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Aged Care Assessment and Eligibility
Getting government-funded home care starts with an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
Your assessment looks at how you’re managing at home, the support you need and what could help you stay safe and independent. From there, you’ll find out which aged care services you may be eligible for.
Could You Be Eligible?
You may be eligible for an aged care assessment if you’re finding everyday activities harder to manage independently and could benefit from some extra support at home.
Age & Circumstances
You may be eligible to be assessed if:
- You’re aged 65 or over
- You’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over
- You’re aged 50 or over and experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness
Your Support Needs
It may be time to request an assessment if you’re finding it harder to:
- Shower, dress or manage personal care
- Cook, clean, shop or manage household tasks
- Move around safely or you’re worried about falls
- Get to appointments or out into the community
Check Your Eligibility
1
Check Your Eligibility
Start with the My Aged Care eligibility checker or contact My Aged Care to discuss your situation.
2
Apply for an Assessment
If it looks like you may be eligible, you can request an aged care assessment through My Aged Care online or over the phone.
3
Have Your Assessment
An aged care assessor will talk with you about your health, daily routine, living situation, current support and the things you’re finding difficult. Assessments will often take place in your home so the assessor can better understand your individual needs.
4
Receive Your Outcome
After your assessment, you’ll receive information explaining what government-funded aged care services you’ve been approved for and what happens next.
Prepare for Your Assessment
Your assessment is your opportunity to explain what life at home is really like and where some extra support could make a difference.
Think About Your Daily Life
Consider the activities that have become difficult, tiring or unsafe, including personal care, preparing meals, housework, shopping, getting around and attending appointments. Think about the days when things are more difficult too, not just what you’re able to manage on a good day.
Consider Your Health & Support
Think about any changes to your mobility, health, memory or medications, as well as falls or safety concerns. It’s also helpful to explain the support you currently receive from family, friends or other services.
Have Information Ready
Where relevant, it can help to have your Medicare details, medication list, GP or health professional details and any recent medical, hospital or allied health information available.
What Happens Next?
Your assessment will determine which government-funded aged care services are appropriate for your needs.
Approved for Support at Home
If you need ongoing or more coordinated support, you may be approved for Support at Home.
For ongoing care, you’ll be assigned one of eight Support at Home classifications based on your assessed needs. You may also be approved for a short-term pathway where appropriate.
Approved for CHSP
If you have lower-level support needs, you may be approved for services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
If Your Needs Change
If your health, circumstances or support needs change, you can contact My Aged Care to discuss whether a reassessment may be appropriate.
Does Income Affect Eligibility?
Your aged care assessment considers your care and support needs, rather than simply how much you earn.
Your financial circumstances are considered separately and may affect how much you’re asked to contribute towards some Support at Home services.
If you’re approved for Support at Home, an income and assets assessment may be used to determine your contribution rate.
Approved? We Can Help from Here.
Local, Personal Support
Once you’ve been approved and your funding becomes available, HCA Home Care can help you understand your funding, organise your services and get your care underway.
24/7 Assistance
Existing HCA Home Care customers have access to our 24/7 support line, so help is available outside standard business hours.
Qualified, Experienced Workers
Our Support Workers are carefully selected, qualified and experienced, with ongoing training backed by Healthcare Australia’s own training organisation.
More Home Care Explained
Know What to Do Next
Whether you’re preparing for an assessment, waiting for funding or you’ve already been approved, HCA Home Care can help make the next steps clearer. Talk to our experienced team about your situation, your funding and the support you could receive at home.