As the aged care landscape continues to evolve, many Australians have questions about how to access flexible, government-funded support to remain safely at home. The Support at Home program—Australia’s current model for home-based aged care—offers a modern, streamlined approach, replacing the former Home Care Package system with increased flexibility and personalisation.
If you have previously heard terms like “Home Care Package,” “self-managed home care package,” or “home care package eligibility,” this guide will clarify how the new Support at Home program builds on those foundations and how it works for you.
Support at Home is the latest government-funded program designed to help older Australians live independently in their own homes as their needs change. This program brings together many of the services previously included in Home Care Packages, improving flexibility, expanding services, and simplifying support for individuals and families.
Support at Home funding is tailored to your assessed needs, which may include personal care, domestic assistance, allied health, clinical care, home modifications, and more.
There are eight classifications for Support at Home funding, each with a specific focus and allocated amount of support. Your classification is determined through assessment and ensures you receive services best aligned with your situation.
Let’s take a closer look at each classification and the funding currently available:
Classification 1 – Basic Support
Entry-level assistance designed to help with simple daily tasks and support independence at home.
Funding per quarter: $2,682.75
Funding per year: $10,731.00
Classification 2 – Low Care Needs
Ongoing support for those who need help with personal care, household tasks, or transport.
Funding per quarter: $4,009
Funding per year: $16,034
Classification 3 – Moderate Care Needs
Regular assistance for daily activities and some clinical or allied health support.
Funding per quarter: $5,491
Funding per year: $21,966
Classification 4 – Increasing Care Needs
Frequent support and coordinated services for daily living and increasing health needs.
Funding per quarter: $7,424
Funding per year: $29,696
Classification 5 – Intermediate Care Needs
Higher levels of personal, domestic, and clinical care for complex or changing health requirements.
Funding per quarter: $9,924
Funding per year: $39,697
Classification 6 – Clinical and Personal Care
Consistent nursing or allied health services, alongside support for daily living and household tasks.
Funding per quarter: $12,029
Funding per year: $48,114
Classification 7 – High Care Needs
Comprehensive daily support, regular clinical oversight, and access to specialised services.
Funding per quarter: $14,537
Funding per year: $58,148
Classification 8 – Complex or Comprehensive Support
Our highest level of support, offering fully coordinated care for those with significant health, mobility, or personal care needs.
Funding per quarter: $19,527
Funding per year: $78,106
These eight classifications ensure that the type and amount of support you receive is matched to your needs, providing peace of mind and flexibility as your situation changes.
Accessing Support at Home follows a straightforward process, building on much of what people have experienced with the Home Care Package program:
Eligibility for in-home care previously outlined under “who is eligible for a home care package Australia,” and the principles remain the same, though processes have been reviewed and refined.
To participate in Support at Home, you must:
Once you are approved for Support at Home, a personalised care plan is developed, focusing on your unique situation. Services may include:
Support at Home is structured with funding classification levels matched to needs, similar to the previous “home care package levels.” You and your provider will collaborate on how your funding is best used, ensuring support remains relevant as your needs evolve.
The program also offers the option to self-manage your home care arrangements—a model based on the previous self-managed home care package model. Self-management provides:
Many older Australians have found self-management to offer meaningful autonomy and cost savings. At Homecare My Way, you can choose full self-management, or combine with provider support for added reassurance.
Support at Home funding is designed to enable practical, meaningful support. Covered services commonly include personal care, cleaning, allied health, and transport. However, some expenses—such as rent, groceries, entertainment, or major renovations—remain outside the scope of government-subsidised support, much like with the Home Care Package program.
Your provider will always work with you to ensure your funding is allocated in line with current guidelines and your individual priorities.
At Homecare My Way, our mission is to help you navigate the transition to Support at Home with confidence and peace of mind.
We are committed to clear communication, expert guidance, and supporting your independence in a way that recognises your personal needs. Our team will help you understand how to access Support at Home, how to select the right supports, and how to maximise your funding.
If you are ready to get started or want more information on how Support at Home works, please contact us or explore our services and care options pages. We’re here to support you as you shape your own path to living well at home.
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