A Notice of Decision is the letter you receive after your aged care assessment outcome has been decided. If you are approved for Support at Home, the assessment organisation sends this letter to explain what funded aged care services you have been approved for and what happens next.
For many people, this is the document that turns the assessment process into something practical. It helps you understand what support you can access, what category of funding you have been given, and what you need to do next.
What does the Notice of Decision include?
If you are approved for Support at Home, the Notice of Decision letter includes:
- the services you are approved to receive
- approval for any short-term supports, if relevant
- the reasons and evidence supporting the decision
- your rights to ask for a review if you disagree
- a copy of your support plan.
For people approved for ongoing Support at Home services, the outcome information can also include a classification level and associated budget information.
How is the Notice of Decision different from the support plan?
They are connected, but they are not exactly the same thing.
The Notice of Decision is the formal outcome letter. The support plan sets out your assessed needs and the services available to you. If you are eligible for services, you will receive both the Notice of Decision letter and a copy of your support plan.
Later, once you start with a provider, your provider and you develop a care plan and an individualised budget that must align with the Notice of Decision and support plan.
When do you receive it?
You receive the Notice of Decision after your assessment outcome has been finalised.
The assessment organisation reviews the information from your assessment and then sends your outcome. It notes this can take up to 2 weeks, depending on the needs identified in your assessment, and says you can follow up if you have not heard after that.
What should you do after you receive it?
Once you receive your Notice of Decision, the next step is to read it carefully and check:
- what services have been approved
- whether you have been approved for ongoing services, short-term supports, or both
- whether a classification level is listed
- what the support plan says
- whether you agree with the outcome.
If you are approved for Support at Home, you may then need to wait for funding to be allocated if you are on an ongoing pathway. If you are connecting with providers, it helps to have your Notice of Decision letter, support plan and any income and means assessment outcome ready for those conversations.
What if you disagree with the decision?
Your Notice of Decision includes your rights of review. If you think the outcome does not reflect your needs properly, the letter explains that you can ask for the decision to be reviewed.
Where Careseekers fits in
Once you know what support you have been approved for, Careseekers can help you take the next step.
You can compare aged care workers, view profiles, experience, availability and hourly rates, and choose support that fits your needs 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 sooner or outside your funded arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Notice of Decision the same as an assessment outcome letter?
Yes. Your assessment outcome letter is sometimes called a Notice of Decision.
Will my Notice of Decision include my support plan?
Yes. If you are approved for Support at Home, the letter includes a copy of your support plan.
Does the Notice of Decision show what services I am approved for?
Yes. It sets out the services you are approved to receive and any relevant short-term supports.
Does the Notice of Decision include review rights?
Yes. It explains your rights to have the decision reviewed if you disagree with it.
Do I need my Notice of Decision when speaking with providers?
Yes. My Aged Care says it helps to bring your Notice of Decision letter and support plan when connecting with Support at Home providers.
Can I use Careseekers after I receive my Notice of Decision?
Yes. Once you know what support you have been approved for, you can use Careseekers to compare workers and arrange support. If your provider agrees, eligible services can be paid through the platform.
Ready to take the next step?
Once you have your Notice of Decision, we make it easier to compare workers, organise support and choose care that fits your needs.
Read: What Happens After My Aged Care Assessment for Support at Home?
Read: What Happens During a My Aged Care Assessment for Support at Home?
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