Getting started

Aged care assessment and eligibility

If you're starting to wonder whether some support around the house might help, you're already taking an important first step.

An aged care assessment is often the gateway to government-funded support and helps determine the services that may be right for you.

Are you eligible for an aged care assessment?

To access government-funded aged care services in Australia, you first need to apply for an assessment through My Aged Care. You may be eligible for an assessment if you are:

Aged 65 or over, or
An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over, or
Aged 50 or over (45 or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness.

You will also need to meet the Australian Government's residency requirements.

Not sure if you qualify?

If you're unsure whether you're eligible for an aged care assessment, the best place to start is My Aged Care. They can talk through your circumstances, discuss your care needs, and help determine whether an assessment is the right next step.

How it works

Your assessment, step by step

Everyone's journey is different, but understanding the process can help you feel more confident about what comes next.

Step 1: Apply through My Aged Care

You (or someone helping you) start by registering with My Aged Care. You can apply online at myagedcare.gov.au, by calling 1800 200 422, or in person by booking time with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia centre. The application takes around 15 to 20 minutes and you will need your Medicare card.

Step 2: A scheduler calls you

Please provide a current GP Health Summary, including details of all current medical conditions, medications, and any relevant specialist reports. This information will assist in providing supporting evidence for the assessor.

Step 3: Your assessment, usually at home

A trained assessor will talk with you about how you're managing day to day, what support you may need, and which assessment pathway is right for you.

A Support at Home Assessment is generally for lower-level support needs, while a Comprehensive Assessment is used when care needs are more complex. Assessments can take place at home, by phone, or via video call. You're welcome to have a family member or friend with you.

Step 4: You receive your outcome letter

After the visit, My Aged Care will send you a letter that explains what support you have been approved for. You do not need to chase this up. The letter will outline your funding pathway and what you can do next.

Step 5: Understand your outcome and next steps

Once you receive your outcome letter, you'll know what support you've been approved for. If you're approved for CHSP services, you can start exploring providers straight away.

If you're approved for Support at Home, you'll need to wait for funding to be allocated before selecting a provider. If you have questions, Suncare is here to help you understand your outcome and prepare for what's next.

The two types of aged care assessments

Australia uses a Single Assessment System, which replaced the older ACAT and Regional Assessment Service (RAS) processes. Under this system, your assessment will be one of two types, depending on what you need.

Home Support Assessment

Best for

People who need a hand with everyday things, like cleaning, transport, social outings, or basic personal care.

How long it takes

Around 45 minutes to an hour.

What it leads to

Usually the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which provides entry level support.

Comprehensive Assessment

Best for

People with complex health conditions, mobility challenges, or a need for nursing and clinical care.

How long it takes

Around 1.5 to 2 hours.

What it leads to

Usually the Support at Home program, with a funding classification matched to your needs.

What to have on hand for your assessment

There is no pass or fail here. The assessor is on your side, and the more honestly you talk about how you are managing, the better the support they can recommend. To make the conversation easier, it helps to have these things nearby:

Your Medicare card and a form of ID, like your driver's licence or DVA card.
A list of any medications you take, including over-the-counter ones.
Recent letters or reports from your GP, specialist, or hospital.
A note about any current support you receive (for example, family help, community services, or private support).
The names and contact details of anyone closely involved in your care, like a partner, child, or carer.

A small tip from our team

It can be tempting to play down how much you are struggling, especially if you are usually pretty independent. Try not to. The assessment is the moment to be open, even about the small frustrations, because that is what helps you get the right level of support.

Fee for service (private pay)

Not everyone has government funding, and that's okay.

If you're waiting for your funding to come through, or you'd prefer to pay privately, our fee-for-service options give you access to the same quality care. It's flexible, transparent, and designed to fit your needs.

Not sure which option is right for you? Give us a call on 1800 786 227 and we'll help you work it out.

After your assessment

Once your assessment is complete, My Aged Care will send you a letter explaining what you have been approved for. You will not need to chase anyone up. The letter will tell you which funding pathway applies to your situation.

