Who is Eligible for My Aged Care? Understanding the Criteria

If you or a loved one need support to continue living independently at home, My Aged Care provides government-subsidised services to help. However, before accessing services, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. This guide outlines who qualifies for My Aged Care and how to apply.



Who Can Access My Aged Care Services?

To qualify for My Aged Care, you generally need to be:

• 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
• Living at home and needing support to maintain independence.
• Experiencing difficulties with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, or mobility.
• Undergoing changes in health or mobility that require additional support.

Is There an Income Limit?

• There is no income limit to access My Aged Care services. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply.
• Government-subsidized services are available to all eligible individuals, but depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of services.
• For certain services, such as the Support At Home Program, financial assessments may be required to determine if you need to pay an income-tested fee.
• Low-income individuals will still receive support; fee reductions or exemptions may apply based on financial hardship.

Typical Co-Contributions for My Aged Care Services

The government provides funding for aged care, but some individuals may need to contribute based on their income and assets. Below is a breakdown of typical contributions:

Key Notes:

• Full pensioners pay only 5% for independence services and 17.5% for everyday living services.
• Part pensioners & CSHC holders contribute between 5%-50% for independence services and 17.5%-80% for everyday living services, based on an assessment by Services Australia.
• Contributions are capped at a $130,000 lifetime limit.
• Income levels are subject to government review and adjustment.
• Actual service costs may vary based on provider pricing and government price caps.
• There is no income limit to access My Aged Care services. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply.
• Government-subsidised services are available to all eligible individuals, but depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of services.
• For certain services, such as Home Care Packages, financial assessments may be required to determine if you need to pay an income-tested fee.
• Low-income individuals will still receive support; fee reductions or exemptions may apply based on financial hardship.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to access a range of services, including:

• Personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming).
• Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation).
• Social support (help staying connected with your community).
• Nursing care (health monitoring and medication management).
• Home modifications (installation of safety rails, ramps, etc.).
• Respite care (temporary relief for family carers).
• Allied health and therapy services (physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, speech therapy).
• Restorative and reablement programs (short-term support to regain independence).
• Assistive technology and equipment (mobility aids, smart home technology).
• Expanded social and community engagement services (group activities, companionship programs).



How to Apply for My Aged Care

To begin the process, you need to register with My Aged Care. You can do this by:

• Online: Submitting an application on the My Aged Care website here.
• By Phone: Calling My Aged Care at 1800 200 422.

Once registered, you will be guided through the following steps, including a formal assessment to determine the level of support you qualify for.

How Long Does It Take to Access Services?

• Wait times for My Aged Care services can vary depending on the type of care needed and availability in your area.
• Depending on the level of care required, wait times for Support At Home Program can range from several months to over a year.
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services are often quicker to access, as they provide entry-level support.
• Urgent cases like those with high-risk health concerns or carer breakdown may be prioritised for faster service allocation.
• The National Priority System determines the order in which services are assigned, considering factors like health risks and current support levels.

Want to know what happens next? Read our guide on what to expect during a My Aged Care assessment here.

Get Support with FOCUS Connect

FOCUS Connect is a trusted Support at Home provider in South West Sydney and Northern Sydney Suburbs Support at Home Provider.  We offer personalised and culturally inclusive services to help seniors maintain their independence at home.

We provide Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Nursing Services, In-Home Respite Care, Transport Services, and Social Support to help you maintain independence and well-being at home.

As part of our care management, we also coordinate additional services to support the goals outlined in your Care Plan, including lawn and garden maintenance, home modifications and repairs, meal services, allied health support, and home care equipment.