How do I apply for a Home Care Package?

The government provides funding through Home Care Packages to support you to remain living comfortably in your home for as long as possible. Here’s how you can apply.

If you’ve decided to apply for a Home Care Package, you’ve made a wise choice! Home Care Packages can provide you with a lot of care and support so that you can stay living in your own home.

It can take more than 12 months to receive your funding, so it’s best to start the process as early as you can.

This process involves several important stages, from initial registration to receiving approval for Home Care package funds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating this process:

Step 1: Register with My Aged Care

The first step in accessing any aged care service is registering with My Aged Care. This can be done by visiting the My Aged Care website or by calling their help desk on 1800 200 422. During My Aged Care registration, you’ll need to provide personal details and some preliminary information about your health and home care needs.

Step 2: ACAT Assessment

Once registered, you’ll need a My Aged Care assessment carried out by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), or in Victoria, it’s called Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS). This team will visit you at home to determine which home care services are appropriate and whether a home care package is suitable for your needs. The assessment is free and can take over an hour.

Step 3: Receive a My Aged Care Approval Letter

After your assessment, My Aged Care will send you an approval letter informing you of the home care package level you are eligible for and your priority for allocation.This letter confirms the level of subsidies you have been approved for. You will receive a referral code for your Home Care Package. Keep this safe! You’ll need to give this code to your chosen provider when you receive your funding, so don’t lose it!

Step 4: Join the National Waiting List

You are now in the Home Care Package National Queue and need to wait for your Package funding to be allocated to you.The waiting time can vary depending on the availability of your aged care packages and your assigned priority level.

Note: It can take 3-6 months or more to receive your funding, so it’s best to start the process of finding a provider near you as early as you can.

Step 5: Income Assessment

As your My Aged Care Home Care Package allocation nears (typically when about 90 days away), My Aged Care will inform you through a second letter. It’s then necessary to complete an income assessment form to determine if you need to contribute financially to your care package. Learn more about income tested fees.

Step 6: Receive your Home Care Package Fund Allocation letter (⌛ approximately three – twelve months)

Hooray! You have reached the front of the queue. You’ve received another letter specifying the funds and levels you’ve been approved for.

The allocation letter is sent from My Aged Care when your Home Care Package funds have been released.

Note: You need to activate your Home Care Package within 56 days or it’s allocated to someone else!

Step 7: Connect With A Quality Home Care Provider

Your Home Care Package funds are now available for you to use, so it’s time to choose a provider! Of course, you need to ensure that you receive the care that best meets your needs and budget. This is where CareAbout helps, by matching you and your needs with a quality Home Care Package provider in few simple steps. The service is 100% free for you and comes with no obligations.

Need help finding a quality Home Care Provider?

CareAbout is Australia’s leading Home Care placement service. We’ve helped thousands of families choose the right Aged Care provider and Residential Aged Care for their needs and we would love to help you. 

Whether you’re looking for a quality Home Care Package provider or Aged Care Home in your local area, CareAbout can help.