Understanding the ACAT assessment

To check your eligibility for an assessment, you (or your carer) can:

• Use My Aged Care’s online eligibility checker (link opens in a new window). It takes only 5 minutes. If you’re eligible for an assessment, you’ll be prompted to apply online.
• Or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. 

If eligible for subsidised aged care, My Aged Care website will prompt you to apply online for an assessment.

To apply for an assessment:

• Use My Aged Care’s Assessment Application tool (approximately 15–20 minutes)
• Or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422

With your permission, a family member, friend, or carer can complete your application online or talk on your behalf. If you have previously registered with My Aged Care, you cannot apply for an assessment online and will need to call My Aged Care. 

Have these at hand when applying:

• Your Medicare card
• Your contact details (address, telephone, and email address)
• If you wish to set up a support person or someone to act on your behalf (optional), you will need their Medicare card number and contact details. If you want an organisation to support you, My Aged Care will have access to your organisation's details.

• RAS (Regional Assessment Service) - It determines eligibility for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funding. It's for lower-level care and entry-level support services, such as help with household tasks or personal care. For CHSP, you’re usually told at the end of your assessment if approved for the funding. You will be given a referral code to start contacting service providers straight away.
  
  

• ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) - It evaluates higher-level care needs for Home Care Packages, short-term care and residential aged care. Funding outcomes can take longer. You will need an income and assets assessment to determine the level of government subsidy you may be eligible for and the fees you may need to pay for the aged care services you receive. 

For RAS assessment, you’re usually told at the end of your assessment if approved for the CHSP funding.

For ACAT assessments, you will receive a copy of the assessment outcome and recommendations within a few weeks after the assessment takes place. The assessors provide a written report that outlines:

• The assessment findings.
• Government-funded aged care services you’re approved for, with level of care recommended.
• Your support plan.

Once deemed eligible through an assessment:

• You will be placed on the government’s national waiting list until you are assigned a package.
• This is prioritised based on the assessed care needs.
• Higher-level care needs receive priority.
• You will receive another letter when you are assigned a package. It outlines things like costs and fees, and how your services will be provided.
• The letter will also include a unique referral code to be used to book services.

If you need services while you wait, contact us for help (online via the form below or call 1800 448 448). There are many ways to fund services while you wait for your Home Care Package. 

You will need to undergo an income test if you are eligible for:

• Home Care Packages (Level 1, 2, 3 or 4)
• Entry into a residential aged care facility

The income and assets assessment calculates the level of government subsidy you may be eligible for and the maximum fees you can be asked to pay towards the cost of your aged care services.

Once your assessment is complete, Services Australia will send you a Pre-commencement Letter that tells you if you need to pay a means tested care fee and/or accommodation costs. Take this letter with you to any discussions that you have with potential aged care homes to help you understand the cost of living in their home.

Note: You can get your means assessed at any time, even before you enter care. However, the outcome is only valid for 3 months. If you don’t enter care during this time, you will need to complete another assessment.

Whether you decide to choose Wesley Mission Queensland as your provider or if you prefer to explore approved services through My Aged Care website, make sure you:

• Take the time to research. Communicating with different providers will help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best meets your care and lifestyle needs.
• Contact the chosen service provider directly to discuss care arrangements, ask questions, arrange visits to their facilities if needed, and book the services you needs.

Remember, you will only have 56 days to choose a service provider once you are assigned a package. So don't wait, call us today on 1800 448 448 to discuss your needs and explore our services.