Who is eligible for aged care services in Australia?

As of September 2025, changes under the new Aged Care Act will focus eligibility for government-funded services on a person's assessed care needs, not just age. To determine who is eligible for aged care services in Australia?, applicants must undergo an assessment via My Aged Care, though basic age and residency requirements apply.

Quick Summary

Eligibility for government-funded aged care services in Australia requires an assessment through My Aged Care to determine care needs. General age and residency criteria apply, with specific provisions for First Nations people, those at risk of homelessness, and younger individuals with certain complex needs.

Key Points

• Age and Residency Requirements: The primary entry point for aged care services is being 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people) and an Australian resident.

• Needs-Based Assessment: Access is determined by your individual care needs, which are evaluated through an assessment via My Aged Care.

• Government vs. Private Care: Accessing subsidised care requires a government assessment, while private care does not, but you pay the full cost.

• Financial Contribution: A financial assessment, separate from the needs assessment, determines your contribution to care costs, but there is no income limit to access services.

• Younger People Access: Younger people (under 65) are typically directed to the NDIS, but exceptions exist for those with specific circumstances, like being homeless or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander.

• How to Start: The first step is to contact My Aged Care via phone or online to apply for an assessment.

Understanding the Core Eligibility Criteria

To access government-funded aged care services, such as home care packages or residential care, prospective applicants must meet specific criteria related to age, residency, and, most importantly, assessed care needs. The My Aged Care system is the central point of entry for all government-subsidised support.

General Age Requirements

The primary age threshold for aged care services is 65 years or older for the general population. This is the age at which a person can be assessed for comprehensive aged care support.

• 65 years or older: The standard age of eligibility for government-funded aged care services, including both home support and residential care.
• 50 years or older: A lower age threshold applies to specific groups, recognising their distinct needs. This includes:
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residency and Other Conditions

In addition to the age requirements, applicants must be permanent residents of Australia. There is no income limit to access the services, but a financial assessment determines your contribution towards the costs.

The Importance of the Aged Care Assessment

The most critical factor for accessing services is an assessment of your individual care needs, not just your age. The assessment is conducted by trained assessors, who may be nurses, social workers, or other health specialists. It is a holistic evaluation covering your health, mobility, and the support you require with daily tasks.

Factors that may trigger the need for an assessment include:

• A noticeable decline in your abilities or memory.
• A recent medical diagnosis or reduced mobility.
• A recent fall or hospital admission.
• A change in your informal care arrangements.

An assessment is the gateway to all government-funded services. Without it, you can only access non-subsidised care, which you must pay for yourself.

Eligibility for Different Types of Care

Your specific care needs, as determined by the assessment, dictate the type of care package you can receive. The My Aged Care system manages several types of support, from entry-level assistance to more comprehensive care.

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Provides entry-level, ongoing support with daily tasks to help people live independently at home. Eligibility is based on needing minor assistance, as determined by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment.
• Home Care Packages (HCP): Intended for individuals with more complex care needs who wish to remain in their own homes. Eligibility is determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment, which also assigns a package level (1-4).
• Residential Aged Care: For older people who can no longer live independently at home and require high-level, ongoing care. Access is via an ACAT assessment, which must approve permanent residential care.

The Financial Assessment and Your Contributions

While eligibility for services is based on needs, the amount you contribute towards the cost is based on a separate financial assessment. This is conducted by Services Australia (or the Department of Veterans' Affairs) and considers your income and assets.

Home Care Package Costs

For a Home Care Package, you may need to pay an income-tested care fee, which is based solely on your income. There are annual and lifetime caps on this fee.

Residential Aged Care Costs

Moving into a residential aged care home involves a more comprehensive means assessment of both your income and assets. This determines if you need to contribute to your care and accommodation costs. The value of your home may be included as an asset, but only up to a capped amount, and exemptions apply if it's occupied by a partner or long-term carer.

Younger People in Aged Care

The Australian Government's policy is to support younger people (under 65) with age-appropriate care outside the aged care system. Younger individuals with a disability should typically seek support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, in exceptional circumstances, some younger people may access aged care.

Exceptions include:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50-64.
• People aged 50-64 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Comparison of Aged Care Access Pathways

Feature	Government-Subsidised Aged Care (via My Aged Care)	Self-Funded Aged Care (Private)
Eligibility Basis	Primarily needs-based, determined by a government assessment, with age and residency criteria.	No government eligibility criteria. You arrange and pay for services directly with a provider.
Assessment Required?	Yes, mandatory assessment through My Aged Care to determine needs and subsidy level.	No government assessment required. Providers may conduct their own intake assessment.
Financial Assessment	Separate financial assessment (income and/or means test) determines your contribution to costs.	Not applicable. You negotiate and pay the full market rate for services.
Cost	Costs are subsidised by the government. You may pay a basic daily fee, income-tested fee, and additional fees.	You pay the full cost of all care and services.
Services Covered	A wide range of services, including help at home, residential care, respite, and more.	Can include similar services, depending on the provider. Scope and quality may vary.
Access Timeline	Involves a waiting period for assessments and certain packages, depending on urgency and availability.	Can be faster to access, depending on provider availability and your ability to pay.

Conclusion

Eligibility for government-funded aged care services in Australia is a multi-step process that hinges on a comprehensive needs assessment conducted through My Aged Care. While age and residency are initial gateways, the ultimate determining factor is an individual's assessed need for support with daily living. Prospective applicants must register with My Aged Care to begin this process, which will determine their suitability for programs like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Home Care Packages, or residential care. Financial capacity also plays a role in determining personal contributions, but it does not restrict access to necessary care for eligible individuals. For many, this process offers the peace of mind that comes with accessing high-quality, subsidised care in their later years. For more information, visit the official My Aged Care website(https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/).

Further Steps in the Aged Care Journey

After understanding your eligibility, the next steps involve the assessment, financial considerations, and choosing a provider. This is a journey that can be navigated with support from My Aged Care, family, or other advocates. Taking the first step by contacting My Aged Care is crucial to securing the help and resources needed for a comfortable and supported life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is My Aged Care and how is it related to aged care eligibility?

My Aged Care is the central point of contact for all government-funded aged care services in Australia. You must contact My Aged Care to register and apply for an assessment, which is the key step in determining your eligibility for government-subsidised support.

Does my income or assets affect my eligibility for aged care services?

No, your income and assets do not affect your eligibility to access aged care services. However, a financial assessment is conducted to determine how much you may need to contribute towards the cost of your care, and eligibility for subsidies is means-tested.

What happens during a My Aged Care assessment?

During an assessment, a trained assessor will meet with you, usually at your home, to evaluate your health, mobility, and the daily living tasks you need help with. The outcome of this assessment determines the type of government-subsidised services you are eligible for.

Can younger people access aged care services?

Yes, in certain circumstances. While younger people (under 65) with a disability are primarily supported by the NDIS, exceptions for accessing aged care include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50-64, and people aged 50-64 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

What is the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and a Home Care Package (HCP)?

CHSP provides entry-level, one-off or ongoing assistance with daily tasks for those with minor support needs. HCPs are for people with more complex needs and provide a co-ordinated package of services at a higher level of support.

What if I disagree with the outcome of my aged care assessment?

If you are unhappy with your assessment outcome, you can request a review. For issues regarding the financial assessment, you can contact Services Australia directly.

Do I need to be an Australian citizen to be eligible for aged care?

To be eligible for government-funded aged care, you must be a permanent resident of Australia. This criterion ensures that the program is available to those who have established roots and residency in the country.