An ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment is a free government evaluation that determines your eligibility for Australian Government-funded aged care services, including Home Care Packages and residential aged care. You can request an assessment by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or applying online at myagedcare.gov.au — and the entire process, from registration to outcome, typically takes between two and eight weeks.
How to get an ACAT assessment: step-by-step guide — 2026 AU guide
Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or supporting an older family member, understanding the ACAT assessment process is one of the most important steps you can take in navigating Australia's aged care system. This guide walks you through every stage — from registering with My Aged Care to receiving your support plan — and explains exactly what to expect along the way.
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What is an ACAT assessment and who needs one?
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment — known as an ACAS assessment in Victoria — is a comprehensive, face-to-face evaluation carried out by a team of trained health professionals. It determines whether a person is eligible for higher-level, government-funded aged care services.
You will need an ACAT assessment if you are seeking access to:
- Home Care Packages (Level 1–4) — coordinated in-home support ranging from basic assistance to high-level care - Residential aged care — permanent or respite placement in a nursing home or aged care facility - Transition Care Programme — short-term support following a hospital stay - Short-Term Restorative Care — time-limited services designed to help you regain independence
If you only need basic in-home help — such as a cleaner or a meal delivery service — you may only require a lower-level Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment rather than a full ACAT review. Your My Aged Care contact will help determine which assessment is appropriate.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 1.4 million Australians received government-subsidised aged care services in 2024–25, and demand is projected to rise steadily as the population ages (AIHW, *Aged Care in Australia*, 2025).
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Step 1 — Register with My Aged Care
The first step is contacting My Aged Care, the Australian Government's central entry point for aged care services.
How to register:- Phone: Call 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm; Saturday, 10am–2pm, local time) - Online: Complete the registration form at myagedcare.gov.au - In person: Visit a Services Australia service centre
During registration, you or your representative will answer a series of questions about your health, daily living challenges, living situation, and what kind of support you are looking for. It helps to have the following information ready:
- Medicare card number - Contact details for your GP - A brief description of current difficulties (e.g., showering, cooking, mobility)
A family member, carer, or legal representative can make this call on your behalf if needed. Registration typically takes 20–30 minutes.
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Step 2 — Screening and referral for assessment
After registration, a My Aged Care staff member will conduct a brief telephone screening to understand your needs more clearly. Based on your responses, they will either:
1. Refer you directly to a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for a basic Commonwealth Home Support Programme assessment, or 2. Refer you to an ACAT for a comprehensive assessment
If referred to ACAT, your details are forwarded to your local assessment team. You will then be contacted to arrange a convenient time for the face-to-face visit.
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Step 3 — Prepare for your ACAT visit
The ACAT assessor — usually a nurse, social worker, or allied health professional — will visit you at home, in hospital, or at a residential care facility. Preparing thoroughly can make the assessment more accurate and ensure you receive the level of support you genuinely need.
Before the visit, gather:- A list of current medications - Recent medical reports, specialist letters, or hospital discharge summaries - Details of any existing support services (formal or informal) - A written list of daily tasks you find difficult
It is strongly advisable to have a trusted family member or friend present during the assessment. They can provide additional context, ask questions, and help you feel at ease. You are also entitled to bring an interpreter if English is not your first language — simply request one when booking.
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Step 4 — The assessment itself
During the visit, the ACAT assessor will speak with you (and your support person) about your:
- Physical health and medical conditions - Cognitive function and memory - Emotional wellbeing and mental health - Social situation and living environment - Current support arrangements and gaps
The assessment is conversational in nature — it is not a test. Be honest about the challenges you face, even on good days. Assessors are trained to understand that conditions fluctuate, and underreporting difficulties may result in a lower level of support being approved.
The visit generally lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
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Step 5 — Receiving your assessment outcome
After the assessment, the ACAT team will review their findings and prepare a written support plan. You will receive written notification of:
- Whether you are approved for aged care services - Which specific services you are eligible for - A referral code you can use to begin accessing services
If approved for a Home Care Package, you will be placed in a national queue managed by the Australian Government. As of early 2026, wait times for higher-level packages (Level 3 and 4) can still range from several months to over a year, depending on demand in your area. Interim Home Support Programme services may be available while you wait.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, approximately 82% of ACAT assessments result in at least one approval for government-funded services (DHAC, *Aged Care System Overview*, 2025–26).
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Comparing your aged care support options in 2026
Once approved, understanding the funding associated with each package level helps you compare providers effectively. The table below outlines government subsidy rates for Home Care Packages in 2026.
| Package Level | Care Needs | Approximate Annual Government Subsidy (AUD, 2026) | Typical Weekly Hours of Support | |---|---|---|---| | Level 1 | Basic | ~$10,500 | 2–3 hours | | Level 2 | Low | ~$18,200 | 3–5 hours | | Level 3 | Intermediate | ~$39,700 | 8–10 hours | | Level 4 | High | ~$60,100 | 12–16 hours |*Source: Department of Health and Aged Care, Home Care Package subsidy rates, 1 January 2026. Individual entitlements may vary based on income-tested care fees.*
For a detailed breakdown of out-of-pocket costs, see our cost guide. You can also review our methodology for how we evaluate and rank aged care providers, and browse the best aged care providers in Sydney if you are located in New South Wales.
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What if you are not happy with the outcome?
If you disagree with your ACAT assessment result, you have the right to request a review. You can:
1. Ask the ACAT team to reconsider — contact them directly and explain your concerns, providing any additional medical evidence 2. Lodge a formal complaint with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission via agedcarequality.gov.au or call 1800 951 822 3. Contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman if you believe the process was handled improperly
Acting quickly is important — document your concerns in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
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Frequently asked questions
Q: Is an ACAT assessment free? A: Yes. The ACAT assessment is entirely free of charge, regardless of your financial situation. There are no out-of-pocket costs for either the assessment itself or the My Aged Care registration process. Q: How long does it take to get an ACAT appointment after registering? A: Wait times vary by region and urgency. Routine appointments are typically scheduled within two to six weeks of referral. If your situation is urgent — for example, you are being discharged from hospital — the process can be expedited, sometimes within 48 hours. Q: Can I choose which ACAT assessor visits me? A: No. ACAT teams are assigned by geographic region. However, you can request a specific type of assessor (e.g., a social worker rather than a nurse) if you have a particular concern, and this will be accommodated where possible. Q: Do I need a GP referral to access an ACAT assessment? A: No referral is required. You can contact My Aged Care directly. However, having your GP's details and any relevant medical records on hand will help the assessment proceed more smoothly and accurately.---
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