The Single Assessment System for Aged Care

A Clearer, Fairer Journey for You

When considering aged care options for yourself or a loved one, questions about available services, points of contact, and next steps are inevitable. To address this, the Australian Government launched the Single Assessment System in December 2024. This new approach consolidates the previous two-step process into a single, streamlined system aimed at providing clearer guidance and stronger support throughout your journey.

Why Was the Single Assessment System Created?

Before the Single Assessment System, accessing aged care support involved two separate assessments:

• The Regional Assessment Service (RAS) handled basic home assistance like cleaning, meal preparation, and personal care.
• The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessed eligibility for more complex support, including coordinated home care packages or residential aged care.

If your care needs changed, you often had to repeat your assessment, going through the process again and sometimes waiting longer. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted these challenges and recommended a simpler, more integrated system. The Single Assessment System was developed in response, providing one clear pathway for everyone seeking aged care.

One Entry Point, One Team

No matter the level of care you need, your first step is now always the same — contact My Aged Care. You can do this:

• Online
• By phone
• Through a referral from your healthcare provider

A national team then guides you through the entire process, so you don’t have to worry about which service to approach or being passed between agencies. This system replaces confusion with clarity and ensures everyone starts on equal footing.

What Happens During Your Assessment?

A trained assessor, such as a nurse or social worker, visits your home at a convenient time. This visit is a relaxed conversation focusing on:

• Your physical health and mobility
• Cognitive abilities, including memory and thinking
• Emotional wellbeing and social connections
• Your home environment and safety
• Your personal preferences and goals

There is no paperwork for you to fill out. You are encouraged to share your experiences, challenges, and hopes. Family members or carers can join you for support if you wish.

Fair and Consistent Across Australia

Previously, your location could affect the assessment experience and services available. Now, all assessors use the same tool and follow national guidelines. Whether you live in a city, regional town, or remote community, your assessment will be consistent and fair. This helps remove postcode lotteries and guarantees equal access to quality aged care.

No Need to Start Over

Once your assessment is complete, it stays current. If your needs change — such as needing more home support or moving into residential care — your original assessment is updated. This avoids repeated paperwork and delays, making your care transitions smoother.

Who Is Eligible?

You can access the Single Assessment System if you:

• Are aged 65 or older
• Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 50 or older

To start, you can:

• Contact My Aged Care online
• Call My Aged Care at 1800 200 422
• Request a referral from your GP or healthcare provider

Assessments are fully funded by the Australian Government, so there is no cost to you.

After Your Assessment

Based on your needs, My Aged Care will discuss appropriate options such as:

• Basic home help (cleaning, meals, transport)
• Home Care Packages offering coordinated and personalised care
• Residential aged care
• Respite or transitional care

You can then choose your preferred care provider based on your preferences and location.

Looking Ahead: Support at Home Program

On 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will launch to offer more flexible and tailored home care options. If you receive a Home Care Package before then, you might benefit from reduced out-of-pocket costs up until the new program kicks in.

Why This Matters to You

• One assessment equals one story — no need to repeat yourself
• Smooth, timely adjustments as your care needs change
• Fair and consistent care no matter where you live
• A dignified process that values your voice and preferences
• Fully funded, free assessments

The Single Assessment System is transforming aged care into a more accessible, coherent, and person-centred experience. It offers one clear pathway, one thorough assessment, and one personalised care plan that listens to you.

Need help? Get FREE support through Aged Care Decisions

If you are feeling unsure about what to do next – whether for yourself, a parent or a loved one – you are not alone. Aged care can be confusing; this is where Aged Care Decisions can really make things easier.

Whether you are choosing a provider for the first time or changing providers, Aged Care Decisions makes finding and comparing home care providers easier, faster, and completely free.

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