What Is a My Aged Care Referral Code?

Many care recipients ask about My Aged Care referral codes (also called My Aged Care referral numbers). We understand the confusion—these codes can be complex!

Here’s what you need to know:

When Do You Get a Referral Code?

A My Aged Care referral code is issued after your aged care assessment—the first step to accessing government-funded aged care services.  Once an assessment organisation (such as ACAT) approves you for services, you’ll receive your referral code by mail. Some people may get multiple codes if they qualify for different types of care.

What Does a Referral Code Do?

Your referral code is a unique number that:

1. Grants access to services
2. Allows providers to review your assessment details and determine if they can meet your care needs

You’ll need this code when:

• Signing up with a provider for the first time
• Switching home care providers (more details below)

How to Find Your My Aged Care Referral Code

This guide focuses on Home Care Package (HCP) referral codes, but other types exist.

The Two-Letter Process

After your assessment, you’ll receive:

1. An approval letter – Confirms your eligibility, outlines your Home Care Package level, and may include estimated wait times.
   • ❌ Does not contain your HCP referral code
   • ⚠️ May include CHSP codes (for temporary Commonwealth Home Support Programme access while waiting for HCP funding)
2. An allocation letter – Sent when your package is ready.

• ✅ Includes your HCP referral code (usually in red font on the second page)

At Home Chef, we wont ask you for your referral code.  This code is only utilised buy your Aged Care Provider.