Understanding aged care assessment levels matters for accessing home care support in Australia. The assessment many people still call ACAT (the Aged Care Assessment Team) determines your eligibility for government-funded aged care services. This guide explains how the assessment process works today and the funding levels available.

Important update (2026): The assessment process has changed. Since 9 December 2024, the Single Assessment System has replaced the separate ACAT and RAS teams. The in-depth assessment formerly done by ACAT is now called a comprehensive assessment; the lower-needs assessment is now a home support assessment. Both are carried out by assessment organisations. Separately, Support at Home replaced home care packages on 1 November 2025, moving from four package levels to eight classification levels. We explain both the current system and the older terminology below, because many people still search for “ACAT” and “home care package levels”.

Try Our Free Tool: Not sure which level you might qualify for? Take our ACAT Assessment Level Quiz to get an estimate based on your care needs in just 3 minutes.

2026 update: IAT assessment tool controversy

In February 2026, concerns emerged regarding the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) used in aged care assessments. The IAT replaced the National Screening and Assessment Form on 1 July 2024 and is the single tool used under the Single Assessment System. According to reporting by The Guardian Australia on February 23, 2026, calls for help to advocacy services surged by 50% after the IAT was introduced, with approximately 7,500 requests made in the quarter following its launch compared to 5,000 in the previous quarter.

Aged care workers and clinicians have described the algorithm-based tool as “cruel” and “inhumane,” reporting that it underestimates the support people need and prevents experienced assessors from using their clinical judgment to override incorrect algorithmic decisions. The controversy has sparked calls for urgent government review of the assessment system.

ABC News reported on February 28, 2026 that advocates fear the IAT could become Australia’s next robodebt scandal. The automated system makes decisions about government support with limited ability for human assessors to intervene when the algorithm produces incorrect results. Federal Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae’s spokesperson said the government is “actively monitoring the operation of both the assessment and pricing processes and intends to refine them as the system matures.”

For the latest information on how these changes may affect your assessment, consult with an aged care advocate or contact My Aged Care directly.

What are ACAT assessment levels?

When people talk about ACAT assessment levels, they usually mean the funding levels you can be approved for after an in-depth aged care assessment. The historical home care package system used four levels:

  • Level 1: Basic care needs
  • Level 2: Low-level care needs
  • Level 3: Intermediate care needs
  • Level 4: High-level care needs

These four levels applied to home care packages, which closed to new entrants when Support at Home replaced them on 1 November 2025. The current program uses eight classification levels instead of four. The historical funding amounts for the four package levels are explained below because many people were on these packages and have since been mapped across to Support at Home. For the eight current classifications, see our guide to switching from a home care package to Support at Home.

The assessment that decides your funding is now a comprehensive assessment, the in-depth assessment that was formerly carried out by ACAT.

Understanding ACAT: What is the comprehensive assessment?

A comprehensive assessment, the in-depth assessment formerly known as an ACAT assessment, is a thorough evaluation conducted by qualified healthcare professionals to determine your aged care needs. ACAT stood for “Aged Care Assessment Team”. Since 9 December 2024 these assessments are carried out by assessment organisations under the Single Assessment System, using clinically trained assessors such as:

  • Registered nurses
  • Social workers
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Psychologists
  • Geriatricians

Purpose of the comprehensive assessment

The comprehensive assessment (formerly ACAT) aims to:

  • Evaluate your physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs
  • Determine your eligibility for aged care services
  • Recommend the appropriate funding level
  • Identify other support services you may need
  • Ensure you receive the right level of care

The Four Home Care Package Levels Explained (historical)

These four levels applied to home care packages, which closed to new entrants on 1 November 2025. They are kept here as background because many people held these packages before transitioning to Support at Home. New applicants are assessed against the eight Support at Home classification levels.

Level 1 Home Care Package: Basic Support Needs

What is a Level 1 home care package? This entry-level package is designed for people with basic care needs who require some support to continue living at home safely.

Level 1 Package Details:

  • Annual funding: $9,304 (2024-25 rates)
  • Target group: People with basic support needs
  • Typical duration: 6-12 months

Common Level 1 Services:

  • Basic personal care assistance (showering, grooming)
  • Light housekeeping and cleaning
  • Shopping and meal preparation
  • Transport to appointments
  • Social support and companionship
  • Basic nursing care
  • Equipment hire (walking frames, shower chairs)

Who qualifies for Level 1? People who:

  • Need minimal assistance with daily activities
  • Are at low risk of harm or hospitalization
  • Require occasional support rather than daily care
  • Want to maintain independence with minimal intervention

Level 2 Home Care Package: Low-Level Care Needs

Home care package level 2 provides more comprehensive support for people with low to moderate care needs.

