Applying for funded in home aged care

The Australian Government provides funding for eligible older Australians to help them access the services they need to stay well and live safely at home. 

You can receive different types of funding based on your needs. For basic home support you could access the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). If you need complex or ongoing care, you may be eligible for the Support at Home program (SAH).  

To find out what funding you may be eligible for, you will need to complete an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. It is designed to understand your current situation and goals so you can access the help you need to achieve them.

You may be eligible if you are:

• over 65 years old
• an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and over 50 years old
• a person who is at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and is over 50 years old.

Here's how to apply for government funded care:

Step 1: Contact My Aged Care (MAC)

Contact My Aged Care and ask for an assessment. You can either call 1800 200 422, complete an application on their website, or request a fast track referral through your General Practitioner (GP). 

You can first check your eligibility using this checker.

Step 2:  Complete an assessment with a My Aged Care assessor

Your assessor will work with you, your family, or support person to understand your needs, goals and the types of services that may benefit you. Together, you will develop a Support Plan to help you stay independent and achieve your goals. The assessment can be completed over the phone or in person at your home.

Step 3: Get confirmation of your eligibility

If you are eligible for CHSP or SAH, your MAC assessor will let you know at the end of your assessment.

After your assessment, My Aged Care will send you a Notice of Decision letter. This letter confirms the funding and services you are eligible to receive.

It will include:

• A summary of your needs and goals.
• Your allocated level of funding classification.
• Your budget and approved services that you can spend the funding on.

You will then join a waitlist for your funding to be assigned.

Get care while you wait

If you need support now, or while waiting for your assessment, you can self-fund the services you need. With privately funded care, you do not need to meet any Government criteria or be assessed by My Aged Care.

Find out more about your private options here. Contact our Contact Centre at 1300 650 803 or complete our enquiry form to get started.