Who is Eligible for Aged Care in Australia?
The journey to accessing aged care in Australia begins with understanding the core eligibility requirements, which are primarily based on your care needs and situation. While age is a key consideration, it is the comprehensive assessment of your personal circumstances that ultimately determines your eligibility for government-funded support.
Foundational Eligibility Requirements
To begin the process, you must generally meet the following foundational criteria:
- Age: You must be 65 years or older. For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, the age threshold is 50 years or older. In some specific circumstances, individuals aged 50-64 (or 45-64 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who are low-income and homeless, or at risk of homelessness, may also be eligible.
- Residency: You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a special category visa.
- Care Needs: Eligibility is fundamentally needs-based. You must be experiencing a change in your ability to manage day-to-day tasks or require support due to a medical condition, reduced mobility, or other health concerns.
The My Aged Care Assessment Process
All individuals seeking government-subsidised aged care services must be assessed through the My Aged Care system. The process is a vital step in determining the type and level of care that best suits your needs.
Step 1: Initial Contact and Screening
- How to Apply: You can contact My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422.
- Initial Discussion: During your first contact, a representative will ask you questions about your current situation, any health concerns, and the types of help you think you need. This helps determine which type of assessment is most appropriate for you.
Step 2: The Formal Assessment
Based on your initial screening, you will be referred for one of two types of assessments:
- Home Support Assessment (formerly RAS): For those with lower-level, short-term, or entry-level needs for support at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
- Comprehensive Assessment (formerly ACAT): For those with more complex, longer-term needs who may require a Home Care Package, residential aged care, or other flexible care options.
- What to Expect: An assessor will visit you at home to discuss your health, lifestyle, and how you manage daily tasks. You can have a family member or friend present for support.
Step 3: Assessment Outcome and Referral
- Receive Your Outcome: Following the assessment, you will receive a letter detailing which services you have been approved for. For Home Care Packages, you may be placed on a national waiting list.
- Connect with Providers: Your assessor can help you find and connect with service providers in your area, or you can use the 'Find a provider' tool on the My Aged Care website.
Understanding the Different Types of Aged Care
The Australian aged care system offers a range of services tailored to different needs:
- Home Care: Support that helps you stay in your own home for as long as possible.
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Provides entry-level, basic support services like transport, domestic assistance, and meal preparation.
- Home Care Packages (HCP): Offers a coordinated package of care for those with more complex needs, with four levels of support available.
- Residential Aged Care: For older people who can no longer live safely or independently at home and need ongoing, 24/7 care and accommodation in a facility.
- Short-Term Care: Includes services like transition care after a hospital stay or respite care, which provides a break for your regular caregiver.
Comparing Home Care vs. Residential Care
| Feature | Home Care (HCP/CHSP) | Residential Aged Care |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your own home, or your local community | A dedicated aged care facility or nursing home |
| Level of Care | Supports basic to complex needs. Care is delivered on a schedule. | 24-hour support for accommodation, personal care, and health needs. |
| Independence | Maximises independence by keeping you in familiar surroundings. | Accommodates those who require continuous, higher levels of care and can no longer live independently. |
| Cost | Government subsidy covers most costs, but a personal contribution is means-tested. | Includes a basic daily fee, means-tested care fee, and accommodation payment. |
| Suitability | Best for those who want to remain at home and only need certain services. | Best for individuals with higher needs that cannot be safely or effectively met at home. |
The Financial Side: Income and Means Assessments
Even if you are eligible for subsidised services, you will need to undergo a financial assessment to determine how much you may need to contribute towards your care costs.
- How It Works: Services Australia (or the Department of Veterans' Affairs) conducts an assessment of your income and assets. You can opt out, but you will pay higher fees.
- Financial Contribution: The assessment determines your means-tested care fee (for residential care) or income-tested care fee (for home care packages). There are annual and lifetime caps on these fees.
- Home Ownership: The value of your family home may be included in the means assessment, though certain exemptions apply if a spouse or other protected person lives there.
The New Aged Care Act (Commencing 1 November 2025)
Major reforms, legislated in the Aged Care Act 2024, will replace the previous system from 1 November 2025. These changes aim to put the rights and needs of older people at the centre of the system.
- Single Entry Point: The new Act creates a single point of entry with clear eligibility requirements.
- Enhanced Rights: The Statement of Rights for older people is strengthened, empowering individuals to make choices about their care.
- Increased Accountability: A new regulatory framework increases provider accountability for delivering safe and high-quality care.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
Finding out who is eligible for aged care in Australia is more than just a matter of age; it is about assessing individual needs to ensure the right support is in place. The first and most crucial step is to contact My Aged Care. An assessor will help you navigate the process, determine your eligibility, and connect you with the services you require.
For more information on the process and specific services, you can visit the official My Aged Care website. Remember to have your Medicare card ready and consider having a trusted person accompany you during the assessment. Planning ahead ensures you can access the best possible care when you need it most.
Sources
Brightwater Care Group. (2025). Homecare eligibility simplified: everything you need to know. Retrieved from https://brightwatergroup.com/your-aged-care/homecare-eligibility-simplified-everything-you-need-to-know Hellenic Aged Care Perth. (2025). Eligibility Requirements: What Criteria Must Be Met to Qualify for Admission into an Aged Care Home in Perth?. Retrieved from https://hellenicagedcare.org.au/eligibility-requirements-what-criteria-must-be-met-to-qualify-for-admission-into-an-aged-care-home-in-perth/ My Aged Care. (2025). Questions about aged care assessments. Retrieved from https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions/assessments-applying-aged-care Clarity Aged Care Advisors. (2025). Understanding the Means Tested Care Fee for Aged Care: A Guide for Families. Retrieved from https://clarityagedcare.com.au/blog/understanding-the-means-tested-care-fee-for-aged-care-a-guide-for-families Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2024). Older Australians, Aged care. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/aged-care My Aged Care. (2025). Apply for an assessment. Retrieved from https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. (2025). About the new Aged Care Act and key changes for aged care workers. Retrieved from https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/workers/reform-changes-workers/about-new-aged-care-act-and-key-changes-aged-care-workers
