ACAT assessment — what to expect and how to prepare

An ACAT assessment — Aged Care Assessment Team — is the gateway to government-funded aged care in Australia. Getting it right can make a significant difference to the level of support someone receives. This guide tells you exactly what happens and how to prepare.

What an ACAT assessment is

An ACAT assessment is a free, comprehensive evaluation by a qualified health professional that determines what type and level of government-funded aged care someone is eligible for. In Victoria it is called an ACAS (Aged Care Assessment Service). The assessment covers physical health, cognitive function, social situation, and care needs.

How to request an assessment

1. Register with My Aged Care first: 1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au
2. A My Aged Care staff member will screen the situation and refer for an ACAT assessment if appropriate
3. An ACAT team member contacts you to arrange a visit
4. The assessment takes place — usually at home, sometimes in hospital
5. A written approval is sent by post, typically within 2 weeks of the assessment

Real-world wait times

Official government figures suggest 2–6 weeks from registration to assessment. Real-world experience across most Australian states is considerably longer for higher support levels — often 4–12 months. The wait clock starts from My Aged Care registration, not from when you request the assessment.

What to prepare

• Medicare card and any DVA card
• List of current medications (or bring the medication box)
• GP contact details
• Any recent specialist reports or hospital discharge summaries
• A family member or trusted person present if possible — they can add important context
• Notes on what a difficult day looks like — not what a good day looks like

If the outcome doesn't match your situation

You have the right to request a review of your ACAT assessment outcome. If the approved level of support doesn't reflect actual need, contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. If your situation changes significantly, you can also request a new assessment at any time.