Until recently, many people knew this as an ACAT assessment. Now it’s simply called an aged care assessment.
The name has changed but the purpose remains: it is the gateway to government-funded aged care services, including Support at Home, residential aged care and other approved programs.
This guide explains what it is, why you need one, how it works and how to prepare.
What is an aged care assessment?
An aged care assessment is a formal evaluation conducted to determine:
- Whether you’re eligible for government-subsidised aged care services
- What level of support you need
- Which types of services will best meet your needs
It looks at your overall situation: your health, daily routines, mobility, safety, memory, social supports and living environment.
Importantly, it’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding what will help you remain safe, independent and confident, ideally in your own home.
Under the Single Assessment System, one integrated pathway is used to assess eligibility for all types of government-funded aged care services. The goal is to reduce duplication and ensure people don’t have to repeatedly share their story with multiple assessors.
Why do I need an aged care assessment?
Government-funded care programs can only be accessed after eligibility is confirmed.
An aged care assessment:
- Confirms whether you qualify for subsidised services
- Determines your level of need
- Places you into the national prioritisation system for funding
- Forms the foundation of your future support plan
Without an assessment, you cannot access a Support at Home package or residential aged care placement.
It is the first formal step in the process.
What does the assessment involve?
An aged care assessment usually takes between 45 and 75 minutes. It may be conducted in person, or in some cases by phone or video.
The assessor will:
- Explain the process and seek your consent
- Ask about your daily living activities
- Discuss your health conditions and medications
- Explore safety risks at home
- Review your mobility and personal care needs
- Ask about memory or cognitive concerns
- Consider your social connections and supports
- Review any advice from your GP or other health professionals
They’ll also discuss the types of services available in your area and what the next steps look like. At the end of the process, you’ll receive a formal outcome outlining what services you’re approved for.
Questions to ask your assessor
It’s important to understand your options. Consider asking:
- What services are available in my area?
- What are the likely waiting times?
- What supports will help me maintain independence?
- What options are available for my carer?
- How do services accommodate cultural or religious needs?
The assessment is not just about eligibility, but allows you to learn about the aged care system and ask questions about how it can help you.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for government-subsidised aged care if you are:
- 65 years or older
- 50 years or older – if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
If you’re under 65 and living with disability or dementia, and your needs cannot be met through other specialist services, you can contact My Aged Care to discuss your circumstances.
How much will I have to contribute under Support at Home?
Under the new Support at Home program, funding is shared between the Australian Government and the participant.
The government provides the majority of funding, but most people will be asked to contribute a co-payment toward certain services, depending on their financial situation and the type of support they receive.
The key principles are:
- Clinical care (such as nursing and some allied health services) is fully funded by the government and does not attract a co-payment.
- Independence and everyday living supports (such as personal care, cleaning, gardening and transport) require a participant contribution.
- The amount you contribute is determined through an income and assets assessment conducted by Services Australia.
Your contribution will be capped to ensure it remains affordable. People on a full Age Pension typically pay lower contributions than part-pensioners or self-funded retirees.
The purpose of the co-payment model is to ensure sustainability of the system while still protecting access for those with limited financial means.
During or after your assessment, you will receive clear information about your financial assessment and what you will be required to contribute.
How do I organise an aged care assessment?
The first step is to contact My Aged Care.
You can:
You’ll complete a short screening questionnaire, provide your Medicare details and contact information, and arrange a suitable time for the assessment.
How do I prepare?
Preparation makes the process smoother.
Before your assessment:
- Gather referral letters or reports from your GP or specialists
- Have your Medicare card ready
- Prepare another form of ID such as a driver’s licence, passport, DVA card or healthcare card
- Think about the challenges you’re experiencing – even the small ones
- Consider having a family member or trusted person present
You’re also entitled to free translation services through TIS National if required.
How long does it take to receive the outcome?
You will usually receive your assessment outcome within two to six weeks.
If approved for Support at Home, you will enter the national prioritisation system and be allocated funding when it becomes available. Waiting times can be frustrating. The Australian Government says the average waiting time is nine months, however we see varying outcomes. It’s vital that if you need support you organise an assessment as soon as possible.
Once funding is assigned, you’ll receive a referral code. This code is typically valid for 56 days. If you need more time, you can request a 28-day extension.
When should I apply?
As early as possible.
There can be significant waiting periods between assessment and package allocation. Starting the process early gives you more options and reduces pressure later.
You don’t need to wait until there is a crisis.
Many people begin the assessment process when they first notice:
- Increasing difficulty with personal care
- Reduced mobility
- Memory changes
- Falls or near misses
- Growing reliance on family support
Early planning protects independence.
What happens after approval?
Once approved, you can begin comparing providers.
Not all providers operate the same way. Differences can include:
- Fee structures
- Care coordination quality
- Transparency
- Communication
- Flexibility
- Clinical oversight
Some people prefer fully managed services. Others want more control through self-management models.
What matters most is choosing a provider that aligns with your goals, your values and your expectations of care.
It’s all about your goals
The move to the Single Assessment System and Integrated Assessment Tool reflects a broader reform of aged care in Australia.
The system is designed to reduce duplication, simplify access and provide clearer pathways into support.
At its heart, though, the purpose remains the same: to ensure older Australians receive the right level of support, at the right time, in the right setting.
If you’d like guidance before organising an aged care assessment or help understanding your outcome once it arrives, the Envigor team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
