Can You Have a Home Care Package and NDIS at the Same Time?

Can you have a Home Care Package and NDIS at the same time? This article reveals the difference between these two programs and tells you whether you can apply for both.

By
Haisey Home Care

Updated on: August 6, 2024

x min read
Can You Have a Home Care Package and NDIS at the Same Time?

Summary: If you are older than 65, you can only apply for a Home Care Package. But if you're younger than 65 and you have a disability, you can try applying for both programs. It's recommended that you apply for the NDIS first if that's your case.

The Australian Government funds different types of aged care services for older people. 

This includes Home Care Packages (HCP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Both of these government-funded programs offer support to older people. They can also help younger people with special needs.

Home Care Packages are primarily for elderly people who want to receive care at home. 

The NDIS is a program designed to help those with disabilities, older and younger. But it's mainly intended for people under the age of 65.

But can you have a Home Care Package and NDIS at the same time? This is a common question many families in Australia want to know.

In this article, we'll talk about the key differences between HCPs and the NDIS.

Can You Apply for Home Care Packages and the NDIS at the same time?

In certain cases, a person may want to apply for Home Care Packages and the NDIS at the same time. 

Whether or not this is possible depends on your age.

If you're 65 or older, you can apply for a Home Care Package. But then you're no longer eligible for the NDIS.

There are certain eligibility criteria for each program. Whether you can access both depends on specific circumstances.

For example, let's say you're under 65 and have a permanent and significant disability. If you meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS, you can apply for the NDIS.

At the same time, if you are 65 years old and want to continue living on your own at home, you can apply for a Home Care Package.

If you're a young person with a disability, you should first try applying for the NDIS. 

Home Care Packages should be considered a last resort if you're younger than 65.

What Is a Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages are aged care services funded by the government. They're made up of 4 levels, which include:

  1. Level 1 - basic care needs
  2. Level 2 - low-level care needs
  3. Level 3 - intermediate care needs
  4. Level 4 - high-level care needs

These care services are for elderly individuals who want to remain living at home. When they're too old to care for themselves, they don't have to move to a nursing home. 

Instead, they can sign up for a Home Care Package.

HCP are the perfect solution for those who need basic support. 

It could be with personal care or home maintenance. Anything the older person needs to live in the comfort of their own home.

Note that you can't choose your HCP level. But you can choose your service provider.

An explanation of what Home Care Packages are and what they include

More than 270,000 people in Australia receive care through a Home Care Package.

A Home Care Package can include the following care services:

  • Personal care
  • Help with domestic errands
  • Social support
  • Meal preparation
  • Medication reminders
  • Respite care
  • Occupational therapy
  • Home modifications
  • Nursing care
  • Light housekeeping
  • Allied Health Services
  • Other specialist services

What Is the NDIS?

NDIS stands for "National Disability Insurance Scheme."

The NDIS is an Australian government initiative designed to support people with disabilities. Over 610,000 Australians receive the support they need from the NDIS.

To be eligible for the NDIS, you need to:

  • Be between 7 and 65 years old.
  • Be an Australian citizen or a permanent visa holder.
  • Have a disability caused by a permanent impairment.

Those who have a permanent disability can sign up for the NDIS. You can also apply for NDIS funding if you have a temporary disability.

The NDIS offers various services, including therapies, assistive technology, personal care, and community participation activities.

The main goal of the NDIS is to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Thanks to the NDIS, they can take part in social, economic, and community activities.

If you want to apply for an NDIS plan, you can do so directly on their website.

An explanation of what the NDIS is and what it includes

What's the Difference Between HCPs and the NDIS?

Home Care Packages and the NDIS both offer some types of support services. Both programs are government-funded as well. 

But they're not the same.

The differences between these two programs include:

  1. Eligibility
  2. Funding
  3. The application process
  4. Services and support

The main difference is who they're meant for.

Home Care Packages are for seniors who need help with daily tasks. Those who want to continue living at home as they age should apply for this aged care program. 

The NDIS is for people of all ages with disabilities. It provides a broader range of services to improve their independence.

Elderly individuals can apply for a Home Care Package. But NDIS participants must be younger than 65.

While both programs are government-funded, the funding is paid out differently.

The NDIS provides funding directly to the individual. It operates like an insurance scheme. 

Home Care Packages receive funding from the government as well. But, this funding is paid to the Home Care Package provider, not the care recipient.

The application process and services provided are also different.

The NDIS is not means-tested. You must undergo an income assessment to apply for a Home Care Package.

The NDIS provides more support to those with disabilities. HCP services are for elderly people who need help with everyday tasks.

Two tables comparing Home Care Packages and the NDIS

Receive Care Through Haisey Home Care

Home Care Packages and the NDIS can both help those in need. 

But in the case of elderly patients, Home Care Packages are the better solution.

If you're looking for a reliable home care provider, look no further than Haisey Home Care. We offer the care and support you need to continue living on your own at home.

If you want to know more about our services, feel free to contact us.

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