The Income & Assets Assessment for Aged Care
The aged care income and assets assessment explained: what Services Australia looks at, how the family home is treated, and why completing it protects you.
Two different assessments
What is assessed
How the family home is treated
How to complete the assessment
Why completing it is worth it
Caps and protections
Getting help with it
Frequently asked questions
What is the income and assets assessment for aged care?
It is a financial assessment by Services Australia that works out what you contribute towards aged care. It looks at your assessable income and assets, and determines your home-care contributions or your residential means-tested and accommodation costs. It is separate from your care assessment.
Is my house counted in the aged care assets test?
Not at full value. For the assets test the family home is counted only up to a capped value, and it can be fully exempt in some cases, such as when a spouse still lives there. The rules are complex, so seek specialist advice.
What happens if I don't complete the assessment?
You can be charged the maximum contribution by default, even if your real means would give a lower figure. Completing the assessment is how you make sure you only pay what your genuine circumstances require, which is often considerably less.
Are there limits on how much I pay?
Yes. Annual and lifetime caps limit total care contributions, and once you reach a lifetime cap you are not asked to contribute further towards care. Financial hardship assistance is also available if you genuinely cannot afford your assessed fees.