Key messages
- A Commonwealth Aged Care Needs Assessment is available for people aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over. The assessment determines their eligibility to access Commonwealth government-funded aged care services
- The Commonwealth implemented the new Single Assessment System (SAS) in December 2024. This followed the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The SAS provides a streamlined assessment pathway, so there is no need to change assessment providers as circumstances and needs change over time.
- Information about assessments, how to make and manage referrals, and types of aged care services can be found on the My Aged Care website
- The SAS replaces the previous Regional Assessment Services (RAS) and Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS).
Assessments are free of charge. They can be requested by filling in an online form at My Aged Care, via phone on 1800 200 422. An assessment can also be requested in person at Services Australia Service Centres.
Aged Care Specialist Officers (ACSOs) are available to assist at several Services Australia centres. Learn more about the support they offer at the Services Australia website. To book an appointment with an ACSO, call the Services Australia Aged Care line on 1800 227 475.
For queries about referrals contact My Aged Care. This includes how to make referrals and to check on the status of your referral.
In Victoria, in-hospital assessments are delivered by the Victorian Department of Health. Sixteen health services and community health services deliver these assessments. These organisations also deliver community assessments alongside Commonwealth contracted providers.
Assessing special needs in older people
Special needs are considered when an assessment is conducted. A range of protocols and guidelines are in place to assist people with special needs in obtaining the right level of care.
More information is available at Accessible aged care services for Australians.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years
From 1 July 2025, First Nations assessment organisations will begin providing older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with more choice when seeking culturally safe aged care assessment.
For more information email firstnationsagedcareassessment@health.gov.au.
Services for younger people
People aged under 65 years (or under 50 years of age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples) should contact the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to test their eligibility to become a participant.
Those not eligible for supports through the NDIS may be eligible via the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP).
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