Steps to claim

1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria

Before you claim check that:

• a calculation of your cost of care has been completed
• you have assets less than the current threshold of $46,835.10 (threshold as at 20 March 2026)
• you haven’t made gifts over the gifting free area limits.
• you have a care assessment approval for Support at Home before applying for financial hardship. This does not apply to Residential or Respite claims.

2. Get your documents ready

With your form you need to send documents that prove any assets you can’t sell or borrow against.

If you don’t send the documents when you claim, we’ll ask you for more details. If you don’t send them within 28 days we’ll reject your claim.

You can find information about assets you can’t sell or borrow against in the claim form.

3. Claim

Complete the Aged Care claim for financial hardship assistance form.

Return this form and any supporting documents online using your Centrelink online account.

You can also return your claim by post to:

You can claim as soon as you’re having trouble paying your costs. You can also apply before you start getting aged care services.

If you don’t agree with our decision, you can call us on the Aged Care line.