellbeing.
NDIS plans are individually funded — the amount allocated for physiotherapy depends on the participant's goals, functional impairment, and the supports deemed "reasonable and necessary" by the NDIS planner. Plans are reviewed annually or when circumstances change.
To access NDIS: Apply through the NDIS website (ndis.gov.au) or call 1800 800 110. Eligibility requires Australian residency, age under 65 at time of access request, and a permanent and significant disability affecting daily function. The access process takes several months in most cases.
NDIS and physiotherapy providers: The NDIS distinguishes between registered and unregistered providers. Physio to Home is completing NDIS provider registration and welcomes enquiries from NDIS participants and support coordinators in the interim.
The Grey Zone: People Over 65 With Disability
The most common source of confusion is for people who are both over 65 and have a significant disability. The general rule is:
- If you were already receiving NDIS support before turning 65, you can continue on NDIS.
- If you turn 65 and were not previously on NDIS, you generally transition to My Aged Care for new applications.
- People over 65 who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or who have certain psychosocial disabilities, may have different arrangements.
The specific rules here can be complex. If you are in this situation, contact both My Aged Care and the NDIS to understand your options — or speak to a local care coordinator who can advise on your circumstances.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| | My Aged Care | NDIS |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Older Australians 65+ | People with permanent disability, typically under 65 |
| Funded by | Commonwealth aged care system | National Disability Insurance Agency |
| Physiotherapy covered? | Yes — CHSP and Home Care Packages | Yes — Capacity Building supports |
| Amount of support | Depends on CHSP or HCP level | Depends on individual plan |
| How to apply | Call My Aged Care 1800 200 422 | Apply via ndis.gov.au |
| Access time | CHSP: 2–4 weeks. HCP: weeks to months (waitlist) | Several months typically |
| Care coordinator | Care manager through approved provider | Support coordinator (if funded in plan) |
| Provider registration | Approved provider required | Registered or unregistered (self-managed) |
Other Funding Options for Physiotherapy
Neither My Aged Care nor NDIS is the only option. Two others are often missed:
Medicare GP Management Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care): Your GP can write a GP Management Plan for any person with a chronic medical condition, providing up to five partially subsidised physiotherapy visits per year. The Medicare rebate is currently $58.30 per session (2025). This is available regardless of age or disability and can be used alongside My Aged Care or NDIS funding.
Private health insurance — extras cover: Most extras policies cover physiotherapy visits including home visits, up to an annual cap. HICAPS can be processed at the time of the home visit.
What to Do Right Now
If you are trying to determine which system applies to you:
1. Under 65 with a permanent disability? NDIS is most likely appropriate. Apply at ndis.gov.au.
2. Over 65 and need help at home? Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for an assessment.
3. Have a chronic condition and a GP? Ask your GP about a GP Management Plan for subsidised physiotherapy visits regardless of other funding.
4. Unsure? Contact Physio to Home. We will help you identify the most appropriate funding pathway for your situation before you book — at no cost and no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both NDIS and My Aged Care?
Generally no — they are separate systems and most people will be on one or the other. However, you can use Medicare GP Management Plan subsidies alongside either system.
My Home Care Package provider told me they don't offer physiotherapy. Is that right?
Not exactly. Home Care Package providers do not all directly employ physiotherapists — but they are obligated to use your package funding to purchase allied health services from external providers, including Physio to Home. If your provider is not arranging physiotherapy, ask them specifically to add it to your care plan.
How long does it take to get NDIS funding for physiotherapy?
The NDIS access and planning process typically takes 3–6 months from initial application to first plan. Once a plan is in place, physiotherapy funding can be used immediately. If you are waiting for an NDIS plan and have an urgent physiotherapy need, a Medicare GP Management Plan can provide subsidised visits in the interim.
Ready to Access Funded Physiotherapy in North Tasmania?
Physio to Home accepts clients funded through My Aged Care (CHSP and Home Care Packages), NDIS, Medicare GP Management Plan, and private health insurance, as well as private self-funded arrangements. We work with your care coordinator or support coordinator to make the process as simple as possible.
Contact us today — we will help you find the right pathway →
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About the Author
Michael Ghattas, DPT | AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist | 18 Years Experience
Founder, Physio to Home — North Tasmania's home physiotherapy service.
References
Department of Health and Aged Care. Support at Home Program. Commonwealth of Australia, 2025. www.health.gov.au
My Aged Care. Home Care Packages Program. Commonwealth of Australia, 2025. www.myagedcare.gov.au
National Disability Insurance Agency. NDIS — Who we help. www.ndis.gov.au, 2025.
Services Australia. Allied Health — Medicare Benefits Schedule. Commonwealth of Australia, 2025. www.servicesaustralia.gov.au