Level 2 Package Details:

  • Annual funding: $17,417 (2024-25 rates)
  • Target group: People with low-level care needs
  • Typical duration: 12-24 months

Common Level 2 Services:

  • Regular personal care (daily or several times per week)
  • Domestic assistance and home maintenance
  • Meal preparation and delivery services
  • Allied health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
  • Nursing care and medication management
  • Equipment and home modifications
  • Respite care for family carers
  • Transport services

Who qualifies for Level 2? People who:

  • Need regular assistance with personal care
  • Require support with household tasks
  • Have some health conditions requiring monitoring
  • Need Allied health interventions
  • Are at moderate risk without support

Level 3 Home Care Package: Intermediate Care Needs

Level 3 home care packages offer substantial support for people with intermediate to high care needs.

Level 3 Package Details:

  • Annual funding: $34,919 (2024-25 rates)
  • Target group: People with intermediate care needs
  • Typical duration: Often ongoing, reviewed annually

How much is a Level 3 aged care package worth? At $34,919 annually, Level 3 packages provide significant funding for comprehensive care services.

Common Level 3 Services:

  • Intensive personal care (multiple times daily)
  • Complex nursing care and wound management
  • Specialized Allied health services
  • Dementia care and behavioral support
  • Major home modifications and equipment
  • 24/7 emergency response systems
  • Extensive domestic and garden maintenance
  • Frequent respite care
  • Nutritional support and meal services

Who qualifies for Level 3? People who:

  • Have complex health conditions requiring intensive support
  • Need substantial assistance with most daily activities
  • Are at high risk of hospitalization without support
  • Require specialized care (dementia, chronic conditions)
  • Need regular nursing interventions

Level 4 Home Care Package: High-Level Care Needs

Level 4 home care packages provide the highest level of support available in the home setting, equivalent to entry-level residential care.

Level 4 Package Details:

  • Annual funding: $58,355 (2024-25 rates)
  • Target group: People with high-level care needs
  • Typical duration: Ongoing until residential care or end of life

My aged care Level 4 package amount represents the maximum government funding available for home-based care.

Common Level 4 Services:

  • Round-the-clock care availability
  • Complex medical and nursing care
  • Specialized dementia care
  • Palliative and end-of-life care
  • Extensive personal care (multiple times daily)
  • Major home modifications for accessibility
  • Specialized equipment and technology
  • Intensive Allied health services
  • 24/7 monitoring and emergency response
  • Comprehensive meal and nutrition services

Who qualifies for Level 4? People who:

  • Have very high care needs requiring constant support
  • Would otherwise need residential care
  • Have complex medical conditions
  • Require specialized nursing care
  • Need extensive assistance with all daily activities
  • Are at very high risk without comprehensive support

Comprehensive Assessment Process: How Long Does it Take?

The steps below describe what most people still call the ACAT process. Under the Single Assessment System it is now the comprehensive assessment, arranged through My Aged Care and carried out by an assessment organisation.

Initial Contact and Referral

How long does it take to get an assessment? The process typically follows this timeline:

  1. Referral: 1-7 days
  2. Initial contact: 2-5 days after referral
  3. Assessment scheduling: 1-4 weeks
  4. Assessment completion: 2-4 hours
  5. Results: 5-10 business days

Assessment Timeline by Region

How long does an ACAT assessment take varies by location:

  • Metropolitan areas: 2-4 weeks from referral
  • Regional areas: 3-6 weeks from referral
  • Remote areas: 4-8 weeks from referral
  • Urgent assessments: 2-5 days (if immediate risk)

What Affects Assessment Speed?

Factors influencing how long the assessment takes:

  • Local assessment organisation availability and capacity
  • Complexity of your needs
  • Availability of required documentation
  • Geographic location
  • Urgency of situation
  • Hospital discharge requirements

Assessment Levels vs Funding Levels

Many people ask about the difference between assessment levels and funding levels. Here’s the clarification:

TermMeaning
Comprehensive assessment (formerly ACAT)The in-depth evaluation that determines your care needs
Support at Home classificationThe current funding level (1-8) you receive based on your assessment
Home care package levelsThe former funding levels (1-4), now closed to new entrants

The comprehensive assessment determines which funding level you’re eligible for.

