Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Apply Early for a Home Care Package
If you or a loved one are starting to need support to remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home, the most important thing you can do right now is apply early for a Home Care Package (HCP).
With waitlists hitting record highs and a system under enormous pressure, getting in early isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Delays can have serious consequences for health, safety, and quality of life.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait.
Waitlists Are Blowing Out—Get in the Queue Now
As of March 2025, a staggering 87,597 older Australians are waiting for the level of Home Care Package they’ve been approved for. That’s up from around 81,000 just four months earlier, with demand continuing to surge.
But that’s only half the picture—this number doesn’t include the many thousands of people still waiting just to be assessed. Experts warn the true scale of need is significantly higher.
Early application puts you or your loved one ahead of the pack, not at the back of an already swollen line.
Assessment and Approval Take Months
Even if you apply today, it can take 6 months or more to be assessed and approved. After that, you may wait even longer for the appropriate level of care to become available.
By starting early, you avoid getting caught in the bottleneck later when your needs become urgent—and services are harder to access quickly.
Early Access = Interim Support
When you apply early, you may be offered:
A lower-level package temporarily, or
Entry into the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
These interim options can help with:
Domestic support
Meal preparation
Transport
Personal care
... and other services that help prevent health decline or unsafe conditions at home.
Getting some support now is far better than waiting until a crisis occurs.
Delays Are Costly—to Health and Budget
Longer wait times mean:
More falls and hospitalisations
Greater carer burnout
Loss of independence
A recent report estimates that waitlist delays contribute to more than 600,000 avoidable hospital bed days annually. That’s a huge cost—not only to the individual but to the entire health system.
Applying early can reduce these risks dramatically and ensure that help arrives before it's too late.
What the Data Shows
Let’s look at the hard numbers from the Department of Health:
87,597 people are waiting for their approved package level
16,784 are on lower-level interim packages while waiting for more appropriate care
39,983 new approvals were made in the March quarter—but only 35,613 packages were actually released
At the same time, 10,284 people were sitting on approved packages they hadn't activated, often because of delays in finding a provider or confusion around the process
This means:
Demand is outpacing supply
Every month adds more people to the queue
Starting now is better than joining later
Don’t Wait for the New “Support at Home” Program
A new aged care model—called Support at Home—was due to start in July but has been delayed to 1 November 2025. It promises more streamlined services and better coordination.
But delays in rollout and package distribution mean you can’t afford to wait for the perfect system.
If you wait for the new program to kick in:
You may be months behind others in applying
You’ll likely face a fresh backlog once it opens
Any gaps in your care may widen in the meantime
Early action ensures you’ll already be in the system and ready to transition smoothly when reforms happen.
How to Get Started Now
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
Book an assessment for yourself or your loved one
Be clear about your current needs—this will affect the package level you're approved for
Accept any interim supports offered while waiting
Choose a provider quickly when your package is assigned
Pro tip: Regularly update your information and advocate for reassessment if your needs change. You can also ask us for help. We are your local Aged Care experts and have a variety of support packages to help you get started.
A Final Word
Waiting to apply until things “get worse” is a risky strategy. The system is already stretched, and the earlier you act, the better your chances of securing support in time.
Here’s what early application gives you:
A spot on the queue now—not later
Access to helpful interim support
Peace of mind that help is on the way
Better health, safety, and independence outcomes
Need Help Navigating It All?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to guide you through the process—from applying, to finding the right services, to getting started with care.
Don’t wait. Let’s start planning now—so you or your loved one can get the care you deserve, when you need it.
