Support at Home Wait Times: How Long Could You Wait For Support?
- 7 min read
A Quick Snapshot
- Assessment: the latest national median wait was 26 days.
- Triage: should normally happen within 3 days of your referral.
- Assessment appointment: usually scheduled within 5 – 40 days, depending on your circumstances and priority.
- After approval: your priority category determines how long you may wait for ongoing funding.
- Urgent cases: current estimated funding wait is within 1 month.
Standard priority: current estimated funding wait is 7–8 months.
The first thing you need to know about applying for a Support at Home package is that there is a queue. Each application is ultimately individually assessed and that will probably include a one-on-one personal interview to determine which level of funding you should receive. That takes time.
There are several stages between applying for an assessment and actually receiving ongoing Support at Home services. Your needs are first assessed and triaged. If you’re approved, your priority category then affects when government funding becomes available.
That’s an important distinction if you’re just starting the process.
You may get your assessment within weeks, but if you’re approved for ongoing Support at Home, there may then be a further wait before your government-funded package becomes available.
What happens after you apply?
1. Apply
2. Triage
A trained clinical staff member reviews your referral and considers your eligibility, the type of assessment you need and its priority.
Triage should normally be completed within 3 calendar days.
People with higher levels of risk or need may be triaged faster.
3. Assessment
The latest published figures show a 26-day national median wait from referral to assessment, for assessments completed between April and June 2026.
4. Assessment outcome
If you’re approved for ongoing Support at Home, your assessment outcome will include your support plan and a priority category.
5. Funding becomes available
How long could I wait for Support at Home funding?
These are estimates, not guaranteed waiting times. They were last updated on 30 June 2026.
What is the triage process?
If your situation is urgent, don’t be afraid to say so.
If your circumstances change while you’re waiting – for example, your ability to manage at home deteriorates or your carer can no longer provide the same level of help, contact My Aged Care, My Guardian, or your assessment organisation.
What if I can't wait?
If you need support before your ongoing funding becomes available, there may be other options.
Interim funding
Where the wait for ongoing funding is longer than expected, you may be allocated interim funding.
This provides 60% of your approved funding so you can access your most critical services while you wait for the remainder.
Interim funding isn’t offered to everyone.
Urgent priority funding is expected within one month, so urgent cases aren’t offered interim funding on this basis.
Other pathways
If you’re approved for the Restorative Care Pathway or End-of-Life Pathway, funding is available immediately and there is no waitlist for these pathways.
What can you do while you're waiting?
Prepare for your assessment
A family member, friend, carer or other supporter (such as My Guardian) can be with you during your assessment.
Begin researching providers
You can start looking at home care providers before your funding becomes available.
Keep My Aged Care informed
If your circumstances change significantly while you’re waiting, let My Aged Care know.
Your needs today may not be the same as your needs when your funding becomes available.
How My Guardian can help
You don’t have to work out the aged care system on your own.
If you’re thinking about applying for an assessment, talk to My Guardian first.
If you’ve already applied, we can also help you understand the next steps and what to think about while you’re waiting.
Call My Guardian and talk it through with us.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Support at Home assessment?
The latest national median wait was 26 days from referral to assessment. Your actual wait may be shorter or longer depending on your circumstances, the type of assessment required and local capacity.
How quickly is my application triaged?
Triage should normally be completed within 3 calendar days of your referral. People with higher levels of risk or need may be triaged faster.
How long will I wait for Support at Home funding?
It depends on your priority. Current estimates range from within one month for urgent priority to 7–8 months for standard priority.
What if my situation becomes urgent?
Contact My Aged Care or your assessment organisation and explain what has changed. If you need urgent support, ask what help may be available while you’re waiting.
Can I choose a provider while I'm waiting?
Yes. You can research home care providers before your funding becomes available, so you’re better prepared when you’re able to start services.
Can I get support while I'm waiting for funding?
You may be eligible for interim funding, other government-funded pathways or non-government-funded services, depending on your circumstances.
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