How to Access Government Aged Care Services at Home in Australia: A Support at Home Guide

If you or a family member are aged 65 or older (50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and beginning to need more help at home, you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s Support at Home program.

Support at Home is the government-funded aged care program designed to help older Australians remain living independently at home for longer. It provides access to:

• Personal care and clinical services
• Allied health and nursing support
• Assistive technology and mobility equipment
• Home modifications
• Domestic assistance and everyday support

Many people initially pay for services privately. Accessing government-funded home care through Support at Home provides structured funding, care planning, and ongoing support through an approved provider at no additional cost beyond regulated contributions.

Even if you only need minimal help, entering the My Aged Care system early is strongly recommended. Waiting times for funding can be significant, and early application protects your future access to support if your needs increase.

Importantly, applying does not lock you into regular spending. You are only required to access your funding once per year and you remain in control of which services you use.

The first step to accessing government aged care services at home is completing a My Aged Care Assessment.

You cannot receive government-funded Support at Home or residential aged care without first undergoing this assessment.

The assessment allows the government to:

• Confirm your eligibility
• Determine the appropriate level of funding
• Place you in the national funding queue
• Establish the foundation for your care plan

A My Aged Care Assessment is a formal eligibility and needs assessment conducted to determine what government-subsidised aged care services you qualify for.

It evaluates:

• Your health and medical conditions
• Your mobility and risk of falls
• Daily living activities such as showering, dressing and cooking
• Memory or cognitive concerns
• Home safety
• Existing family or community support

The goal is to identify the level of support required to help you remain living safely and independently at home.

The assessment usually takes 45 to 75 minutes and is most often conducted in your home. In some cases, it may occur by phone or video.

During the assessment, you will be asked about:

• Daily routines and personal care
• Medical conditions and medications
• Mobility and fall risks
• Cognitive changes
• Home safety
• Family support and social connections

The assessor may also review information from your GP or other health professionals.

Following the assessment, you will receive a written outcome outlining your approved services and funding level.

All government aged care assessments are arranged through My Aged Care.

You can:

• Request Local Guardians to submit a referral on your behalf
• Apply online at myagedcare.gov.au
• Call 1800 200 422

After a short screening process, an assessment appointment will be scheduled.

Preparation helps ensure the assessment accurately reflects your needs.

Before your appointment:

• Have your Medicare card ready
• Gather relevant medical documents
• Consider the changes you have noticed, even small ones
• Invite a trusted family member to attend if helpful

It is important to be honest about your challenges. Many older Australians understate their needs, which can result in approval for a lower level of funding.

Assessment outcomes are generally issued within two to six weeks.

If approved for Support at Home, you will enter the national prioritisation system and wait for funding allocation. Waiting periods can extend for several months, depending on demand.

This is why applying early is strongly recommended.

Once funding becomes available, you will receive a referral code that allows you to choose your preferred government-approved provider.

Now! You do not need to wait for a crisis.

Consider applying when you first notice:

• Increased difficulty managing daily tasks
• Reduced mobility or falls
• Memory changes
• Greater reliance on family support

Early application provides more choice, better planning and smoother transitions as care needs change.

After approval, you can choose an aged care provider to manage and coordinate your Support at Home services.

Providers may differ in:

• Fee structures
• Transparency
• Care management approach
• Communication
• Clinical oversight

Choosing the right provider ensures your funding is used effectively and aligns with your goals.

One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long to begin the process.

Starting early protects your independence, increases your options, and ensures smoother access to government-funded aged care services at home when you need them.

If you have any questions contact our friendly team.