Consider a daughter who has just realised her mum needs more help than the family can keep providing. She's heard "Support at Home" and "My Aged Care" but doesn't know what happens first, or how long any of it takes.
This example is illustrative. The application and assessment are run by the Australian Government through My Aged Care.
Step 1: Register with My Aged Care
You (or a family member or representative helping you) register basic details about the person needing support at My Aged Care. There's no Support at Home funding without it.
Step 2: The aged care assessment
An assessor talks with you (usually at home) about how you're managing day to day and where you need help. That determines your eligibility and your funding level. Our guide on the My Aged Care assessment covers how to get ready.
Step 3: Approval and your funding
If you're approved, you'll be told your funding classification and what it covers. There can be a wait before funding becomes available; our guide on what to do while you wait helps you use that time.
Step 4: Choose your provider and start
Once funding is approved you choose who delivers your care. With Partner with Care you pick your own local worker and keep control of your budget, while we act as the registered provider behind the arrangement. See self-managed vs provider-managed, or check am I eligible for Support at Home?