What Services Australia Needs for an Aged Care Means Assessment

Services Australia guide • Last reviewed 16 July 2026

The residential aged care means assessment determines how much a person may contribute towards care and accommodation, and how much government assistance may apply.

It is not mandatory to disclose financial information, but a person who does not complete the assessment can be asked to pay the maximum contribution rates. Preparing the information early can reduce uncertainty before entry.

Who usually needs to provide information?

• Full or part pensioners: Services Australia can usually use information already held for the pension assessment. A homeowner may still need to provide property details.
• Self-funded retirees: A full income-and-assets form is generally required.
• DVA clients: DVA may complete the assessment when the person receives a means-tested DVA payment.

Which form may apply?

Forms and requirements can change. Check the current Services Australia instructions before lodging.

Information to gather

Not every item applies to every person, but a complete preparation file commonly includes:

• personal and relationship details, including a partner living separately for health reasons;
• pension or DVA details;
• bank accounts, cash and term deposits;
• shares, managed funds, bonds and other investments;
• superannuation and income-stream balances;
• real estate, including the family home, investment property and any mortgage;
• rental income and expenses;
• business, farm, trust or private-company interests;
• foreign income or assets;
• loans owed to or by the person;
• gifts above the allowable limits;
• vehicles, household contents and other personal assets;
• refundable accommodation deposits already paid; and
• relevant evidence of protected-person occupancy of the family home.

What is the fee advice letter?

After the assessment, Services Australia issues a fee advice letter. It can confirm:

• the basic daily fee;
• any hotelling contribution and non-clinical care contribution;
• any means tested care fee under earlier arrangements;
• whether the person pays the agreed room price or receives accommodation assistance; and
• the maximum accommodation contribution where applicable.

A pre-entry fee advice letter is generally valid for 120 days, although a new letter may be needed if the applicable fee arrangements or circumstances change.

Common causes of delays or incorrect figures

• Not disclosing the family home because it is pension-exempt.
• Forgetting a partner’s assets because accounts are held in separate names.
• Missing trust, business or foreign-asset information.
• Not providing enough information to establish a protected person.
• Using an outdated property value or missing debt.
• Failing to report a sale, inheritance, gift, relationship change or RAD payment.

What happens after entry?

The assessment is not necessarily “set and forget”. From 1 November 2025, residents have a legal obligation to report personal and financial changes within 28 days. Services Australia may issue an updated fee advice letter.

General information only: This guide does not provide financial, legal or tax advice. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances, provider agreements and the rules, rates and thresholds applying at the relevant time.