Eligibility for Aged Care | ACAT Assessment

Are you eligible for aged care?

The first step to access government-funded aged care services is to check your eligibility for an assessment. You can do this online, or by calling My Aged Care to talk about your needs on 1800 200 422.

If you have previously registered with My Aged Care, you cannot apply for an assessment online and will need to call My Aged Care.

If you're planning to apply for home care, an aged care home or short term/respite aged care, you'll then need to do a face-to-face assessment.

Assessments are done in person, at your own home. You don’t need to go anywhere. An assessment organisation will call you to confirm your needs based on information you have provided and arrange a time to complete your assessment.

You can find out more on the government's My Aged Care website.

1. Check eligibility and apply

The first step to access government-funded aged care services is to check your eligibility for an assessment. You can do this online at My Aged Care, or by calling My Aged Care to talk about your needs on 1800 200 422.
Please note: If you have previously registered with My Aged Care, you cannot apply for an assessment online and will need to call My Aged Care.

2. Book the assessment

3. Prepare

Consider inviting a support person - a family member, friend or carer - along to the appointment. Have your Medicare card and one other form of ID proof - such as DVA card, driver's license, healthcare card, or passport ready, plus a copy of any referrals from your doctor. A helpful checklist is available at Preparing for your aged care assessment.

4. Assessment

The assessor will come to your arranged meeting place, which is usually where you reside. They may ask you to fill out an Application for Care form, which they'll have with them. They will talk with you about your needs, find out about any current support you're receiving and how you're managing daily tasks. They'll discuss your health, memory and any issues relating to your safety, and might seek your permission to speak with your GP or other specialists.

5. Immediate decision

If you're applying for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services, the assessor will usually tell you if you're eligible at the end of your assessment, and you can start contacting providers to arrange the support you need.

6. Delayed decision

For home care, short term/respite care and aged care homes, the decision takes longer - usually a few weeks. You'll receive a letter that outlines if you're eligible, and, if so the level of care you've been approved for. You can check the progress of your My Aged Care application by phoning My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

7. Arrange an income and asset test

You'll do this Australian Government assessment online, and find out if you're able to contribute financially to the cost of your care. You won't need to do this for CHSP or short term or respite care.

8. Find a service

Search for the service you need in a location near you. You can also contact us on 1800 900 001 to discuss your aged care needs. Search now for aged care.

Please note

If you've been approved for care after an aged care assessment, there might be a waiting list to access the service you need. Contact us to find out more or visit funding options for home care.

What if I'm not approved?

We may be able to arrange private services for you. You can still access our aged care services - including our aged care homes - you'll just need to pay full fee.

Learn more about private services

Interested in learning more?

Just fill in the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

About the aged care assessment