Waiting for services is never easy, especially when you need support to remain living independently at home. With the introduction of the Support at Home program, more people are seeking flexible, tailored support to suit their needs—this has a clear impact on wait times for new funding. Many older Australians and their families continue to ask important questions such as: How long are Support at Home wait times? While the program now uses a new priority system, people are still interested in what used to be called home care package wait times, as well as how these timelines are managed under the new approach.
We understand that delays can be challenging, but there are practical steps you can take to feel better prepared during this time. This guide will help explain current Support at Home wait times, including the process that replaced previous My Aged Care home care package wait times, outline how priorities are set, and provide supportive guidance as you get ready for your services to begin.
The Support at Home program is the Australian Government’s new way of helping older Australians stay independent, safe and connected in their own homes for as long as possible. The program provides funding for a broad range of supports such as personal care, domestic help, transport, meal preparation and clinical support—offering flexibility to design care around each individual.
To apply, you start with My Aged Care, where you will be assessed by a trained assessor—usually in your home—who will determine your eligibility and the types of services you may need. After approval, you are placed in the Support at Home Priority System, which works to allocate funding in a timely and fair manner.
You can learn more about eligibility here and about how support at home works in detail here.
Questions about home care package wait times, and the transition to Support at Home waiting times, are among the most common we hear from families. Although the Support at Home program now applies, the process for accessing care still involves some waiting—especially as demand for help at home grows. Many families are still searching for up-to-date information on wait times for home care packages and where they fit in the new system.
As at November 2025, estimated wait times for ongoing Support at Home funding are set according to the priority category assigned during your assessment:
Priority category | Estimated wait time |
|---|---|
Urgent | Within 1 month |
High | 1.5 to 2.5 months |
Medium | 8 to 9 months |
Standard | 10 to 11 months |
Your Notice of Decision letter from My Aged Care will include your individual priority category, helping you know what to expect in terms of both My Aged Care home care package wait times and new Support at Home timelines. While some people may receive their funding sooner, others might experience a longer wait, depending on factors such as local demand and national priorities.
For the latest updates and further information about My Aged Care home care package wait times, you can visit the My Aged Care website.
Support at Home uses a priority system to allocate funding based on assessed needs, rather than simply on the time since approval. This aims to ensure that those with the most urgent needs receive care the fastest. Your place in the Support at Home Priority System is based on a mix of your assessed support needs, the urgency of your situation, and your approval date.
For other supports—such as the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme—wait times are handled by separate priority systems. Additionally, some pathways like Restorative Care or End-of-Life care offer immediate access upon approval, so there is no wait in these particular cases.
In situations where wait times for home care packages or Support at Home services are longer than expected, you may be eligible for interim funding. This can provide up to 60% of your approved budget, giving you access to essential services while you wait for your full funding allocation. Interim funding is determined by demand and assessed needs; not all applicants will be offered this option.
Even if it feels like you are just waiting, there are positive steps to help you stay organised and ready:
Explore our dedicated resource for further suggestions while you are waiting for your allocation.
Waiting for home care package funding, now the new Support at Home program—can be stressful, but you are not alone. Our supportive team at Homecare My Way is committed to guiding you through the process, answering your questions about My Aged Care home care wait times and Support at Home, and helping you get organised so you can begin your services as soon as funding becomes available.
We aim to support your independence, wellbeing, and confidence throughout your journey. If you would like help understanding Support at Home wait times or need guidance on your next steps, please reach out to our Care Management team.
For further information on wait times for Support at Home, visit My Aged Care, or contact our friendly team for personalised assistance.
You can count on us to guide you through home care wait times and Support at Home with clarity and reassurance.
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