Before an older Australian can access government-funded aged care services, they need to complete a My Aged Care assessment. This assessment helps determine the support they may need, from help around the home and allied health services to higher-level in-home care. For many families in Newcastle and the Hunter Region, this is the first real step toward getting support, and it can feel confusing if you do not know what to expect. This article explains how the assessment process currently works and what changed with the introduction of the Single Assessment System. It also explains how you can move from assessment to accessing services through a registered provider such as Sublime Care.
What Is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s main entry point for government-funded aged care services. It connects older Australians with services such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Support at Home, and residential aged care. Most people start by contacting the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422. You can also complete an initial eligibility check online.
Who Is Eligible for an Assessment?
My Aged Care services generally support people aged 65 and over. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access these services from age 50, reflecting differences in life expectancy and ageing-related health needs. Younger people with disability are generally supported through the NDIS rather than My Aged Care. If you are unsure which system applies to your situation, the My Aged Care contact centre can help clarify this before you go further.
The Single Assessment System: What Changed
On 9 December 2024, the Australian Government introduced the Single Assessment System. It brought together RAS assessments for entry-level support and ACAT assessments for higher-level and residential care. It also replaced separate assessments for residential care funding classifications. The aim is to make it easier for older people to access government-funded aged care services as their needs change. They should not need a new assessment each time their needs shift between entry-level support and more intensive home or residential care.
How the Assessment Process Works, Step by Step
1. Initial contact and eligibility check. The process starts with a phone call or online registration through My Aged Care. You will complete a simple eligibility check to confirm your age and residency requirements.
2. Referral and triage. Once your details are registered, your referral is accepted and triaged, then assigned to an assessor through the My Aged Care system. Under the Single Assessment System, referrals can be redistributed to assessment organisations with greater availability, which is intended to reduce wait times.
3. Face-to-face assessment. Assessments are conducted in person, generally in your own home. The assessor now uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), a structured tool with 12 sections that guides the assessment. It only explores areas that need further assessment and draws on 11 validated clinical tools to assess needs consistently. The assessor will typically ask about your day-to-day activities, health conditions, home environment, safety, and the informal support you already have from family or friends.
4. Quality checks and delegate review. The assessor is expected to keep the information complete, accurate, and consistent. In some cases, an Assessment Delegate reviews and approves the recommendations before they are finalised.
5. Outcome and support plan. Once you complete your assessment and confirm your eligibility, you receive a support plan outlining the findings and outcomes. You also receive a decision letter or referral code that you can use to access services.
6. Choosing a provider. With your support plan and referral code, you can contact a registered provider such as Sublime Care to start your services. The services you receive will depend on whether your assessment makes you eligible for CHSP or Support at Home.
CHSP or Support at Home: What Your Assessment Might Lead To
Your assessment outcome generally points you toward one of two main pathways. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) supports people who need a smaller, entry-level level of support to remain independent. Services can include domestic assistance, basic personal care, and other everyday support. Support at Home is generally for people with higher or more complex needs, covering a broader range of services including personal care, clinical supports, and home modifications. Sublime Care provides both CHSP services, including Domestic Assistance, and Support at Home services, with pricing outlined on the Support at Home Costs and Pricing page.
My Aged Care Assessments in Newcastle and the Hunter Region
Once you have completed your My Aged Care assessment and received your support plan or referral code, the next step is finding a local provider you trust to deliver the services. Sublime Care is a registered aged care provider supporting older Australians across Newcastle and the Hunter Region, offering both CHSP and Support at Home services. The team can talk you through what your specific referral code covers and how to get started, without you needing to navigate the system alone. You can find more detail on the Sublime Care homepage or reach out through Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a My Aged Care assessment take? The face-to-face assessment usually involves a single home visit. However, waiting times from initial contact to assessment can vary depending on local demand and assessor availability.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to be assessed? No referral is required to start the process. You, a family member, or a representative can contact My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422 to begin.
What is the difference between the old ACAT assessment and the new system? Since December 2024, the Single Assessment System has replaced separate ACAT, RAS, and residential funding assessments. Most people now follow one unified assessment pathway instead of completing separate assessments for different types of care.
Can I choose which provider delivers my services after assessment? Yes. Once you have a support plan and referral code, you can choose a registered provider that meets your needs and location. For example, you can choose a local provider in Newcastle or the Hunter Region.
What happens if my needs change after the assessment? You can contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment if your circumstances change and you believe you need a different level of support.
Next Steps
The My Aged Care assessment can feel like a lot to navigate, particularly when you are also managing a health change or caring responsibility. If you are in Newcastle or the Hunter Region and want to understand what your assessment outcome means in practice, or how to get started with CHSP or Support at Home services, contact Sublime Care directly, or submit a CHSP referral or Support at Home referral once you have your assessment outcome.