Understanding the National Homecare Waitlist and What You Can Do While You Wait

Starting the process of accessing aged care support can feel daunting, especially when you're told there’s a wait — sometimes several months or even a year before services can begin.

At Right at Home, we understand that time matters. Here’s what you need to know about the national waitlist and how you can stay supported while waiting for government-funded care to be approved and assigned.

What Is the National Waitlist?

Once you complete your My Aged Care assessment and receive approval for services, your name is placed on the National Waitlist to receive your Home Care Packages (HCP).

The waitlist helps manage the high demand for government-funded aged care and ensures that support is allocated based on priority and need. In most cases, clients are advised the wait can be up to 6 to 9 months — but this can vary depending on urgency, location, and availability of services.

The Three Letters You’ll Receive

While you wait, you’ll receive a series of updates from My Aged Care. Here's what they mean:

• Letter 1 – Approval: Confirms that you are eligible and have been added to the waitlist.

• Letter 2 – Get Ready: Indicates that your funding is expected soon — now is the time to choose a provider.

• Letter 3 – Assigned: Your funding is now available. This letter includes a red Referral Code, which unlocks your services once you choose and notify a provider.

   

  Helpful Resource: You can download our Home Care Package Application Process Summary — a quick visual reference to help you understand each stage from assessment to activation.

Common Questions About the Wait

“Do I have to wait until Letter 3 to talk to a provider?”
Not at all. We recommend speaking to a provider like Right at Home as early as possible, even before you receive your ‘Get Ready’ letter. This ensures you're supported and prepared.

“Can I get help while I wait?”
Yes. Many of our clients begin with private pay services while waiting for government funding to activate. This means you can access the support you need now — and transition seamlessly when your funding is available.

What You Can Do Now

Here are five proactive steps you can take while you wait:

1. Book a consultation with an approved provider to discuss care options. Book your free consultation today

2. Start small with private services like personal care, domestic support, or nursing. Explore private care services now

3. Use tools like our RightConversations Information Journal to get organised . Get the RightConversations Information Journal

4. Make home safety improvements — check rails, lighting, and mobility spaces. Download the Home Safety Checklist

5. Involve family members early so everyone understands the plan moving forward. Get the Family Action Planner

Start Planning With Confidence

The aged care system can feel slow, but you don’t have to wait in silence. At Right at Home, we’re here to help you stay informed, supported, and confident every step of the way — even before your funding is finalised.

Book a free consultation today or call us on 1300 363 802 to get started.
Let’s make the most of your wait, together.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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