Home Care Package Fees and Costs (historical)

Basic Daily Fee

All package recipients pay a basic daily fee:

  • 2024-25 rate: $10.69 per day ($3,901.85 annually)
  • This fee applies to all levels (1-4)
  • It’s indexed annually

Income-Tested Care Fee

Higher-income earners may pay additional fees:

  • Based on your income and assets assessment
  • Ranges from $0 to maximum annual cap
  • Calculated by Services Australia

What You Pay vs Government Contribution

Example for Level 3 Package:

  • Total package value: $34,919
  • Less: Basic daily fee: $3,902
  • Less: Income-tested fee: (varies by income)
  • Your available funding: Remainder for services

Eligibility Requirements for an Aged Care Assessment

Age Requirements

  • Generally 65 years or older
  • 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Younger people with specific conditions (early-onset dementia, etc.)

Residency Requirements

  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Living in Australia
  • Not receiving equivalent services through other programs

Care Needs Criteria

You must demonstrate:

  • Need for assistance with daily activities
  • Risk to safety or wellbeing without support
  • Preference to remain living at home
  • Inability to meet needs through other services

How to Apply for an Aged Care Assessment

Step 1: Contact My Aged Care

  • Phone: 1800 200 422
  • Online: myagedcare.gov.au
  • In person: Visit a Services Australia centre

Step 2: Initial Screening

  • Basic information about your needs
  • Preliminary eligibility check
  • Referral to a local assessment organisation

Step 3: Assessment Contact

  • The assessment organisation will contact you
  • Schedule assessment appointment
  • Provide pre-assessment information

Step 4: Prepare for Assessment

Gather relevant documents:

  • Medicare card and identification
  • Medical reports and medication lists
  • Details of current support services
  • Information about your home environment

What to Expect During Your Assessment

Assessment Components

Physical Assessment:

  • Mobility and balance
  • Strength and coordination
  • Vision and hearing
  • Cognitive function

Functional Assessment:

  • Activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating)
  • Instrumental activities (cooking, cleaning, managing finances)
  • Medication management
  • Safety awareness

Psychosocial Assessment:

  • Mental health and mood
  • Social connections and support
  • Cultural and language needs
  • Preferences and goals

Assessment Location

Assessments can occur:

  • In your home (most common)
  • In hospital (for discharge planning)
  • At the assessment organisation’s office (if preferred)
  • Via telehealth (in limited circumstances)

After Your Assessment

Assessment Outcomes

Assessments can result in:

  • Approval for specific home care package level
  • Referral to other aged care services
  • Recommendation for additional assessments
  • Advice about other support options

The Waiting List

After approval, you may:

  • Join the national prioritization queue
  • Receive interim services while waiting
  • Be contacted when a package becomes available
  • Choose your preferred provider

Waiting Times by Level

Average waiting times (as of 2024):

  • Level 1: 3-6 months
  • Level 2: 6-12 months
  • Level 3: 12-18 months
  • Level 4: 12-24 months

Critical Update (February 2026): The home care waiting list crisis has reached severe levels. ABC News reported that by the end of December 2025, the waiting list had grown to over 130,000 people, up 25,000 in just two months. This backlog has contributed to approximately 3,100 aged care patients being stranded in hospitals waiting for aged care placements, a 30% increase in five months. The hospital bed block is costing the healthcare system an estimated $1 billion annually, with states pressing the Commonwealth for urgent action. South Australia has converted a hotel into a makeshift aged care facility to address the crisis.

Source: ABC News, February 13, 2026

Assessment Algorithm Under Fire: The IAT Controversy

With the Support at Home program now in place, concerns have emerged about the assessment tool that determines funding levels. Aged care workers and clinicians have described the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) as “cruel” and “inhumane” in reports to The Guardian Australia in February 2026.

The IAT is a digital algorithm that assesses care needs and calculates funding allocations. While it aims to standardise assessments and create fairness across the system, workers report that the tool often overrides their clinical judgment. Experienced assessors say they can observe care needs that the algorithm doesn’t capture or adequately score.

Senator Anne Ruston has questioned the tool’s accuracy, joining growing sector concerns. Since November 2025 when the IAT was introduced, Services Australia has received 414 formal review requests from people who believe their algorithmic assessment doesn’t reflect their actual needs.

This is particularly relevant for people going through a comprehensive assessment (formerly ACAT) or moving from home care packages to the Support at Home system. The shift towards algorithm-assisted scoring is a significant change in how care needs are evaluated.

If you go through an assessment and the outcome doesn’t feel right, you have options. Request a review through Services Australia. Document your specific daily challenges with concrete examples. Have family members or regular carers provide supporting statements about what tasks are difficult and why. The review process exists precisely because standardised tools sometimes miss individual circumstances that matter.

