Accessing a Home Care Package
Home Care Packages offer a coordinated approach to the delivery of care and services in the comfort of your home. There are four levels of support, ranging from 'basic' to 'high level' care needs.
To qualify for an assessment, you must meet some needs and aged care requirements. These check:
- how much assistance you need with some everyday tasks.
- that you are 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
If you meet these requirements, you can begin the application process.
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
You can contact My Aged Care via phone on 1800 200 422 or apply for an assessment online at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online. If your care needs indicate that a Home Care Package is suitable, you will be referred to receive an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment.
Step 2: Receive an assessment
An ACAT assessment is a comprehensive review of your care needs to determine which Home Care Package level is most appropriate. A local ACAT member will arrange a time to visit you in your home to discuss your current situation.
Following your assessment, you will receive an approval letter from My Aged Care that outlines the Home Care Package level you qualify for and your priority status. The timeframe for receiving a package depends on your assessed care level, with those in greater need being prioritised.
For individuals with medium priority, the estimated waiting times are:
Level 1: Less than 1 month
Level 2: 3 - 6 months
Level 3: 9 - 12 months
Level 4: 9 - 12 months
* Last revised 31 August 2024
Step 3: Arrange an income and asset assessment
If your income exceeds a certain threshold, you will need to contribute towards the cost of your care. This is known as an income tested care fee. People receiving a full aged pension are exempt from this fee and are not required to complete an income assessment.
If you are a self-funded retiree or a part-pensioner, you will need to complete this assessment to determine if you are required to contribute towards your Home Care Package. This can be done via the link: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/income-and-means-assessments.
After your assessment, Services Australia will send you a fee advice letter to confirm if you need to pay an income tested care fee.
Step 4: Home Care Package funds are assigned
Once approved for a Home Care Package, you are placed into the national priority system to be assigned your assessed package. My Aged Care will issue a letter when it is assigned with a unique referral code.
You have 56 days from the date of assignment to choose a provider and enter into a Home Care Agreement. If you require additional time, you can request a 28-day extension by contacting My Aged Care.
Step 5: Choose your provider
You choose the provider that is right for you. The My Aged Care website has a tool used to compare providers, either by location or by name, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Organise your services
Once you've chosen your provider, you will enter into a Home Care Agreement before your services commence. Together you will develop a personalised care plan that aligns with your goals and preferences, ensuring your services are fully tailored to meet your needs.