Guide to My Aged Care Assessment and Home Care Package Referral Code

Is ageing causing you or a family member to experience life changes needing support?

Exploring the available resources can be a process that some may find complex. But the My Aged Care system, introduced by the Australian Government, is designed to simplify the process. With significant support available for older individuals, gaining knowledge of these resources can effectively help manage this new phase as smoothly as possible.

My Aged Care is the Australian Government system responsible for providing elderly Australians with help at home.

The information is accessible online via the My Aged Care website, by calling the team over the phone, or in person at a Centrelink office. You can visit the online website to learn more about the types of aged care services available, initiate an assessment of individual needs, identify eligibility for supports, and find information on accessing the appropriate type of care.

Once you or a family member needing support is deemed eligible, My Aged Care is responsible for issuing referral codes. These codes allow people to access supports and services via their assigned Home Care Package.

My Aged Care referral codes

A My Aged Care referral code is a unique number assigned to an individual when the My Aged Care team approves their Home Care Package. This code is required to access services and support from a wide variety of providers.

You can give this referral code to your prospective service provider, by which they can access your ACAT/ACAS assessment information. This assessment contains all relevant information about your needs and requirements.

The referral code also serves as the key link that allows your chosen provider to confirm themselves as suppliers of your services on the My Aged Care portal. Once confirmed, they can access your Home Care Package funding on your behalf.

How to Access My Aged Care Assessment Referral

Referral codes are the result of the My Aged Care assessment process. This process commences when you register for My Aged Care through the abovementioned process in this article. No referral is necessary to apply for the assessment process as long as the applicant is over 65 and needs care and support to live independently in their home.

You can register with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422. You can also have someone call on your behalf if you need assistance. It’s best to allow up to 30 minutes for the initial phone call, which will result in your registration for My Aged Care and the arrangement of an in-home assessment. This step does not automatically guarantee you the home care package of support, but is the first important step towards your journey with My Aged Care support.

A My Aged Care team member will complete the in-home assessment by visiting you at home or in the hospital to assess your ongoing needs. This process will involve asking you and your loved ones about your current support systems, needs, and ongoing personal care and wellbeing considerations.

How to use the My Aged Care referral code you have received

Once you are deemed eligible for support after an assessment by an aged care assessment team member, you will receive a letter with the referral code.

Examples of a HCP referral code can be like the one below:

1-43325251

1-6778-745

1-86356283426

Every referral code is distinct for each approved My Aged Care support applicant. This approved funding is known as the Home Care Package (also referred to as HCP)

Once shared with the provider, this referral code allows your care provider to access your care documents and assessments. This information helps them determine if they are suitable for your needs. Once the service provider assesses your needs and determines they can help you, they will use the referral code provided by you on the My Aged Care provider portal to complete the client sign-up process, enabling them to access your Home Care Package funding on your behalf. Once this is finalised, they can begin their support work.

The difference between a My Aged Care referral code and a CHSP referral code

Referral codes are individual numbers that start with 1 and are followed by eight or more other numbers.

You may receive a letter from My Aged Care with multiple codes. These may be CHSP referral codes rather than your My Aged Care referral code, which allows you to receive interim funding while waiting for your Home Care Package to be assigned.

Home Care Packages (HCP) versus the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

• CHSP is not an individualised funding model. It is suitable for those needing a few basic services to support their independence. 

  
  

• HCP is an individualised funding model. It is suitable for those who need more comprehensive and ongoing care due to more complex needs. 

  
  

• The aged care assessment team would decide whether you will receive HCP or CHSP.

  
  

• You will receive a letter with a referral code once you are approved for either funding.

Home care package level *

Home Care Package Level	Yearly Amount Covered	Care Level
Level 1	$10,687 per year	Basic care needs
Level 2	$18,794 per year	Low-level care needs
Level 3	$40,906 per year	Intermediate care
Level 4	$62,014 per year	High-level care

How to change my Aged Care service providers

If you need to change providers, it's wise to begin by reviewing your current Home Care Agreement. This document may contain information about notice periods and exit fees that could affect your funding allocations.

You must inform My Aged Care, which will reactivate your referral code. You can give this new code to your new provider, as they require it to start offering their services to you.

You must also inform your current provider, who must work with you, to facilitate a smooth transition between them and your new service provider. A transition date will be set to ensure the handover happens without disrupting your support or losing any funding.

If you need support switching home care providers, our friendly team is available to ensure the process is as seamless as possible. Contact us by clicking here.