Who is eligible for government-funded aged care?
Access to Australia’s government-subsidised aged care services, managed through the My Aged Care portal, is not exclusive to Australian citizens. The official eligibility criteria include a broader residency requirement to ensure older Australians and long-term residents can access the support they need. This includes:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident of Australia
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
For those who fall into these categories, the process is largely the same, beginning with a call to My Aged Care to initiate an assessment. Non-permanent residents, such as those on temporary visas or visitor permits, are generally not eligible for government-funded aged care, though private aged care services remain an option if the individual can cover the full cost.
The crucial factors beyond citizenship or residency
Residency status is just one piece of the eligibility puzzle. The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will also evaluate your care needs to determine the level and type of support you can receive. The process involves a comprehensive assessment that considers several factors:
Age requirements
Generally, you must be 65 years or older to access aged care services. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may be eligible from age 50. There are also special provisions for younger people with disabilities who cannot have their care needs met through other services like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The needs assessment
This is a critical step in the process, ensuring that the services provided are appropriate for your individual circumstances. An assessor will meet with you to evaluate:
- Your ability to manage daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.
- Any diagnosed medical conditions, disabilities, or cognitive impairment that affects your independence.
- Your social circumstances and whether you have a support network.
The financial assessment
For government-subsidised aged care, a financial assessment is conducted by Services Australia to determine if you need to contribute to the cost of your care. This includes looking at your income and assets. The results of this assessment determine your:
- Basic daily fee: A set fee that contributes towards your daily living costs.
- Means-tested care fee: An additional contribution based on your financial capacity.
- Accommodation payments: A payment for your room in a residential aged care facility, if applicable.
Comparison: Government-funded vs. private aged care
| Feature | Government-Subsidised Aged Care | Private Aged Care |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Eligible NZ Citizen. Needs assessment required. | Open to all, including non-residents. No formal assessment needed. |
| Cost | Government subsidises costs based on income and assets assessment. | Full cost is covered by the individual. No government subsidy. |
| Service Providers | Regulated providers listed on My Aged Care. | All providers, including those not on My Aged Care. |
| Assessment | Mandatory ACAT or RAS assessment via My Aged Care. | No formal government assessment required. |
| Services Offered | Standardised packages like Home Care and Residential Care. | Can be more flexible and tailored, but at a higher cost. |
The application process for permanent residents
For permanent residents, the application process begins in the same way as it does for citizens. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Contact My Aged Care: You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to start the application. Alternatively, you can complete the online application form on their website.
- Provide your details: You will need to provide your personal details, including your Medicare card number. If you are a permanent resident without a Medicare card, the application can be completed over the phone.
- Arrange an assessment: Following the initial screening, My Aged Care will organise a comprehensive assessment to be carried out at your home or in a hospital setting.
- Receive an approval letter: After the assessment, you will receive a letter outlining the aged care services you have been approved for, such as Home Care Packages or Residential Aged Care.
- Find a provider: Once approved, you can use the My Aged Care website to find providers in your local area that offer the services you need.
What to do if you don't meet the residency requirements
If you are not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can still access aged care services in Australia, but you will not receive government funding. This means you will need to pay the full cost of any care you receive. Private providers can offer a range of residential and home care services. When exploring these options, it is recommended to fully understand the fee structure, as it can be significantly more expensive. For specific information and support, visiting the My Aged Care website is a good first step, even if only to understand the options for private care. For more detailed, official guidance, please visit My Aged Care's official website.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "Do you need to be an Australian citizen to access my aged care?" is no. While citizenship is one route, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens also qualify for government-subsidised aged care. Eligibility is a combination of residency status, age, and assessed care needs. By following the My Aged Care application process, eligible permanent residents can access the same comprehensive and funded support services as citizens. Understanding the full criteria is key to navigating the system effectively and securing the necessary care for your later years.
