To apply for Support at Home, you first need to apply for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. You can apply online or by phone, and the assessment will determine whether you are eligible for ongoing or short-term Support at Home services.
At Careseekers, this is usually the starting point for older Australians and families who want to use government-funded aged care support with more choice over who provides it. If you are approved, and your provider agrees, you can use your Support at Home funding through Careseekers for eligible services. You can also use Careseekers for private aged care support.
The short answer
If you want to apply for Support at Home, the usual steps are:
- apply for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care
- complete the assessment
- receive your outcome, support plan and Notice of Decision
- if approved for ongoing Support at Home, wait for funding to be allocated if needed
- choose a provider and arrange services
- use Careseekers to compare workers and arrange support, or arrange private help while waiting.
Step 1: Apply for an aged care assessment
Applying for an assessment is the first step to accessing government-funded aged care. You can apply online through My Aged Care, or by phone by calling 1800 200 422. My Aged Care also says you can complete the application for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend.
Step 2: Get assessed
Once you apply, the aged care system uses that information to decide whether you need an assessment and what kind of support may suit you. For Support at Home, an assessor looks at your strengths, areas where you need help, and your age-related care needs.
Step 3: Receive your outcome
If you are found eligible, you will receive an outcome from the assessment process. If you are approved for Support at Home, you should receive a Notice of Decision and a support plan that sets out the supports you have been approved for.
Step 4: Wait for funding if needed
Approval does not always mean support starts immediately. If you are approved for ongoing Support at Home funding, you may need to wait for funding to be allocated. If waits are longer than expected, you may receive interim funding, which is 60% of your approved funding so you can start the most critical services first.
Step 5: Choose a provider and set up support
Once funding is available, you can choose a Support at Home provider and set up your services. My Aged Care says you can ask your assessor to refer you to a provider, use the Find a provider tool, or call My Aged Care for help finding suitable providers.
Where Careseekers fits in
Once you know what support you need, Careseekers can help you compare independent aged care workers, view profiles, speak directly with workers and choose the person who best suits your needs, preferences and routine. If your approved provider agrees, they can pay Careseekers directly for eligible services delivered through the platform. You can also use Careseekers for private support if you want help before funding starts or alongside funded care.
What should I have ready before applying?
Before you apply, it helps to have:
- your Medicare card
- a clear sense of the help you need at home
- information about your health, mobility and daily routines
- a family member, friend or representative with you if that would make the process easier. My Aged Care specifically notes that arranging for someone to be with you while you apply can help.
Can a family member help with the application?
Yes. A family member or friend can help you apply for an assessment, and later help compare workers and organise support through Careseekers. That can be especially useful if the process feels unfamiliar or overwhelming.
What if I need help before funding starts?
You do not necessarily need to wait to start getting help. If you need support sooner, you can arrange private aged care support through Careseekers while waiting for funding or while using interim funding for only the most critical services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Support at Home online?
Yes. You can apply for an aged care assessment online through My Aged Care, or by phone.
Can I apply for Support at Home for my parent or another family member?
Yes. A family member or friend can help with the application process.
Does Support at Home funding start straight away after assessment?
Not always. If you are approved for ongoing Support at Home funding, you may still need to wait for funding to be allocated.
What is interim funding under Support at Home?
Interim funding is temporary funding that gives you access to 60% of your approved funding while you wait for full funding to become available.
Can I use Careseekers once I am approved?
Yes, in many cases. If your approved provider agrees, they can pay Careseekers directly for eligible services delivered through the platform.
Can I get help at home while I am waiting for funding?
Yes. You can use Careseekers for private aged care support while waiting for Support at Home funding.
Can a family member help organise support after I apply?
Yes. A family member or representative can help compare workers and organise support through Careseekers.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are applying for Support at Home, or helping a family member through the process, we make it easier to compare workers, organise support and choose care that feels right.
Read: What Happens After My Aged Care Assessment for Support at Home?
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