Homecare eligibility simplified: everything you need to know

The Federal Government subsidises in-home aged care services for eligible Australians. But exactly who qualifies for this kind of at-home support?

Benefits of a home care package

Home care packages can provide a range of valuable support services to help older Australians continue living independently in their own homes for longer. These services can include physio, cleaning assistance, nursing care, laundry and more. By receiving tailored in-home support, seniors are able to maintain their quality of life and independence whilst staying at home.

Home care package eligibility

You may be eligible for in-home aged care services if you are an Australian resident who is:

• 65 years of age or older
• An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who is 50 years of age or older.

In some special circumstances, younger people are also eligible for a home care package.

A range of factors may contribute to your eligibility, including:

• A diagnosis of a medical condition or reduced mobility
• A recent fall or admission to hospital
• A change in what you’re able to do or able to remember
• A change in your family care arrangements.

You can check your eligibility using the Federal Government’s My Aged Care Eligibility Checker. If you appear to be eligible, the website will prompt you to apply for an official assessment of your eligibility. You can also apply for an assessment directly.

The two types of home care options

There are two kinds of government-subsidised in-home care: the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP).

These offer different levels and kinds of support. Find out more about the differences here. 

Eligibility criteria

Who is eligible for CHSP?

If everyday tasks are starting to become more difficult, the CHSP provides access to entry-level support services to help older Australians live independently at home. Eligibility is based on both age and the support needed. You must:

• Be aged 65 years or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)
• Be aged 50 years or older (or 45 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) and on a low income, homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Have been assessed by the Regional Assessment Service as eligible for CHSP support.

CHSP recipients who can afford to may be required to contribute to the cost of their care, depending on the kind of support and the provider.

Who is eligible for HCP?

HCPs provide support for those with more complex needs but who are still able to live independently at home.

Eligibility is based on both age and the support needed. You must:

• Be aged 65 years or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)
• A younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not being met by other specialist service providers
• Have been assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team as being eligible for an HCP.

Your financial situation will not affect your eligibility for a home care package, but you may be required to have an income assessment to determine how much you will need to contribute to your care.

Eligibility for the different levels of HCP 

There are four levels of HCP. Which level you are eligible for depends on the complexity of your needs. Eligibility is determined by the Aged Care Assessment Team.

How to access in-home care 

If you think you are eligible, the first step to accessing in-home aged care support services is to apply for an assessment.

The assessment process is quick and simple - it will typically take 15-20 minutes to complete the online form. You'll need to have your Medicare card handy and be prepared to provide details about your current health, living situation, and care requirements.

You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. If you'd like to nominate an ongoing support person, you can do so as part of the application process. 

Once you've submitted your application, an ACAT assessor will be in touch to schedule a time to visit your home and conduct the full assessment. This in-depth evaluation considers all aspects of your wellbeing and daily living needs to determine the level of government-subsidised home care support you are eligible to receive. We've got everything you need to know about organising and receiving an ACAT assessment available here. 

Get in touch 

If you still have some questions regarding your eligibility for home care, give us a call on 1300 223 968 or email [email protected].