Australia’s aged care system is not designed to support younger people under the age of 65.
From 1 July, under the new Aged Care Act, you can only access Australian Government-funded aged care services if you have care needs and are at least one of the following:
- aged 65 years or over
- an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 to 64 years
- homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 to 64 years
- already living in an aged care home or accessing aged care services.
Help getting the right support
National Disability Insurance Scheme
If you are under the age of 65, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports NDIS participants with a permanent disability to live in the community and use housing, care and services that suit you.
For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the NDIS website, phone 1800 800 110, or complete the NDIA online contact form.
If you are already an NDIS participant, contact your NDIS planner or NDIS support coordinator to discuss your home and living goals.
Ability First Australia
If you are not eligible for the NDIS or are yet to test your eligibility, Ability First Australia’s (AFA) Younger People in Residential Aged Care System Coordinator Program can help you to:
- navigate the disability, housing and health systems
- find housing and support services
- move from your aged care home if you want
- test your eligibility for the NDIS.
To find out more, visit the AFA website or contact them on 1800 771 663.
Help moving out of aged care
If you are aged under 65 years and would like to move out of an aged care home, download the Younger people in residential aged care (YPIRAC) toolkit for factsheets, guides, practical tips and links to resources.
The information is for younger people to help them gain confidence and make choices that work best for them.