In this guide:
Built into the Support at Home program is a simpler and faster way for older Australians to access aged care funding: the Single Assessment System.
In the past, under the Home Care Package program, getting assessed for aged care funding could be slow and confusing. People were often passed between different assessment organisations as their needs changed, meaning they had to retell their story over and over.
The Single Assessment System streamlines this process. It provides a single assessment pathway and a more consistent experience.
Key features and improvements under the Single Assessment System
- One assessment provider for all stages of your aged care journey
- Less need to repeat your personal story
- Better access in regional, remote and rural areas
- Shorter wait times for assessments and funding allocation (with a target of 3 months by July 2027).
What's new under the Single Assessment System?
The Single Assessment System introduces 3 key updates to how aged care assessments are delivered across Australia:
- One single workforce now handles all aged care assessments
- The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) has been introduced to assess eligibility and help ensure support is tailored to each person
- First Nations organisations will lead culturally safe pathways for their communities.
Single Assessment System workforce
Since 9 December 2024, all aged care assessments have been handled by a single workforce. This new team replaces the former Regional Assessment Services (RAS), Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs), and independent AN-ACC assessors.
The workforce assesses eligibility for a wide range of services, including:
- Home support assessments for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Comprehensive assessments for:
- The Support at Home program
- Flexible aged care programs
- Residential respite
- Entry into residential aged care.
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is now used to assess aged care needs. It replaced the National Screening and Assessment Form. It helps assessors gather more useful and personalised information, so recommendations and referrals better reflect each person’s unique needs and situation.
Read more about the IAT and how it was trialled before launching.
First Nations assessments
From 1 November 2025, aged care assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be delivered by First Nations organisations. These assessments will be culturally safe, trauma-informed, and more closely aligned with community values and services.
Find out more about First Nations assessment organisations.
How do aged care assessments work under the SAS?
If you’re eligible and have applied for an assessment, someone from your local assessment organisation will contact you within 2 weeks. This first call is a short chat to determine the type of assessment that best fits your needs.
- If you have complex needs, your assessment will likely be carried out by a clinical professional, such as a nurse or GP.
- If your needs are more straightforward, you might be assessed by a trained professional without a clinical background. They’ll still have access to clinical advice if it’s needed.
During your assessment, the assessor will work with you to create a support plan. This plan outlines your goals, needs and recommended services, and it will help guide how your Support at Home funding is used.
Find out more about aged care assessments, or take a closer look at the steps to accessing Support at Home funding.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I'm already waiting for a Home Care Package assessment?
If you've already applied and are waiting for a Home Care Package assessment, you don't need to do anything else. Your application will continue as planned. An assessment organisation will contact you within 2 weeks of accepting your referral to arrange a visit.
If your assessment has already been booked, it will go ahead as planned at the scheduled time and date.
You can read more about the Single Assessment System in the government fact sheet, or in our Topic Library.
This article, and any of our linked documents or articles, provides our summary of Support at Home terms and is intended for general purposes only. Please contact My Aged Care for information specific to your circumstances.