My Aged Care, explained
Plain-English guide · updated 13 July 2026
What is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government's single front door to subsidised aged care, run by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. You can reach it online at myagedcare.gov.au or by phone on 1800 200 422. Registration and assessment are free.
It exists because aged care in Australia is subsidised: the government pays most of the cost, so access is gated by an assessment of your needs rather than simply booking a bed.
How to get started, step by step
- Register. Call 1800 200 422 or register online. A family member or carer can do this for you and act as your representative.
- Get assessed. A free aged-care assessment (still often called an ACAT assessment) works out which services you're eligible for.
- Receive approval. You get an approval letter and referral codes for the care types you're approved for.
- Choose a provider. This part is up to you — the government does not pick a home for you.
Ready to compare providers?
Enter your postcode to see every aged-care provider near you, ranked on the government's own star ratings.
See Providers near you →What My Aged Care does — and doesn't — do
My Aged Care assesses your needs, approves you for care, and lists registered providers. What it doesn't do is tell you which home is best, or apply on your behalf. There is no central waiting list: families contact homes directly, often applying to several at once.
That gap is exactly where an independent comparison helps. Elderberry ranks every provider on the government's own Star Ratings so you can see the strongest options near you at a glance, then check your eligibility with the home you like.
Common questions
What is the My Aged Care phone number?
My Aged Care is on 1800 200 422. Lines are generally open Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 10am–2pm (local time). Confirm current hours at myagedcare.gov.au.
Is My Aged Care free?
Yes. Registering and being assessed are free. The care itself is government-subsidised, and depending on your income and assets you may contribute to the cost of your care and accommodation.
Do I have to use My Aged Care to get aged care?
To access Government-subsidised aged care, yes — assessment and approval are arranged through My Aged Care. You can pay for care privately without it, but most Australians use the subsidised system.
Can someone register on my behalf?
Yes. A family member, friend or carer can register for you and be recorded as your representative so they can speak to My Aged Care and providers for you.
How long does it take?
Registration is quick. Assessment wait times vary — urgent cases (for example a hospital discharge) can be assessed within days, while routine assessments may take a few weeks.
Last updated 13 July 2026. Sources are linked inline and drawn from Australian Government and peak-body publications.