How to apply for Support at Home - at a glance!

Getting started

Getting assessed

Your in-home assessment determines what funding you receive

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 about 2 months for the assessor to visit.

After the assessment, you’ll receive a letter with the outcome and what steps to take next.

Note that the assessor considers four key categories to work out the help and funding you may need, including:

• Falls risk – due to weakness, declining sight, stiffness, and more
• Daily living challenges – such as trouble with housework, bill paying or personal care & grooming
• Cognitive issues – like memory loss,  anxiety, confusion or losing sense of direction etc
• Carer burn out – such as signs of exhaustion and overwhelm

National waitlist

You'll be placed on the waitlist until funding is available (assigned)

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!). 

At this stage, you may receive some interim funding while you wait. If your wait stretches out, you are also likely eligible for our Free Care Program.

About a month before your funding is made available (known as being 'assigned'), you will get a ‘Readiness Letter’ from My Aged Care. 

Lastly, a letter will arrive with a red code included – meaning, your funding is now finally available.

Home care provider

Finally, it's time to get the support you need!

When you receive a letter telling you that your funds are 'assigned' you have 56 days to find a Home Care Provider. 

To help make choosing easier, download our factsheet on How to Compare Home Care Providers (below). It has lots of useful tips on understanding fees and how to ensure you get the team and services you need.