Preparing for your assessment

This includes confirming your eligibility and any need for language or advocacy support services. They will also arrange a time for your assessment.

You might feel worried about having an assessment but knowing what to expect can help you be prepared. The assessment is a key step towards getting the support you need.

Assessments are done in person, usually at your own home (or current residence). You don’t need to go anywhere.

How long will I need to wait for my assessment?

How long you wait for an assessment depends on 2 main factors:

• where you live (your service area)
• the type of assessment you need.

How to check wait times in your area

To find the typical (median) wait times in your area, follow these steps:

1. Find your service area
   Visit the Service Map and enter your address in the search bar. A box will display your service area (e.g. VIC 1).
2. Locate your service area in the table below
   Return to this page to view the 'Median wait times for aged care assessments' table.
3. Check the wait times for your assessment type
   You will see 2 types of assessment in the table:
   • Home Support Assessment for low-level help at home, usually provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
   • Comprehensive Assessment for higher care needs, including help at home services, short-term care, or an aged care home.

The median wait time in your area depends on your assessment type. If you're unsure which type you have been referred for, you can:

• ask the assessment organisation when they call you to schedule your appointment
• call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Median wait times for aged care assessments (October–December 2025)

Median Days = the middle point of how many days people waited. This is based on the time from when a referral is submitted to when an assessment occurs.

*Data current as of 9 January 2026. 

How should I prepare for my assessment?

Organising everything you need before the assessment can help you feel more relaxed and confident. Think about your goals, needs, wishes and preferences in advance. For example, you may want to have someone with you at the assessment, such as a family member, friend or carer, registered supporter, Elder Care Support worker, care finder or interpreter.  

If you want, someone supporting you can give the assessor information before your assessment.

Arranging someone to be with you

You can choose to have a family member, friend, carer or registered supporter with you during your assessment.

If you need an interpreter, you can request one at any time in the process.

If you want someone to be involved with you in aged care discussions, help to access and update information, and/or support you to make or communicate your own decisions, you can request to register that person as your supporter. The assessor can do this for you during your assessment.  

Learn more about registered supporters and how they can help you.

If you’re an older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you can also have an Elder Care Support worker attend the assessment with you to help make it more culturally safe and support you through this process.

If you want someone to support you during the assessment but don’t know anyone you’re comfortable receiving help from, a care finder may be able to attend with you.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network can also help you and give you information about your rights. Advocates are available to if you’re seeking or receiving aged care services. This is a free service. To find out more, call the National Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 (free call) or visit the Older Persons Advocacy Network website.

Gathering information

The assessor will ask to see some documents and will also need some information. For the assessment, make sure you’re prepared with:

• your Medicare card and one other form of ID – such as driver's license, healthcare card, passport or DVA card
• a copy of any referrals from your doctor  
• contact details for your GP or other health professionals  
• information on any support you receive
• information you already have about aged care services that you may want to discuss.

Preparing questions to ask the assessor

You may also like to prepare some questions in advance. These include:

• What services are available to help me reach my goals?
• What services are available locally, and what are the waiting times?
• What support is there for my carer?
• Are there service providers and staff that speak my language or understand my identity and life experiences, or spiritual or cultural beliefs and needs?
• How can I contact the assessor if I have any questions after the assessment?

What will happen at the assessment?

Before starting, your assessor will ask if you agree to have the assessment. They may also ask for your permission to talk to people who support you, such as family, your carer, registered supporter or nominated Elder Care support person.

What happens after the assessment?

After your assessment, you (and, where relevant, your registered supporter) will receive your Notice of Decision (a letter outlining the outcome of your assessment) and a copy of your support plan. This will be provided shortly after your assessment by post or email. You can also view your support plan by logging into your My Aged Care Online Account. 

If you don’t agree with the assessment outcome outlined in your Notice of Decision, you have the right to request a review of that decision. This is called an internal review.  

Learn more about the next steps to consider after your assessment. This includes what to do if you don’t receive an assessment outcome and support plan or if you don’t agree with your assessment outcome and how to request a review.