Typical Assessment Timeline

Stage	Estimated Time	Notes
Initial Triage & Registration	Within 2 weeks	My Aged Care Reviews your application and determines if a comprehensive ACAT Assessment is needed
Assessment Scheduling	1 – 6 Weeks	Assessor contacts you to book the in-person interview. This varies heavily by location and demand
The Assessment itself	45 – 75 Minutes	The ACAT team member evaluates your physical, medical and social care needs at your home
Approval Outcome	2 – 6 Weeks	You receive an approval letter detailing the exact services you qualify for (eg Home Care Package, residential care)

Once approved, wait times for assignment varies between 3 – 12 months.

If you are waiting on a review for an increased care level, the same funding wait times apply as an initial application.

Support at Home (SAH) review and wait times in QLD generally break down by priority:

Urgent Priority: Within 1 month
High Priority: 1.5 to 2.5 months
Medium Priority: 6 to 9 months
Standard Priority: 7 to 11 months

Contesting Outcome of Notice of Decision

If you are unhappy about the outcome of your ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) you have the right to request a formal review. To do so you must submit a request for an internal review in writing within 28 days of the date of your Notice of Decision letter.

Step-by-Step Contest Process:

Discuss with Your Assessor First.

Before filing a formal review, reach out to the ACAT assessor or organisation that completed the assessment. Ask them to explain the decision, clarify their reasoning, and point out what specific care needs were considered.

Submit an Internal Review Request.

If you still disagree, you can formally request a review by the Secretary of the Department of Health.

Download and complete the “Request for an Internal Review of a Decision Form” https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/request-
for-internal-review-of-decision-form.pdf

Ensure you submit this form, along with any supporting documentation (e.g., new medical reports, GP letters, or OT assessments), within 28 days of your
decision letter.

Escalate to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you can take your appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). This is an independent legal body that checks if the internal review decision was correct.