Applying for an assessment
If you have realised that you need to access aged care services, the first step is to complete an aged care assessment.
It is important to note that your Australian resident status does NOT affect your eligibility for services under this program – you can receive services even if you do not have Australian citizenship or permanent resident status.
More information: Should I apply? | My Aged Care
There are a few ways to apply for an aged care assessment:
- Apply online: you can complete the online application for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend.
- Apply on the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
- Apply in person: if you would prefer to talk to someone face to face, you can make an appointment with Services Australia centre by calling 1800 227 475.
Once your application is complete, an assessment organisation will call you (or someone you choose) to discuss your needs and, based on the discussion, arrange a date for the assessment. Assessments are carried out in your home by a trained assessor. They can also be arranged at other locations or via telehealth when necessary.
You may arrange to have a friend, family member or other supporter with you while you complete your application. You don’t have to be alone in this process.
You can read about how to prepare for your assessment, what information will be required from you, and how to get useful information from the representative of the organisation conducting the assessment here: Preparing for your assessment | My Aged Care
If you speak another language or have a hearing impairment, there are services to assist you:
- National Relay Service: for those with hearing or speech impairments
- National Sign Language Program: provides free sign language interpreting and captioning services for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing older people
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) – call 131 450: help in languages other than English. More information: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
What happens after assessment
After your assessment, you will receive a Notice of Decision letter that will outline your assessment outcome. This letter will tell you if you are eligible for government-subsidised services. It will also contain your support plan.
Being approved for services under the Support at Home program is an important step. After the approval though you will have to wait for funding allocation. The wait times for funding depend on the Support at Home supports you are approved for and your priority category, times can vary between one and eleven months (as at November 2025).
Funding allocation and deadline to commence services
You will receive a separate letter telling you that you’ve been allocated Support at Home funding, including information about any short-term pathway approvals.
You will have 56 days from the date of your letter to enter into a service agreement with your chosen provider and start services. You can contact My Aged Care for a 28-day extension if you need more time to find a suitable provider.
If you do not enter into a service agreement and start services within that period, your funding will be withdrawn.
If you need urgent help
If your circumstances or health status have suddenly changed and you cannot wait for the results of the assessment process and the allocation of Support at Home funds, you can use other limited support channels, such as Emergency Respite Care | Carer Gateway.
More information on this topic can be found here: What to do if you need help urgently | My Aged Care
Get in touch with us today to find out more about this program.
