Getting help as you age shouldn’t be a puzzle. The Australian Government has streamlined the process through the Single Assessment System and the Support at Home program, making it easier than ever to get the right care at the right time.
Whether you are looking for a little help around the garden or more comprehensive clinical care, this guide explains how to secure your assessment.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the basic criteria for government-funded aged care:
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Age: 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
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Need: You are finding it harder to manage everyday tasks at home or have complex health needs.
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Special Circumstances: People aged 50 and over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may also be eligible.
2. Apply for Your Assessment
You no longer need to figure out which “type” of assessment you need (like the old RAS or ACAT). Under the Single Assessment System, you simply apply, and one professional team will determine your level of support.
How to Apply:
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Online (Recommended): Visit
myagedcare.gov.au -
Phone: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
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In Person: Visit a Services Australia centre and speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO).
What you’ll need: Have your Medicare card and basic details about your health and living situation ready.
3. The Assessment Process
Once your application is processed, an assessor will contact you to arrange a visit (usually in your home).
What happens during the visit?
A trained professional (often a nurse or social worker) will talk to you about:
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Your physical health and mobility.
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How you manage daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or showering.
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Your social connections and emotional wellbeing.
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Your goals (e.g., “I want to stay in my own home” or “I need help with my medications”).
4. Understanding Your Outcome
In 2026, the old Home Care Package levels (1–4) have been replaced by the Support at Home classifications. There are now 8 different funding levels, ensuring that the support you receive is more precisely matched to your actual needs.
You may be approved for:
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Ongoing Support at Home: A budget for daily help, clinical care, and social support.
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Short-Term Pathways: This includes Restorative Care (to help you get back on your feet after an illness), End-of-Life Care, or the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme for things like ramps or grab rails.
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Residential Aged Care: If staying at home is no longer the safest option.
5. Next Steps: Setting Up Services
After your assessment, you will receive a Notice of Decision letter. If approved:
- Receive Your Funding: When your funding is allocated, you’ll get a letter confirming your budget.
- Choose a Provider: You can search for registered providers on the My Aged Care website.
- Sign a Service Agreement: You must enter an agreement with your chosen provider within 56 days of your funding becoming available to ensure you don’t lose your spot in the system.
💡 Tips for a Successful Assessment
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Be Honest: Don’t “put on a brave face.” Tell the assessor about your hardest days, not your best ones.
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Have a Support Person: You can have a family member, friend, or professional advocate with you during the interview.
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Prepare Your Questions: Ask about local wait times and what specific services are available in your suburb.
🖨️ Download Your Free Assessment Prep Kit
Don’t go into your assessment feeling overwhelmed. Our Aged Care Assessment Handbook is a simplified, one-page printable PDF designed to help you and your family capture the right information before the assessor knocks on your door.
What’s inside the guide?
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The “Bad Day” Log: A space to track the tasks that are most difficult for you, ensuring you don’t accidentally “downplay” your needs during the interview.
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Medical Essentials Tracker: A quick list to fill out with your GP’s details, current medications, and recent health changes.
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Home Safety Checklist: A room-by-room guide to identifying hazards like loose rugs or difficult-to-reach cupboards.
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Question Bank: 10 essential questions to ask your assessor about the new Support at Home funding levels.
How to use this guide:
- Download & Print: Click the button below to save the PDF.
- Fill it out over a week: Take a few days to notice the small things—like struggling with the laundry or feeling unsteady in the shower.
- Keep it on the fridge: Have it ready for your support person or family member to review with you before the appointment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does the assessment cost anything?
No. Aged care assessments performed by the government’s Single Assessment System are 100% free. You only begin to pay (based on your means) once you start receiving care services.
Q2. How long does it take to get a decision?
The goal is for a Triage Delegate to contact you within 14 days of your application. Following the in-home visit, you will typically receive your “Notice of Decision” letter within 2 to 4 weeks.
Q3. What is the "Support at Home" program?
As of late 2025, the Support at Home program replaced the old Home Care Packages. It uses 8 classification levels (instead of 4) to provide more specific funding for things like nursing, cleaning, and home modifications.
Q4. Can I choose my own doctor and care workers?
You keep your own GP. For care services, you have the right to choose any Registered Provider. Under the 2026 rules, you can also “self-manage” your funding if you prefer to hire your own workers through approved platforms.
Q5. Do I need a new assessment if my health gets worse?
No necessarily. The Single Assessment System is designed to follow you. If your needs change, you can request a “Support Plan Review” rather than starting a brand-new assessment from scratch.
Q6. Will I lose my pension if I get aged care funding?
No. Aged care funding is a service grant, not a form of income. While your income and assets are looked at to determine your contribution (what you pay toward the care), it does not reduce your Age Pension payments.
Conclusion: Your Independence is the Priority
Navigating the aged care system in 2026 is no longer about “giving up” your independence—it’s about securing the tools to maintain it. By utilizing the Single Assessment System, the Australian Government has made it simpler to access a range of services tailored to your specific life stage.
The key to a successful outcome is honesty and preparation. By using our printable guide and understanding the new Support at Home classifications, you can ensure that the care plan created for you is a true reflection of your goals. Whether you need 30 minutes of gardening help a week or more complex clinical nursing, the system is there to support you.