The aged care assessment (ACAT), explained
Plain-English guide · updated 13 July 2026
What the assessment is for
The assessment works out what level of care you need and which subsidised services you can access — support at home, residential respite, or permanent residential aged care. The resulting approval letter and referral code are the gate: a home generally can't admit you for subsidised care until you're approved.
ACAT and the Single Assessment System
Historically, an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessed people for higher-needs residential care, while the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) handled entry-level home support. Since 9 December 2024 these sit under the national Single Assessment System: the former ACAT assessment is now officially a “comprehensive assessment” and the RAS assessment a “home support assessment”, so one assessment covers the full range of needs. Most families still call it “the ACAT”.
Source: Department of Health — Single Assessment System and My Aged Care — Assessment.
How to arrange one
- Register with My Aged Care (online or 1800 200 422).
- An assessor contacts you to arrange a visit — usually in your home, or in hospital if you're being discharged.
- The assessor discusses your health, daily tasks, safety and supports.
- You receive an assessment outcome letter (a Notice of Decision) listing the care types you're approved for, plus referral codes — one per approved service — to give to providers.
Approved, or getting there?
See the strongest-rated homes near you and check your eligibility with the one you like.
See Providers near you →Wait times and what you receive
Wait times vary with urgency. An urgent hospital discharge can be assessed within days; a routine assessment may take several weeks. Once approved, your outcome letter and referral codes let you apply to homes — there's no central allocation, so you apply directly, often to more than one.
Common questions
Is the aged care assessment free?
Yes. The assessment arranged through My Aged Care is free of charge.
How long is the wait for an ACAT assessment?
It depends on urgency and your area. Urgent cases such as a hospital discharge are prioritised and can be seen within days; routine assessments may take a few weeks.
What's the difference between ACAT and RAS?
They were two assessment pathways — ACAT for higher-needs and residential care, RAS for entry-level home support. Since December 2024 they sit under the Single Assessment System: the former ACAT is now a “comprehensive assessment” and RAS a “home support assessment”.
Do I need an assessment for a nursing home?
Yes. To move into a residential aged care home with government subsidy you need to be assessed and approved for residential care first.
What if my needs are urgent?
Tell My Aged Care your situation is urgent — hospital discharges and urgent cases are fast-tracked, often within days.
Last updated 13 July 2026. Sources are linked inline and drawn from Australian Government and peak-body publications.