The process can feel unfamiliar, especially when care needs are already changing. This guide explains where to begin, what happens at an assessment and what to do when your funding becomes available.
There is no charge to request an aged care assessment. My Aged Care—not Meridian—decides eligibility and approved services.
You do not need to understand the whole aged care system before you begin. Take the process one step at a time and keep notes of the people you speak with.
This guide is general information. The official My Aged Care information linked at each step should be used for your circumstances.
My Aged Care has a short eligibility checker that asks about age, circumstances and the things that are becoming harder to manage. It can help you understand whether to request an assessment now.
You do not need to wait for a crisis. Applying early gives you more time to understand the options and plan ahead.
You can apply for yourself or, with permission, help a family member or friend apply. Choose the method that feels most comfortable:
An assessment organisation will contact you to confirm your situation and arrange the assessment. Most assessments take place in your home. A trained assessor will ask about daily life, health, safety, mobility, memory, social connection, current support and what you would like to be able to do.
You can invite a family member, friend, carer, advocate or registered supporter to be there. Be honest about difficult days; the assessment is about understanding the help you may need, not judging how you manage.
The assessment outcome identifies the kind of support you are approved to receive. Depending on your needs, this may include entry-level help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or more coordinated care through Support at Home.
If approved for Support at Home, you will receive a Notice of Decision and support plan. Approval is an important first step, but ongoing funding may not be available immediately. Your place in the priority system depends on the urgency of your assessed needs and the date you were approved.
My Aged Care will send a letter when your Support at Home funding is available. The letter includes the information you need to connect with a provider, including your referral code.
You generally have 56 calendar days from the date of that letter to choose a provider, enter a service agreement and start services. If you need more time, you can ask My Aged Care for a further 28 days.
At this point, Meridian can listen to what matters to you, discuss suitable local services and help shape a practical care approach around your approved plan and budget.
We can explain the service options in plain language, listen to your routines and goals, and discuss how approved support may work at home.
