Navigating the System & Eligibility

How long does it take to get an ACAT assessment appointment?

There is no guaranteed national appointment time. For assessments completed from January to March 2026, the national median wait was 25 days, but your wait may be shorter or longer depending on urgency, location and assessor availability.

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At a glance

Key points

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  • The January-March 2026 national median was 25 days.
  • Actual waits vary by urgency, region and workforce capacity.
  • Tell My Aged Care promptly if circumstances deteriorate.
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Assessment waiting times vary. My Aged Care reported a national median of 25 days from referral to assessment for the period 1 January to 31 March 2026. 


A median is the middle point, not a promise that everyone will be assessed within that time.

Applications are triaged according to need. Serious safety issues, rapid decline, hospital discharge pressures or the sudden loss of a carer should be explained when you apply or when circumstances change.

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01Guide sectionWhat should I do next?

Apply as early as possible, keep your contact details current and call My Aged Care if your situation worsens while you are waiting.

02Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
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