Getting started with your Home Care Package application
Scroll Down
At a glance
When applying for Home Care Package funds, you will need to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit
the website to
apply for an assessment.
Be aware the information can be complicated & confusing, so here's a snap shot of what's involved.
To be eligible for funding, you need to be 65+ years of age or 50+ with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, and needing extra help at home.
At-home assessment
The assessor comes to your home to
ask you questions about any challenges you are having, your living arrangements and any supports you may have currently. It can
take up to 2 months or more for the assessor to visit.
National Waitlist
Once
approved for funding, you are placed on the National Waitlist for the next available funding package. It can take 3-12 months (or even
more!). Learn what to do about care while you wait.
Choose a provider
When
you receive a letter telling you that your funds are allocated, you have 56 days to find a Home Care Provider. Learn how
to compare providers
to get the best value care.
There are a few options available to you when considering home care assistance, and this will depend on your lifestyle, health and wellbeing.
Are you looking for some help with day to day tasks around the house? Maybe you need respite care while your family or support worker is away? Or perhaps you need personal care assistance on a daily basis? There are many services that can help you maintain independent living, so you can live your best life.
My Aged Care has a lot of information, but you may find it easier to begin with this straight forward Beginner's Guide to Home Care Packages for an overview on how it works.
First you'll need to register with My Aged Care, and then apply by phone or online for an assessment. My Aged Care will contact you to advise of your assessment date.
With Age Up Health, we are able to make a referral for assessment on your behalf or contact My Aged Care directly. If you would like Age Up Health to be your service provider, you can include this in your assessment request. This means we will be notified when your package becomes available and can help you organise your next steps.
Learn How to Prepare for your Home Care Package assessment to ensure you receive the funds you need.
After your assessment, My Aged Care will send you a letter detailing the outcome, advising you if you are eligible for a funding package, and which level of funding you are eligible for – basic, low-level, intermediate or high-level.
If you are eligible, you’ll be placed on a national waiting list, and they’ll let you know when your package becomes available. Next, about three months before your package commences, you will receive a ‘Readiness Letter’ from My Aged Care , which includes some important paperwork for you to review.
Discover What to do About Aged Care while on the National Waitlist.
This means you are now covered. You will receive another letter from My Aged Care outlining the Home Care Package that has been assigned to you.
Once contacted, Age Up Health can organise a meeting with one of our Support Workers - Care Coordinators’ to work out which of our services are right for you. Together you can prepare which home care assistance suits your lifestyle and needs.
If however, you’re unsure if we’re the right provider for you, that’s okay. You have 56 days from the date you receive your letter to choose a care provider, and a further 28 day extension is available if you need more time to consider your steps.
To make choosing easier, read these tips on How to Compare Home Care Providers.
This easy-to-follow guide helps you understand how to apply for a Home Care Packages, covering topics including eligibility, what the assessor looks for, how you can spend your funding and more. Get guide.
Being prepared when the Home Care Assessor comes can make a big difference to how successful your application may be. Download this fact sheet to ensure you get the help you need at home. Get fact sheet.
Home Care Packages can be a challenge as you navigate through the various stages. We answer some of the most common questions in this simple fact sheet. Open now.
"Grace came to Mum and Dad's house and set them up straight away, then Jo was there the next day. It was incredible and really easy!"
- Rose
There is no cost or obligation
We'll ask questions to understand your needs, and provide individual advice based on your circumstances. Select and book a time &
date to suit you!
Contact us today to find out how we can support you and your loved ones.