Single Assesment Services (SAS) Explained

What is the Single Assessment System?

The Single Assessment System (SAS) is a national approach designed to make it easier for older Australians to access aged care. Instead of having to work through different organisations and repeat the same information, people now move through one clear assessment pathway to find the right support.

At Community Options Australia, we are an approved provider of Single Assessment System services, delivering independent, consistent and person-focused assessments that help connect people to government-funded care.

The system is built to remove confusion, shorten waiting times and create a more straightforward experience. Whether someone needs support at home, short-term respite or residential care, the process now starts in the same simple way.

Through one assessment, individuals can be guided toward services such as home support, respite care and residential aged care, without needing to re-start the process each time their needs change.

How the Single Assessment System works

The process begins through My Aged Care, which acts as the national entry point to aged care services.

You can request an assessment by:

  • Applying online via the My Aged Care website
  • Calling 1800 200 422
  • Visiting a Services Australia centre to speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer

After you apply

Once a request is lodged, a trained team member will contact you to complete a short triage conversation. This helps determine which type of assessment is most suitable based on your situation.

You may then be referred for:

  • A home support style assessment for lower-level support
  • A more comprehensive assessment for programs such as Support at Home or residential aged care

During the assessment

Assessments usually take place in your home or, if needed, in hospital. A qualified assessor will talk with you about:

  • Your health and wellbeing
  • Daily living activities
  • Current supports and challenges

From this, a tailored care plan is recommended based on your specific needs and goals.

Ongoing support

A key benefit of the system is continuity. Once you enter the system, you stay connected with the same assessment organisation as your needs change, reducing repetition and creating a more supportive, consistent journey.

How the Single Assessment System supports home and community care

For people receiving care at home, the Single Assessment System makes it easier to access the right level of support at the right time. Care plans can be adjusted as needs change, without the stress of repeating multiple assessments.

At Community Options Australia, we support people to understand their options and feel confident throughout the process.

Before your assessment, it can help to prepare:

  • A list of current medications
  • Relevant medical history
  • A clear picture of daily challenges and support needs

Why the Single Assessment System was created

In the past, aged care assessments were managed by different organisations depending on a person’s needs. Many older Australians and their families found the system confusing, time-consuming and stressful, especially when circumstances changed and new assessments were required.

The Australian Government introduced the Single Assessment System as part of broader aged care reforms, informed by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The aim was to create a fairer, clearer and more reliable way for people to access care.

The new system improves the experience by:

  • Allowing access to all major aged care services through one assessment pathway
  • Expanding access in regional, rural and remote areas
  • Reducing waiting times for both assessments and services
  • Creating more continuity, so people do not need to repeat their story at every stage

Benefits of the Single Assessment System

The SAS delivers practical improvements for older Australians and their families, including:

Simpler access
One clear pathway makes it easier to understand and navigate aged care services.

Faster support
Streamlined processes help reduce waiting times.

Better coordination
A consistent assessment organisation supports smoother transitions as needs change.

Improved access across Australia
People in regional, rural and remote areas have more consistent access to assessments and services.

Helpful tips for your assessment

To get the most from your assessment:

  • Have key documents ready, such as health information and existing care plans
  • Think about areas where support would make daily life easier
  • Bring a family member or carer if that makes you feel more comfortable
  • Ask questions at any stage of the process

The Single Assessment System is designed to make accessing aged care more human, simpler and more supportive.

How Community Options Australia can help

As a provider of Single Assessment System services, Community Options Australia is here to support older Australians and their families through every step of the assessment process.

If you would like to understand how the system works, prepare for an assessment or explore your aged care options, our team is here to help.

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