How is my eligibility for a Home Care Package assessed?

The process for assessing your Home Care Package eligibility is designed to be thorough while focusing on your individual needs and circumstances.

1. The journey begins with My Aged Care, the main gateway to all government-funded aged care services in Australia. You can do this by filling out an online form on the My Aged Care website or by calling 1800 200 422.
2. During this first contact, you'll chat about your current situation: how you're managing at home, any health concerns you might have, and the kinds of daily activities you're finding challenging.
3. After this initial discussion, My Aged Care might arrange a follow-up screening call to gather more details about your situation. This helps them determine the next steps and whether you need a comprehensive assessment.

If your needs seem more complex, they'll refer you to an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) if you live in Victoria.

Your assessment usually happens in your home

This is helpful because the assessor can see firsthand the environment you're living in and any challenges it might present. Your assessor will typically be a healthcare professional (a nurse, social worker, or someone with similar training). They'll sit down with you for a proper chat about how you're managing day-to-day. This includes talking about your physical health, thinking and memory, and handling tasks like showering and dressing, preparing meals, or getting around your home.

It's perfectly fine (and actually encouraged) to have someone with you during this assessment, whether a family member, close friend, or another supporter. Having someone else there can help ensure all your concerns are addressed and provide moral support during what can sometimes feel like a personal conversation.

Looking ahead to November 2025

When the Support at Home Program arrives on 1 November 2025, the assessment process will use something called the Single Assessment System with an Integrated Assessment Tool to make things simpler by streamlining how assessments are done across all aged care services.

After completing your assessment, you'll receive a letter from My Aged Care informing you of the outcome. If you're approved for a Home Care Package, the letter will explain what level of support you're eligible for. It will also include a unique referral code to access services through an approved provider of your choice.