You can start with My Aged Care’s online application or call 1800 200 422. A family member, friend or someone else you trust can help you apply and join you for the assessment. The assessment guide also explains face-to-face help and communication support.
If you have already been assessed, are registered with My Aged Care or need care urgently, call instead of making a new online application.
Think about a usual week, including the harder days. You do not need to know the names of services before asking for help. Describe what you can do comfortably, what takes longer and anything you have stopped doing.
Write down your questions, current services and any information you want to share. Let the assessor know who you would like involved and whether you need language or communication support.
Be specific about everyday tasks. You might manage breakfast comfortably but need help showering or changing the bed linen. Explaining each task helps the assessor understand where support could make your day easier.
After your assessment, read your Notice of Decision and support plan. Ask for anything unclear to be explained. These documents tell you what has been approved. Check when funding will be available and discuss a start date with your chosen provider.
Our service guide can help you explore the approved support, while our funding and contributions guide explains costs.
Share your suburb, support needs and preferred days with each provider you are considering. Ask whether they cover your area and can meet your needs. Compare written prices and what is included so you know what to expect.
It also helps to ask who will contact you about the first visit, how to change a booking, what happens if a worker is away and how to raise a concern. Read the proposed agreement and care plan before services begin.
Keep your agreed tasks and contact details somewhere easy to find. After the first few visits, let your provider know what is working well and what you would like to change. Your feedback helps keep the support in step with your daily life.
Explore all aged care and Support at Home guides
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Information reviewed: 26 October 2026.
Yes. A family member, friend or another person you trust can help with your application and attend the assessment with you. You can also arrange face-to-face help through an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a participating Services Australia centre. See the assessment options.
Make a note of your questions, the help you already receive and the tasks that are becoming difficult. Include what matters to you, such as getting to appointments or keeping up a favourite activity. Tell the assessor about difficult days as well as good ones.
Your start date depends on funding being available and a provider being able to arrange your services. Once you receive your decision, check the next steps with My Aged Care and discuss timing with your provider. Read how Support at Home works.
If you are registered with My Aged Care, have already had an assessment or need immediate care, call 1800 200 422 instead of submitting another online application. Explain your situation and how urgently you need help. Read the application guidance. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Give each provider the same information about your location, approved services and preferred times. Ask about availability, prices, the help included and how they will communicate with you. Our pricing guide can help you compare the details before signing an agreement.
