What is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care is an Australian Government organisation that helps older Australians access the care they need. 

My Aged Care provides a range of aged care support options. This includes providing you with funding that can help you pay for all, or the majority of the in home aged care services you need. This is also called subsidised or funded aged care.

If you are 65 years and over, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 years and over, or are at risk of experiencing homelessness and are over 50 years, you may be eligible to receive Government funding for aged care services, depending on your needs.

Registering with My Aged Care to arrange an assessment is the first step you need to take if you would like Government funded aged care services. They will then organise an assessment to understand your needs and to determine the level of funding and support you need. Once you have been assessed, you will know which type of funding you will be eligible to receive.

1. Register with My Aged Care

To start the process, you will need to register for aged care services through My Aged Care. You can register by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (free call) or you can visit myagedcare.gov.au.

Once you have registered you will receive an Aged Care Identification Number, which is used to identify you each time you call.

2. Request an assessment

When you ask for an assessment, you will be asked questions about your current situation and if you need help with everyday tasks. This information will go towards creating your individual Support Plan.

You will also be asked for personal information like your Medicare details, and your financial situation. If your deemed eligible, you will be referred for an assessment. This may be done over the phone, in person or in your home by a MAC assessor.

You can ask a friend, family member, or carer to be with you during your assessment, and you can also have a translator or Auslan interpreter. Tip: Make sure that you have your Aged Care Identification Number ready for your visit.

3. Confirmation of funding approval

You will receive a letter from My Aged Care advising you of the outcome of your assessment, including a My Aged Care Referral Number, what level of funding you have been approved to receive and a copy of your My Aged Care Support Plan.

Once you have received your Support Plan from My Aged Care, you can then choose an aged care service provider to provide you with the services you need, in the comfort of your own home.

4. Choosing a provider 

You will need to choose an in home aged care provider. Only after your provider has received your referral code or “MAC Code”, and you have signed a Service Agreement, can you start to receive services.

You can also call My Aged Care and ask them to send your referral details to the provider you have chosen for your care. The provider will contact you to make a time to talk about the service you need and provide you with a Service Agreement.

5. What you can spend your funding on

If you are eligible for aged care funding through My Aged Care, you can spend your funding on the services and supports you need to live well and stay healthy. There is a range of services you can access depending on your assessed needs, and the funding you receive. Services can range from a little help at home for a short period, to ongoing care for complex health needs.

Silverchain provides a large range of in home aged care services in all states of Australia, including the Australian Capital Territory, designed to help you be independent, do the things you love, and stay at home for as long as you wish.

The Australian Government requires you to pay some financial contribution towards your care, if you can afford to do so. These costs are called ‘co-contributions’, and the amount you need to contribute will be determined by Services Australia.