How to apply

We may already have the information we need to complete the aged care calculation of your cost of care. Before starting an application, check if you should apply.

Steps to apply for an aged care calculation of your cost of care

1.  

   1. Get ready to apply

   You can apply using one of our forms. If you have a correspondence nominee they can do it for you.

   You have 2 options to apply:

   • complete the digital Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form
   • complete one of our printed forms.

   Digital form

   Download and complete the Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form. This form is dynamic and the questions will tailor to your circumstances.

   Only use this form if you have access to a printer. You need to print this form after you complete it.

   Printed forms

   If you’re unable to complete your application by digital form, you can use a paper form. There are 3 paper forms. Make sure you use the right form for your circumstances.

   Use the Home Care Package Calculation of your cost of care form if both of these apply:

   • you’re thinking about getting or already get a Home Care Package
   • you don’t get a relevant income support payment from us or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

   Use the Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form if both of these apply:

   • you’re thinking about moving into or are already living in an aged care home
   • you don’t get a relevant income support payment from us or DVA.

   Use the Residential Aged Care Property details for Centrelink and DVA customers form if all of these apply:

   • you’re thinking about moving into or are already living in an aged care home
   • you get a relevant income support payment from us or DVA
   • you own your home.

   If you don’t have access to a printer you can either:

   • call us on the Aged Care Line and ask us to post the form to you
   • go to a service centre and ask for the form.
2.  

   2. Get your documents ready

   You’ll need to get some supporting documents ready to help answer some of the questions.

   You need to give us all of the supporting documents we ask for.

3.  

   3. Make your application

   To apply, use the form for your circumstances. If you don’t have your form yet, check step 1 to find out which form you need.

   For information about applying for an aged care calculation of your cost of care or to get a printed copy of a form, either:

   • call the Aged Care line
   • go to a service centre.
4.  

   4. Submit your application

   Submit your completed form with the supporting documents we’ve asked for. If you don’t, we may ask you for more information.

   You can submit your form by either:

   • uploading it online in your Centrelink online account
   • posting it to us using the details on the form
   • going to a service centre.

   Call the Aged Care line or visit a service centre if you can’t submit your application because of either:

   • a crisis
   • any reason outside your control.
5.  

   5. Wait for the result of your application

   We’ll ask you for more information if we need it.

   We’ll send you a letter to tell you how much you’ll pay towards your aged care costs.

   The aged care calculation of your cost of care is valid for 120 days. You need to tell us if your personal or financial details change.

   If you think we’ve made a mistake you can ask us to review our decision by:

   • calling the Aged Care line
   • visiting a service centre.