Start here

Not sure where to start? That's okay.

Most people we talk to didn't know aged care or the NDIS existed before they suddenly needed them. Here are three things you can do today, before you commit to anything.

Step one

1. Decide which system you're probably in

Roughly:

Under 65, with a permanent disability — the NDIS is your scheme.
65 and over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) — aged care.
Caring for someone in either category — all of the above, plus Carer Gateway (carergateway.gov.au or 1800 422 737) for support for you.

If you're not sure, run our Funding Finder — it's about four minutes.

Step two

2. Make the official call

NDIS:1800 800 110.
My Aged Care:1800 200 422.

Both are free. Both will take some details and start the assessment paperwork. They are not committing you to anything.

Step three

3. Don't pay anyone for advice today

If anyone is asking you to pay for "NDIS support" or "aged care placement" before you've made these calls and got an assessment, stop. Both schemes have free Government-funded help and you almost certainly don't need to pay for anything yet.

Is this a hospital discharge or a fall today?

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (for someone 65+) or the NDIS on 1800 800 110 (for someone under 65) now. Tell them it's a crisis. They have crisis pathways. Use the Funding Finder afterwards for prep — but the call comes first.

If it’s urgent

000
For a life-threatening emergency.
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Mental-health crisis support, 24/7.
My Aged Care — 1800 200 422
Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 10am–2pm AEST.
NDIS — 1800 800 110
Mon–Fri 8am–11pm AEST.

Ready when you are.

Run the Funding Finder, or learn how the schemes work first.

Find my funding How the NDIS works How aged care works