The Single Assessment System is Australia’s national pathway for aged care assessments. It helps older Australians access government-funded support at home, respite care and aged care homes. A trained assessor uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to understand your health, daily activities, living situation, goals and support needs. Your assessment outcome explains which services you may be eligible for and the next steps to take. You can apply through My Aged Care online, by phone or in person. A family member, carer or health professional can also help with the application.
Key Takeaways
- The Single Assessment System provides one pathway into government-funded aged care.
- It replaced separate assessment workforces in December 2024.
- Assessors consider your health, daily life, goals, home environment and available support.
- The assessment can consider support at home, respite care and entry to an aged care home.
- Support at Home started on 1 November 2025.
- Aged care assessments are funded by the Australian Government.
The Single Assessment System Makes Aged Care Easier to Access
The Single Assessment System gives older Australians one starting point for government-funded aged care.
Your assessment outcome can determine which aged care services you may access, including Support at Home, respite care and residential aged care.
How Does the Single Assessment System Work?
The Single Assessment System brings together trained assessors, a standard assessment tool and a triage process. These steps help identify the type of assessment and support that may suit you.
After you apply, My Aged Care refers you to an assessment organisation in your area. This organisation is funded by the Australian Government to conduct aged care needs assessments.
A trained aged care needs assessor will contact you to arrange an appointment. They will talk with you about your health, daily life, current support and what you would like help with.
What Will the Assessor Ask About?
Your assessor uses the Integrated Assessment Tool to understand your needs, goals and the support that may help you. The tool helps assessors collect information consistently, while keeping the conversation focused on your circumstances.
They may ask about:
- Getting dressed, showering and preparing meals
- Moving around your home and community
- Health conditions, medicines and recent hospital visits
- Memory, communication and decision-making
- Help from family, friends and community services
- Your home, goals, routines and preferences
This is not a test, and the questions change depending on your circumstances. Your assessor will ask for more detail in areas where you need extra support.
What Aged Care Services Can an Assessment Cover?
Your assessment can consider different types of government-funded aged care. The outcome depends on your needs and whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
If you need help with… | Your assessment may lead to… |
Everyday tasks at home | Commonwealth Home Support Program |
Ongoing support at home | Support at Home services |
Regaining independence after illness | Short-term aged care services |
Taking a break from a caring role | Residential respite care |
Moving into an aged care home | Approval for residential aged care |
Your assessment will not automatically approve every service. It identifies the support you may be eligible to receive.
How Does This Relate to Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s program for ongoing in-home aged care. It replaced the former Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Program. The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is still available.
If you are approved for Support at Home, the aged care assessment organisation will send you a Notice of Decision letter.
The letter includes:
- The services you are approved to receive
- Any approved short-term support
- The reasons and evidence for the decision
- A copy of your support plan
- Information about requesting a review if you disagree with the decision
If you are approved for ongoing Support at Home services, the letter will also confirm your priority category. You will enter the Support at Home Priority System while you wait for funding to be allocated which can take between a few weeks to over 12 months.
When funding becomes available, you will receive another letter which confirms your funding allocation and explains the next steps.
How Do I Arrange an Aged Care Assessment?
You can request an aged care assessment through My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. A family member, friend or health professional can help with the request.
Eligibility depends on your age, care needs and circumstances. Read our guide on My Aged Care eligibility to find out who can apply.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Most assessments happen at home, where the assessor can see how you actually manage day to day. If you’re in hospital, they’ll come to you there instead.
Expect an honest conversation, not a checklist. The assessor will ask what’s got more difficult lately, what you still want to do yourself, and where extra help would make the biggest difference.
You are welcome to have someone with you during the appointment. A partner, adult child or friend can fill in gaps you might forget, especially about bad days versus good ones.
You can also ask for an interpreter or communication support. Just let them know before your appointment if you need this help.
How Can You Prepare?
It can be helpful to jot down a few notes beforehand to help you make the most of the conversation.
Before the appointment, consider:
- Which daily tasks have become harder or less safe
- What support you already receive
- Your medicines and any recent health changes
- Questions you want to ask
- Whether you would like someone to attend with you
- The activities and routines that matter most to you
What Does an Assessment Cost?
You will not be charged for an aged care assessment as it is fully funded by the government.
This does not mean all aged care services are free, however. Depending on your circumstances and the type of care you require, you may need to contribute towards some services.
What If My Needs Change?
You can ask for your situation to be reviewed if your needs change, just contact My Aged Care.
A review may be helpful after a fall, hospital stay, new diagnosis or change in your living arrangements. It may also be helpful when family or informal support changes.
Get Help Comparing Providers
Once you are approved for aged care services, you can choose the provider that best suits your needs. Be sure to compare providers’ availability, fees, services and approach to care before you decide.
At Aged Care Decisions, we can help you understand your options and compare providers based on your care needs, location, preferences and budget. And our service is 100% free and independent.
Request your free Options Report to compare aged care providers in your area.
Do I need an assessment to get government-funded aged care?
Yes. Most people need an aged care assessment before they can access government-funded aged care services. The assessment identifies the support you may be eligible to receive.
Can a family member apply for me?
Yes. With your permission, a family member, friend or carer can help you apply for a one-off assessment. Your doctor or another health professional can also refer you to My Aged Care.
If you want someone to speak and act for you on an ongoing basis, register them as your registered supporter. You can set this up when you apply, or your assessor can do it during your assessment.
Can someone attend my assessment with me?
Yes. You can invite a family member, friend, carer or other support person. They can help you explain your situation and remember the information discussed.
What if I need aged care support urgently?
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and explain your situation. They can discuss urgent support options and next steps with you.
Do I have to pay for the assessment?
No. Aged care needs assessments are funded by the Australian Government. You may later contribute towards services, depending on the care you receive.
Here’s how Aged Care Decisions’ FREE aged care matching service works:
