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Am I eligible for Support at Home?

Three quick questions to see if you or a family member may qualify for Australia's government-funded aged care program.

Check my eligibility ↓What is Support at Home?
2 min readUpdated November 2025Free for families
65+
Eligible age (general)
50+
For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
Free
ACAT assessment
1800 200 422
My Aged Care hotline
What you'll find out

Support at Home has three core eligibility criteria: age, residency status, and whether care can be provided at home.

Use the checker below for a general guide. Formal eligibility is only confirmed through a free ACAT assessment via My Aged Care — but this will help you understand where you stand before you call.

The three eligibility criteria

To be eligible for Support at Home, a person must meet all three:

1
Age
Aged 65 or older — or aged 50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2
Residency
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a visa that meets the residency requirements under the Aged Care Act. If you are unsure whether your visa qualifies, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
3
Living situation
Have care needs that can be met at home. People already living permanently in a residential aged care facility are not eligible for Support at Home.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Criteria are subject to change — always confirm with My Aged Care (1800 200 422).

Check your eligibility

Answer three questions to get a general guide. This is not a formal determination.

General guide only. This is not a formal eligibility determination. The only way to formally confirm eligibility is through a free ACAT assessment via My Aged Care (1800 200 422). Criteria sourced from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Question 1 of 30% complete

How old is the person who needs care?

What happens after you're approved?

Eligibility is just the first step. Once your ACAT assessment confirms approval, you'll need to:

Wait for a package to be assigned (wait times vary by level and location)
Choose an approved Support at Home provider from hundreds of options
Sign a service agreement and begin your care plan

Choosing a provider is the hardest part

There are hundreds of approved providers across Australia. WithSally helps you find the right one for your situation — free, always.

Special circumstances

Younger people with a disability
People under 65 (or under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) may be eligible for support through the NDIS. Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
People currently in hospital
If someone is in hospital but planning to return home, they may still be assessed for Support at Home. An ACAT assessment can be arranged while in hospital.
Carers and family members
A family member, carer, or support person can contact My Aged Care on your behalf and be present during your ACAT assessment.
Unsure about visa status?
Visa eligibility for aged care is assessed individually under the Aged Care Act. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 — they can advise based on your specific visa and circumstances. An interpreter service is available.
How WithSally helps

Already approved? We'll connect you with the right provider.

Once your ACAT assessment confirms eligibility, the next challenge is choosing from hundreds of approved Support at Home providers. Some specialise in dementia care. Some have stronger cultural support. Some will simply be a better fit for your family.

We take the time to understand your situation, then give you a shortlist of the best providers for your needs and call you back within one business day. Free, always.

Find my provider — it's free →