Getting an aged care assessment: what to expect
· Aged care · Source checked 12 October 2026
The assessment is the first step to government-funded aged care. Here is how to apply, what the assessor does and what to do while you wait.
Why you need one
An assessment looks at your situation and works out which aged care services you are eligible for and how quickly. It is the gateway to most government-funded aged care, so it is worth doing even if you are not sure you need help yet. Some veterans and war widows may be eligible for some support without an assessment, so ask the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
How to apply
You can apply online, by phone or in person with help from Services Australia. A family member, friend or community representative can apply with you or for you, and be with you at the assessment. If you are isolated or vulnerable, an advocate or a care finder service may be able to help.
When you apply there is a short screening. Your answers decide which assessment organisation contacts you and what referral priority you are given, which affects how quickly the assessment is arranged.
What the assessment is like
An assessment organisation contacts you to arrange a time. Most assessments happen in your home with a trained assessor, though they can also be done elsewhere, by telehealth or by phone. The assessor asks about your health, daily life, what you find hard and what support you already have, and recommends services that might suit you.
It helps to have your key information ready and to write down questions beforehand. Say what matters most to you, including what you want to keep doing.
After the assessment
You will be told the outcome, including the services you are approved for. Funding for some services can take time to become available, depending on the service and your priority. While you wait, the official pages explain what support may be available. If you disagree with the outcome, there is a way to ask for it to be looked at again.
This is general information, not advice about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need an aged care assessment?
An assessment looks at your situation and works out which aged care services you are eligible for and how quickly. It is the gateway to most government-funded aged care, so it is worth doing even if you are not sure you need help yet.
How do I apply for an aged care assessment?
You can apply online, by phone or in person with help from Services Australia. A family member, friend or community representative can apply with you or for you, and be with you at the assessment. When you apply there is a short screening, and your answers decide which assessment organisation contacts you and what referral priority you are given.
What happens at the assessment?
Most assessments happen in your home with a trained assessor, though they can also be done elsewhere, by telehealth or by phone. The assessor asks about your health, daily life, what you find hard and what support you already have, and recommends services that might suit you.
What if I disagree with the outcome?
There is a way to ask for it to be looked at again. The official pages explain what support may be available while you wait for funding.
Keep learning
- When your aged care needs change: reviews and changing provider: Needs change, and aged care can change with them. Here is how to ask for a review or reassessment and how to change provider.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Support at Home explained: how in-home aged care works: Support at Home is the program that helps older people stay in their own homes. Here is how it works, from approval to choosing a provider.
- Aged care costs: what you may be asked to contribute: What you pay depends on the type of care, the provider, your finances and the services you receive. Here is how to make sense of it and what to ask.
More in our aged care support guide, our step-by-step guides, or the aged care providers listed on the My Aged Care register.
Official sources
- My Aged Care: How to get assessed
- My Aged Care: Preparing for your assessment
- My Aged Care: Receiving your assessment outcome
- My Aged Care: What to do while you wait
Source checked 12 October 2026. Rules and guidance can change; verify current details with the responsible agency. How we write and check our guides.