Sources: The Guardian Australia, Centre of Hope

Tips for a Successful ACAT Assessment

Before the Assessment

  • Be honest about your needs and challenges
  • Document daily difficulties you experience
  • Prepare examples of how your conditions affect you
  • Have support person present if helpful

During the Assessment

  • Provide detailed information about your daily life
  • Don’t downplay difficulties or try to appear more capable
  • Ask questions about the process and outcomes
  • Discuss your preferences for care and support

After the Assessment

  • Follow up if you don’t hear back within 10 days
  • Appeal if necessary if you disagree with the outcome
  • Prepare for package implementation if approved

Common ACAT Assessment Questions

Functional Questions

  • How do you manage personal hygiene?
  • What difficulties do you have with mobility?
  • How do you prepare meals and eat?
  • Can you manage household tasks?
  • How do you handle medications?

Safety Questions

  • Have you had any falls recently?
  • Do you feel safe living alone?
  • Can you respond to emergencies?
  • Are there safety hazards in your home?

Support Questions

  • What family or informal support do you have?
  • What services are you currently using?
  • What would help you most to stay at home?
  • What are your preferences for care?

Appealing ACAT Assessment Decisions

Grounds for Appeal

You can appeal if:

  • You disagree with the assessed level
  • You believe errors were made in assessment
  • Your circumstances have significantly changed
  • You feel the assessment was unfair or incomplete

Appeal Process

  1. Internal review: Contact ACAT within 28 days
  2. External review: Apply to Aged Care Assessment Appeals Panel
  3. Administrative review: Through Administrative Review Tribunal

Supporting Your Appeal

  • Gather additional medical evidence
  • Document changes in circumstances
  • Seek support from healthcare professionals
  • Consider getting an independent assessment

Planning for Care After ACAT Assessment

Choosing a Provider

Once approved, you can:

  • Research different home care providers
  • Compare services and approaches
  • Interview potential providers
  • Choose based on your preferences and needs

Service Planning

Work with your provider to:

  • Develop a care plan
  • Set goals and priorities
  • Schedule regular services
  • Plan for changing needs

Regular Reviews

Your needs will be reviewed:

  • Annually by your provider
  • When circumstances change significantly
  • When you request additional services
  • If hospitalized or health deteriorates

The Current System: Support at Home

Support at Home Program

On 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program replaced home care packages:

  • A single, streamlined assessment process
  • More flexible funding arrangements across eight classification levels
  • More choice and control over services
  • Better service integration

What this means for assessments

  • The comprehensive assessment (formerly ACAT) continues as part of the Single Assessment System
  • Assessments cover physical, cognitive, social, and clinical needs in one process using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
  • Reassessments now run through the Single Assessment System
  • Assessment organisations, not the old ACAT teams, carry out the work

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Level 2 home care package provide?

A Level 2 home care package value is $17,417 annually (2024-25 rates). After deducting the basic daily fee of $3,902, you have approximately $13,515 available for care services.

What can I spend my home care package on?

What can I buy with my home care package includes personal care, domestic assistance, nursing care, Allied health services, equipment, home modifications, and transport. Services must be related to your assessed needs and goals.

Can home care package funds roll over?

Do home care packages roll over? No, unused funds from one financial year don’t automatically carry forward. However, providers can help you plan to use funds effectively, and some circumstances allow for fund retention.

What’s the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level services after a home support assessment, while Support at Home (which replaced home care packages on 1 November 2025) requires a comprehensive assessment, formerly known as ACAT, and provides higher levels of funding and more comprehensive services.

How long does ACAT assessment take to complete?

How long does an ACAT assessment take to complete is typically 2-4 hours, including discussion, functional assessment, and planning. Simple assessments may take less time, while complex situations may require follow-up visits.

Can I get urgent ACAT assessment?

Urgent ACAT assessment is available for people at immediate risk, those being discharged from hospital, or in crisis situations. Contact My Aged Care and explain the urgency of your situation.

Conclusion

Understanding how the aged care assessment works is essential for accessing the right support in Australia. Whether you need basic assistance or higher-level care, the comprehensive assessment (formerly ACAT) under the Single Assessment System matches you to services and, since 1 November 2025, to one of the eight Support at Home classification levels.

The key to a successful assessment is being honest about your daily challenges and care requirements. With good preparation and an understanding of the process, you can navigate the system and access the support needed to continue living independently at home.

For more information, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 to speak with an aged care specialist who can guide you through the process.