The Support at Home program

People approved for Support at Home may receive funding following either a Home Support Assessment or a Comprehensive Assessment, depending on their needs. There are eight funding classifications, each matched to a different level of support, with annual funding amounts indexed each year.

Your classification determines the quarterly budget available for services such as nursing, allied health, personal care, domestic assistance, and home modifications.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

CHSP is for people who need a more modest level of support to keep living independently at home. It funds entry level services like cleaning, gardening, social outings, transport, meals, and basic personal care.

Fee for service

You do not need an assessment to access Fee for service support. This is a flexible, pay as you go option that is useful while you are waiting for funding to come through, or if you simply want a one off hand with something specific.

Need help right now?

If your situation has changed suddenly and you cannot wait for the assessment process, support is still available.

For a medical emergency: Call 000 or your doctor straight away.
For emergency respite for a carer: Carer Gateway can help. Call 1800 422 737.
For urgent ongoing care: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to fast track an assessment.
For private support while you wait: Call Suncare on 1800 786 227. Our fee for service option means we can be there within days, not weeks.

How Suncare can help you

We have been supporting older Queenslanders since 1970, and a big part of what we do is helping people make sense of the aged care system.

A free, no obligation conversation. Tell us where you are at and we will tell you what your options look like.
Help understanding your assessment letter. We will translate the letter into plain English and walk you through what each pathway means in practice.
A local team across South East and Central Queensland. From Bundaberg to the Sunshine Coast, North Lakes, Gympie, Hervey Bay, and Rockhampton, your support workers know the area as well as you do.
Personalised support plans. Once funding is approved, we build a plan around the life you want to keep living, not a checklist of services.
Care that flexes as life changes. Your needs will shift over time. Ours will too, so the support always fits.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you are at the very start of your aged care journey, waiting on an assessment outcome, or comparing providers after approval, our team is here for an honest, friendly conversation.

We are ready when you are. Call 1800 786 227 to speak with a Suncare team member, or send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day. No pressure, no jargon, just useful guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole process take?

The time it takes to move through the aged care system can vary depending on your circumstances, location, and the type of support you're approved for.

While your assessment and outcome letter are usually completed first, there may be a longer wait before Support at Home funding becomes available. Current wait times are managed by the Australian Government and can change over time.

Does the assessment cost anything?

No. Aged care assessments are free.

Do I need to use Suncare to get assessed?

Not at all. Assessments are carried out by independent assessment organisations contracted by the government, not by aged care providers. You only choose your provider once you have your outcome letter, and you can choose anyone you like.

Will I need to be reassessed later?

If your circumstances change significantly, such as after a fall, hospital stay, or new diagnosis, you may need a reassessment to determine whether your support needs have changed. In some cases, a simpler review may be enough to discuss additional services or adjustments to your existing support.

What if I disagree with my assessment outcome?

If you disagree with a decision about your aged care assessment or eligibility, you may be able to request a review through the Australian Government's reviewable decisions process. Information about how to seek a review will be included in your outcome letter.
If you'd like help understanding your options, Suncare is here to support you.

Can a family member or friend be with me?

Yes, absolutely. Most people find it helps to have someone they trust in the room. They can take notes, prompt you on things you might forget, and help with any follow up.

What was previously called an ACAT assessment?

Until recently, comprehensive assessments were carried out by Aged Care Assessment Teams, often called ACAT. Under the new Single Assessment System, the process has been simplified and the term ACAT is gradually being phased out, but the purpose is the same.

Can I get aged care support in Queensland through Suncare?

Yes. Suncare delivers in-home aged care across South East and Central Queensland through Community Hubs in Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Gympie, Hervey Bay, and Rockhampton.

Ready for a hand around the home?

Whether you need a one-off clean or regular ongoing support, our team is here to help your home keep feeling like yours. Have a chat with our Customer Contact team and we'll work out the right starting point for you.

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