Centrelink is a government agency that provides income support and other assistance to older Australians.
Centrelink is part of Services Australia and coordinates the allocation and payment of the aged pension in Australia.
You need to contact Centrelink to complete an Assets & Income Assessment.
What is an Assets & Income Assessment?
An Assets & Income Assessment is a vital step in the aged care entry process for most families. This assessment is required if you want to access subsidised aged care services, without having to pay maximum fees.
You need to complete an Assets & Income Assessment if you want to access residential aged care or home care services. The assessment is not required for access to respite or transition care.
As part of the assessment, you must provide detailed financial information to Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
It’s important to complete this assessment BEFORE entering permanent residential aged care. If it is not completed prior to entry, the potential resident may be charged the maximim level of fees.
Which form do you need to fill out?
The form required will depend on the circumstances of the person seeking care:
Currently Receiving A Pension
This section applies if the potential aged care resident is currently receiving some form of Australian Government Pension (e.g. Aged Pension, Service or Disability Support Pension) or support payment.
IF THEY OWN THEIR OWN HOME
If the person owns (or part owns) their own home (including in a retirement village), then they must complete Centrelink Form SA485.
Form SA485 can be downloaded by clicking here: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/forms/sa485
IF THEY DO NOT OWN A HOME
If the person going into aged care does not own a home, then no Centrelink form will be required.
Not Receiving A Pension
If the person entering aged care does not currently receive a Pension, then they must complete Centrelink Form SA457 in order to have their income & assets assessed by Centrelink.
Form SA457 can be downloaded by clicking here: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/forms/sa457
If the person entering aged care does not wish to fill out Centrelink Form SA457 then they will be liable for the maximum applicable Means Tested Care Fee (currently $33,735.00 per annum) and will be liable to pay an Accommodation Payment (if applicable).
Home Care, Not Residential Aged Care
If you wish to access an Australian Government Home Care Package (as opposed to entering residential aged care) and you DO NOT receive any means-tested government income support payment, you are required to fill out Centrelink Form SA456.
If you receive a means-tested government income support payment you DO NOT need to complete this form.
Form SA456 can be downloaded by clicking here: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/forms/sa456
Respite Care
If the person entering aged care is only seeking a respite (short term) stay then no Centrelink form needs to be filled out.
If the person intends to convert their stay into a permanent aged care admission, then the relevant Centrelink Form (see above) will need to be completed and returned.
Why is an Assets & Income Assessment required?
The assets and income of a potential aged care resident are assessed to determine the level of fees and charges that will be payable.
If this financial information is not provided to Centrelink, an aged care resident may be required to pay the maximum level of fees and charges that apply.
Read more: Schedule of Aged Care Fees & Charges | Residential & Home Care
Checklist of information required
Centrelink Payments
Details of existing Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs payments.
Residence Details
Details of existing primary residence – including number of bedrooms, number of car spaces, construction type, age of building, condition of building.
Outstanding mortgage details – including repayment amounts, current balance, and mortgage statements.
Income payments
Pensions, annuities, business income, trust dividends, investment property income, rental income, share income.
Other assets
Bank accounts, savings accounts, superannuation, cars, boats, caravans, annuities, stocks, bonds, shares, investment properties, gifts, etc.
Liabilities
Credit cards, personal loans, outstanding medical bills, outstanding household bills, etc.
Carer or Family Members Who Live in Primary Residence
Details of any carers or family members who live in the primary residence.
How do we get an Assets & Income Assessment?
Aged Care Decisions cannot organise an Assets and Income Assessment on your behalf. You will need to contact Centrelink to organise an Assets and Income Assessment.
The relevant form must be filled in, signed and returned to Centrelink or to the DVA together with all the required supporting documents.
If the form is returned prior to entering a residential care service, the initial fee notification advice will be valid for 120 days unless there is a significant change in circumstances.
How long does the process take?
Relevant documents should be compiled in the months prior to aged care being required.
Filling out the form may take a few hours.
The form must be submitted to a Centrelink office or the DVA, along with copies of required documentation.
The results of the assets & income assessment will typically be sent to the potential resident within 4-6 weeks after submitting the form to Centrelink.
Note: Information is correct as at 1 January 2025
