Understanding the Single Assessment System for Aged Care

30 March 2025

30 Mar 2025

Since 9 Dec 2024, older people have been assessed for aged care services through the new Single Assessment System, which has simplified the process for older Australians to access aged care.

In summary:

Single Assessment System has been used to assess people since 9 December 2024
The new system will replace the multiple existing pathways
Wait times are expected to decrease
For more on the Single Assessment System, visit the official government page.

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Since 9 Dec 2024, older people have been assessed for aged care services through the new Single Assessment System, which has simplified the process for older Australians to access aged care. This system allows people to adjust their care services as their needs change, creating a simpler, more streamlined process.

Why aged care assessments matter

To receive government-funded aged care services, a person first needs to receive an aged care assessment. This assessment helps determine what level of care and support they need, as well as the specific types of services best suited to them.

How the Single Assessment System will help

The new Single Assessment System has replaced all existing assessment pathways, making the process simpler, less confusing, and easier to navigate. This change will also reduce the need for people to repeat their personal circumstances as they transition between assessment providers.

Creating a personalised support plan

During the assessment, the assessor will gather information to determine which services are needed and work with the individual to create a personalised support plan. Once approved for Support at Home, the individual will receive a notice of decision, which will include:

A summary of their aged care needs and goals
An ongoing quarterly budget based on assessed classification, and/or
An approval for short-term supports.

Short-term support approval may include a budget for:

Assistive technology and/or home modifications
Short-term restorative support e.g. intensive allied health services or end of life care.

Once funding becomes available, the individual will be encouraged to choose a provider in order to begin services. With the full rollout of the Support at Home program, wait times are expected to decrease to a target of three months by July 2027.

Learn more about the Single Assessment System.

Are you approved for a Home Care Package or looking for a new provider?

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.