Am I Eligible for a Home Care Package? How the My Aged Care Assessment Works

"Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?" is one of the most common questions families ask. The good news: checking your eligibility is free, and the process is more straightforward than it looks. Here's how it works.

Who is eligible for in-home aged care?

Australian Government-funded aged care at home is generally intended for:

• People aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

• Older people who need help with everyday tasks to keep living safely at home

• People whose needs have increased due to age, illness, reduced mobility, or a recent hospital stay

You don't need to be unwell to qualify — many people simply need a hand with cleaning, transport, or personal care to stay independent.

Step 1: Contact My Aged Care

Your aged care journey in Australia starts with My Aged Care, the government's entry point. You can register online or by phone. They'll ask some questions about your situation and arrange an assessment.

Step 2: Have an assessment

A trained assessor visits you (usually at home) to understand what support you need. This is a friendly conversation, not a test. It's a good idea to have a family member present, and to talk openly about any tasks you find difficult.

Tip: Think ahead about your worst days, not just your best ones. Describe the help you need when things are hard, so your assessment reflects your real needs.

Step 3: Receive your approval

If you're approved, you'll be told which Home Care Package level you qualify for (Level 1 to 4). You then go into a national queue and are notified when a package becomes available to you.

Step 4: Choose a provider

Once a package is assigned, you choose an approved provider to manage your care and deliver your services. This is where CareU comes in — we help you set up your care plan and start receiving support.

You can change providers later if your needs change or you're not happy — your package belongs to you, not the provider.

What if I'm not eligible for a full package yet?

If your needs are lower, you may still qualify for entry-level support through government-subsidised community programs, or you can arrange private services. CareU can help you understand every option available to you.

Not sure where to start? CareU's friendly team helps Australian families navigate aged care every day — including support in your language. Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat about your options.