My Aged Care eligibility depends on your age and care needs, not your income or assets. Most people can request an assessment from age 65, or age 50 if they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. People aged 50 or over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may also qualify. Age alone is not enough; you must also show that you need support with everyday activities or maintaining your independence. An aged care assessment determines what services you may be able to access.
Key Takeaways
- You may be eligible for an assessment from age 65, or age 50 in specific circumstances.
- Eligibility also depends on your care needs, such as reduced mobility, difficulty managing daily tasks or a change in your circumstances.
- Your income and assets do not affect whether you can access aged care support.
- Your financial situation only affects how much you may contribute towards your care costs.
- You can request an assessment through My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422.
If you or someone you love is finding everyday tasks harder to manage, you may be wondering whether it is time to look into aged care support. Understanding how eligibility works can help you know what options are available and what steps to take next.
My Aged Care is the starting point for accessing government-funded aged care services. However, eligibility is not based on age alone. An assessment looks at your circumstances, your support needs and where help could make a difference to your independence and wellbeing.
What Is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s entry point for aged care services. It connects you with the assessment process and helps determine what type of support you may be eligible to access.
Before receiving most government-funded aged care services, you need to register with My Aged Care and complete an assessment. The assessment helps identify your needs and the level of support that may be appropriate.
Through My Aged Care, you can access:
- Support at Home
- Residential aged care
- Short-term restorative care and respite care
- Assistive technology and home modifications
My Aged Care does not provide care directly. Instead, it connects you with the assessment process and helps you understand what support may be available.
Who Is Eligible for My Aged Care?
The first requirement for My Aged Care is meeting the age criteria. However, reaching the required age does not automatically mean you will receive services. You also need to show that you have care needs that affect your ability to manage everyday activities independently.
- Aged 65 or older
- An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older
- Aged 50 or older and homeless, or at risk of homelessness
You do not need to be receiving the Age Pension to request an assessment. Your income and assets are not considered when deciding whether you are eligible for care.
Your financial situation is assessed separately to determine whether you need to contribute towards the cost of your services.
What Care Needs Are Considered?
An aged care assessment looks at how you manage day to day and where additional support could help you remain independent.
You may benefit from an assessment if you have experienced changes such as:
- Reduced mobility, strength or balance
- Difficulty with personal care, such as showering or dressing
- Increasing challenges with cooking, cleaning or household tasks
- Changes in memory, communication or decision-making
- A recent fall, hospital admission or new health diagnosis
- Losing support from a partner, family member or friend who previously helped you
- Changes to your living situation or family support arrangements
You do not need to wait until you are unable to manage at home before seeking help. An assessment can help identify support that may prevent your situation from becoming more difficult in the future.
How Do You Check Your Eligibility?
My Aged Care has an online eligibility checker that can help you understand whether requesting an assessment may be the right next step.
The checker asks questions about your age, circumstances and support needs. It does not approve services or determine your final eligibility. It is simply a guide to help you decide whether to apply for an assessment.
You can also contact My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422 if you would prefer to discuss your situation over the phone.
How Do You Apply for an Assessment?
To access most government-funded aged care services, you need to register with My Aged Care and request an assessment.
You can apply online or by phone. Having your Medicare card and basic personal details available can help make the process easier.
You can also nominate a registered supporter, such as a family member or trusted person, to help you communicate with My Aged Care and manage information on your behalf.
Once your request has been received, an assessment organisation will contact you to discuss your needs and arrange an assessment.
What Happens During an Assessment?
An aged care assessment is a conversation about how you manage everyday life and where support may help. It is not a test that you pass or fail.
The assessor will ask about areas including:
- Moving safely around your home
- Personal care and daily routines
- Preparing meals and managing household tasks
- Getting to appointments and staying connected with your community
- Memory, communication and decision-making
- Support you currently receive from family, friends or carers
Assessments are free and are usually completed face to face at your home. After your assessment, you will receive an outcome explaining what support you may be eligible for.
What Services Could You Access?
The type of support available depends on your assessed care needs.
- Support at Home: Services that help you remain independent at home, including personal care, clinical supports, transport and other assistance.
- Respite care: Short-term support that provides a break for older people and carers.
- Residential aged care: Accommodation and ongoing care in an aged care home.
Your assessment outcome helps determine which services may be suitable for your situation.
Do You Need a Means Assessment?
Many people are unsure whether their financial situation affects their eligibility for aged care. It does not but it does affect your level of government-funding.
You may be required to submit an income and assets assessment to determine how much you may need to contribute towards the cost of your care.
For Support at Home, clinical supports are fully government-funded. Contributions may apply to independence and everyday living services depending on your financial circumstances.
If you do not complete the required financial assessment, you may be charged the highest contribution rate.
Can You Be Reassessed?
Yes. Your care needs can change over time, and you can request another assessment if your circumstances change.
This may include:
- A decline in mobility or health
- A hospital admission
- Increasing difficulty managing daily activities
- A change in the support available from family or carers
Your aged care provider may also request a reassessment if they believe your needs have changed.
What if You Are Not Eligible?
If you are told you are not eligible for aged care support, it does not mean you cannot receive help in the future.
Your circumstances may change over time. If your needs increase, you can request another assessment.
In the meantime, private services, community organisations and other supports arranged through your GP may help you access assistance.
How to Find Suitable Aged Care Providers
Once your assessment is complete, the next step is finding and comparing approved providers that suit your needs.
Contacting multiple providers to check availability, fees and services can take time, especially when you are already managing a lot of decisions. Aged Care Decisions makes this process easier with our 100% free and independent service.
Our Aged Care Specialists create a personalised Options Report based on your care needs, location and budget, so you can review suitable providers in your own time.
Our free service includes:
- Matching providers to your care needs, location and budget
- Only showing providers with current availability
- Independent support with no obligation
- Guidance from your first conversation through to move-in
Watch the video below to see how our free, independent matching services works.
