Changes to Specialisation Verification
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has updated the way Specialisation Verification applications are submitted.
Applications can now be submitted via the Service and Support Portal under the 2025 Specialisation Verification Framework.
Existing verifications will remain valid until their expiry. There is no requirement to re‑apply under the updated application process.
Note that the Find a Provider specialisation verification view has new features. Only applications approved under 2025 Specialisation Verification framework will display successful criterion and date in which verification is valid for. Applications successful under the 2022 framework will still be visible.
If you have any enquiries, email MACspecialisation@Health.gov.au.
What is Specialisation Verification?
Specialisation Verification is a voluntary process where an aged care provider can apply to be recognised for offering tailored services. Outlets can apply to be verified in any of the nine specific cohort or community group to support:
- people who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, including the Stolen Generations
- veterans or war widows
- people from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- people who are financially or socially disadvantaged
- people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- parents and children separated by forced adoption or removal
- people who are care leavers, including Forgotten Australians and former child migrants placed in out-of-home care
- people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex or have other sexual orientations or are gender or bodily diverse
- people living in rural, remote, or very remote areas.
Each outlet may have its own staff, service model, and client base. This means that each outlet must apply for specialisation. This recognises that each outlet is unique in its support for aged care recipients. Verified outlets are listed on the My Aged Care website to help older Australians make informed choices when selecting care services. Verification is valid for 3 years from the date their verification is issued.
See how to apply below.
Why this is important
- Older Australians: helps you identify providers with experience supporting your specific needs
- Families and carers: supports more informed decisions when choosing aged care services
- Providers and outlets: offers formal recognition of your tailored services and supports.
How to apply
To apply for specialisation, submit an application for the specific cohort or community group you want to be considered for. If you are specialising in more than one, you must submit a separate application for each.
Outlets must meet the criteria and evidence requirements outlined in the Specialisation Verification Framework.
Steps to apply
- Access the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal and select the relevant outlet.
- Download and complete the required Evidence Form.
- Gather the required supporting evidence.
- Upload the completed Evidence Form and supporting evidence through the Service and Support Portal.
- Submit your application for assessment.
If your verification is expiring and you still provide specialised care, you can re-apply using the same steps listed above.
Evidence upload limit
Specialisation Verification application attachments larger than 10MB cannot be uploaded to the Service and Support Portal.
If your evidence file exceeds the limit, try compressing it or splitting the evidence into smaller files before uploading. If you have large documents that are publicly available, you can link the location in your application.
Evidence submitted to the Service and Support Portal must be provided in PDF format only.
If you are unable to upload an attachment, email the remaining evidence along with the related criterion and your outlet ID to MACspecialisation@Health.gov.au.
Contact
If you have any questions about Specialisation Verification, email MACspecialisation@Health.gov.au.