“Home Care Package eligibility” remains a common search, but the program has changed. Since 1 November 2025, new applicants have been assessed under Australia’s current aged care system, which includes Support at Home. The first step is to check whether the person meets the requirements for an aged care assessment and explain the support they need.

Key takeaways

  • Assessment access depends on care needs and age: generally 65 or older, or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, or 50 or older for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • Age alone does not determine which services a person can access. An aged care assessment considers their circumstances and needs.
  • Approval for Support at Home and the later allocation of ongoing funding are separate steps.
  • Historical Home Care Package transition rules apply to eligible people from before 1 November 2025, not to new applicants.
  • A Notice of Decision explains the assessment outcome and how to raise concerns or ask for a review.

This national guide is general information, not a decision about any person’s eligibility. Check My Aged Care for current information about individual circumstances.

What does “Home Care Package eligibility” mean now?

The Home Care Packages Program was replaced by Support at Home on 1 November 2025. People making a new request apply for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. The assessment determines which government-funded services may suit their needs; it does not create a new Home Care Package approval. (My Aged Care’s Support at Home overview)

The phrase “Home Care Package eligibility” can refer to either a new request for help or an older approval or waiting-list status. The former program’s four HCP levels are not the current framework for new applicants. For an explanation of those historical labels, see our Home Care Package levels guide.

Keep three questions separate: can the person request an assessment, which services does the assessment approve, and when will ongoing funding be available? The decision addresses the first two. Ongoing Support at Home funding is allocated through a separate priority system, so approval does not always mean that funding or services start straight away.

Who can request an aged care assessment?

My Aged Care says a person must have care needs and meet one of these age conditions to qualify for an aged care assessment:

  • They are 65 years or older.
  • They are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older.
  • They are homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 or older.

The assessment process also considers how much help the person needs with everyday tasks. Changes in mobility, memory, health or family support may help explain their circumstances, but no single example guarantees approval. My Aged Care’s requirements checker is an initial step, not a personal eligibility ruling or a promise of a particular service.

Some people may be assessed for a different aged care service or program instead of Support at Home. The assessment outcome, rather than age alone or a family member’s estimate, determines which services the person is approved to access.

How do you request an assessment?

A person can apply online, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or arrange an in-person appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia centre. My Aged Care’s assessment application guide explains these options. Someone can also complete an application on another person’s behalf.

After applying, screening uses the information provided to refer the person to an assessment organisation and assign a referral priority. This priority indicates how quickly the assessment should take place and how urgently services may be needed. It is not the final service decision or the separate priority for ongoing Support at Home funding.

A family member, friend or community representative can help with an application or attend an assessment. The older person should remain involved as much as they wish. If someone needs another person to help communicate or access information, check My Aged Care’s guidance on registering a supporter. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can ask My Aged Care about culturally safe assessment options.

What happens during an assessment?

A trained assessor discusses the person’s situation and support needs to determine what services may be suitable. Assessments usually happen at home, but may take place at another location, by telehealth or over the phone. (How to get assessed)

It can help to prepare notes about:

  • daily tasks that have become difficult, unsafe or tiring, such as showering, preparing meals or moving around
  • what has changed and whether the person’s needs vary from day to day
  • health, mobility or memory changes that affect daily life
  • help already provided by family, friends, community services or paid workers
  • the person’s goals, routines, language, cultural preferences and the support they would accept.

These are prompts for an honest conversation, not a formula for qualifying. The assessor needs a realistic picture of what the person can manage, where help is needed and what matters to them. A supporter can help recall examples or ask questions, with the person’s agreement. See My Aged Care’s assessment preparation guidance for information and documents to have ready.

What does the decision tell you, and when can funding start?

