Navigating My Aged Care
Start with My Aged Care
Getting started
If you are new to aged care, My Aged Care is where you start. It is the starting point for accessing Australian government-subsidised aged care services, including the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Support at Home. Holdsworth is here to support you on your journey, from preparing for an assessment to accessing services.
What is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the starting point for accessing government-subsidised aged care services. You can contact My Aged Care by phone (1800 200 422) or online. My Aged Care can provide:
- Information on the different types of aged care services available
- An assessment of your needs to identify your eligibility and the right type of care
- Referrals and support to find providers that can meet your needs
- Information on what you might need to pay towards the cost of your care
My Aged Care does not deliver care itself. Providers such as Holdsworth do.
By phone
Call 1800 200 422. A My Aged Care team member asks a few questions and arranges your assessment.
Online
Complete the form on the My Aged Care website if it is your first application.
In person
Call 1800 227 475 to book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia centre.
Which programs can you access?
For people who want to keep living at home, there are two government-subsidised programs. An assessment of your needs identifies what you’re eligible to access. Approval is not automatic, and if you disagree with the outcome, you can ask for a review. Not sure which program is right for you? Our team can explain your options and help you prepare for your assessment.
Commonwealth Home Support Program
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is entry-level support for people aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who want to keep living at home and stay active in the community. It includes support such as domestic assistance, transport, meals and social support.
Support at Home program
Support at Home is the government’s in-home aged care program for people with higher care needs. It replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. After your assessment, you receive one of eight classifications, each with a quarterly budget for services like personal care, nursing, allied health and home help.
Other types of care
My Aged Care also covers other types of care to suit your needs. These include equipment and home changes to help you stay safe and independent, short-term care to help you recover after a setback, respite care when your carer needs a break, and aged care homes. Your assessor will explain which options suit you.
From registration to receiving services
Your aged care journey
Knowing what to expect can make the process feel easier. Here’s what happens from your first call to My Aged Care to starting your services.
Receive your Notice of Decision
Outcome
After your assessment, you receive a letter called a Notice of Decision, by post or email. It tells you if you’re eligible and what you’re approved for, along with your support plan. If you haven’t heard back after some time, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Connect with a provider
Start services
If you’re approved for CHSP, you’ll get a referral code for each service, such as transport or meals. Give each code to your chosen provider. Some providers only offer one service, so you may need more than one. If you’re approved for Support at Home, you’ll join the Support at Home Priority System until funding is available. You’ll then receive a letter with a referral code and have 56 days to choose a provider and start services.