If Support at Home services are approved, the assessment organisation sends a Notice of Decision. It lists the approved services, any short-term support, the reasons and evidence for the decision, a support plan and information about review rights. Read the letter carefully and contact My Aged Care if anything is unclear. (Assessment outcome: Support at Home)

Approval for ongoing services is not necessarily the same as having funding available immediately. Ongoing Support at Home funding is allocated through a priority system that considers the person’s priority category and approval date. The Notice of Decision explains the person’s status and next steps. My Aged Care’s wait-time guidance can change, so treat it as an estimate rather than a guaranteed start date.

The approved services, funding availability and a provider’s availability are separate matters. For questions about the person’s status or next step, contact My Aged Care rather than assuming an approval letter means support will begin straight away.

If you are comparing what an approved budget can be used for, our guide to spending Home Care Package and Support at Home funds explains the service-plan connection. For the difference between service categories and excluded costs, see Home Care Package inclusions and exclusions.

What if you disagree or the person’s needs change?

If the decision does not seem to reflect the person’s needs, read the review or appeal instructions in the Notice of Decision. A person can request a free internal review within 28 days of receiving the letter, using the official request form or by writing to the Department as explained in the notice. A family member, friend or registered supporter can also make the request on the person’s behalf. (My Aged Care’s assessment review guidance)

If the person disagrees with the internal review outcome, they can ask the Administrative Review Tribunal for an external review. An internal review must happen first, and a fee applies to the external review. Check the current instructions before applying. This does not guarantee a different decision.

It may help to identify the specific point that needs clarification and gather relevant information about the person’s current circumstances. For example, note changes in daily activities, existing support and needs that were not explained during the assessment. This can help the person describe the issue when requesting a review.

If needs change after an assessment, ask My Aged Care whether a Support Plan Review or reassessment is appropriate. Someone receiving services can request a support plan review; the assessor may recommend reassessment if needs have changed significantly. A person who was previously found ineligible can also ask to be reassessed if their needs change. (When to get a support plan review or reassessment)

Who has a transitioned Home Care Package classification?

Some people have transition arrangements because they were already in the former Home Care Packages system before Support at Home began. My Aged Care says a person assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package on or before 31 October 2025 will receive a classification equivalent to their approved HCP level when funding becomes available. People who transitioned from an existing HCP continue with a classification equivalent to their previous funding level. (Support at Home costs and contributions)

This is a historical transition rule, not a way to apply for a new Home Care Package. People seeking support now should follow the current aged care assessment pathway. The transition cutoff is also different from the earlier date used for contribution protections for some people who were receiving or had been approved for an HCP. These arrangements depend on a person’s circumstances and dates, so check the official guidance or ask My Aged Care rather than inferring an outcome from an old level label.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a new Home Care Package in 2026?

No. The Home Care Packages Program was replaced by Support at Home on 1 November 2025. A new applicant can request an aged care assessment through My Aged Care to find out which current services may be suitable.

Does meeting the age requirement mean I qualify for Support at Home?

No. Age is only part of the assessment requirements. The person also needs care needs, and the assessment determines which service or program may be suitable. Use My Aged Care’s requirements checker as a starting point.

Can I apply for an older person or attend their assessment?

You can help another person with an application, and a trusted person can support them during the process. The older person’s agreement and any supporter or consent arrangements still matter. Check My Aged Care’s guidance on registering a supporter.

Does approval mean Support at Home starts straight away?

Not necessarily. The assessment decision and the allocation of ongoing Support at Home funding are separate. The Notice of Decision explains the approval and next steps.

Can I ask for a review if I disagree?

The Notice of Decision includes information about review rights and how to raise concerns. Follow the instructions in the letter, and contact My Aged Care if you need help understanding them.

A practical next step

If you are considering aged care support for yourself or someone you support, check My Aged Care’s requirements and read the application guidance. Before the assessment, note examples of the help needed, what has changed and what the person wants to keep doing. After the assessment, use the Notice of Decision to understand approved services, review options and any separate funding steps. A new Home Care Package application is no longer available, but My Aged Care can explain which current aged care pathway may fit the person’s circumstances.