Support at HomeClassification 4 Explained
The Australian Government’s Support at Home program is designed to support older Australians to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. Support at Home classification 4, also referred to as Support at Home level 4, is designed for people with increasing care needs, offering a higher level of funding for people who require regular support and the coordinated management of multiple services.
It’s important to note that the Level 4 Home Care Package and the Support at Home classification 4 are not the same. A Level 4 Home Care Package was part of the previous Home Care Packages Program, while Support at Home uses a new classification system based on assessed care needs.
At Homecare My Way, we are dedicated to guiding you through your aged care options with professionalism and empathy. Our focus is on empowering you to self-manage your funding, giving you greater choice and tailored support that responds to your changing needs.
What is Support at Home Classification 4?
Support at Home classification 4 provides funding for individuals experiencing increasing care needs. This classification is for people who need frequent support to manage their daily routines, health conditions and overall wellbeing.
Support at Home classification 4 is part of the new Support at Home assessment and funding structure. It should not be described as the same as a Level 4 Home Care Package, as the two programs use different classifications, budgets and assessment processes. A person’s classification is based on their assessed care needs under the current system.
This level typically involves a coordinated approach, drawing on multiple services such as personal care, nursing, allied health and domestic assistance. Classification 4 supports those who are managing several aspects of care at home but do not yet require the intensity of intermediate or high care.
How Many Hours Is a Support at Home Classification 4?
For Support at Home classification 4, the number of hours can vary depending on how your funding is used and the types of services you choose. There is no fixed number of hours, as support is tailored to your individual needs and priorities.
In general, this level of funding is designed to provide more frequent, ongoing care throughout the week. This may include daily visits, a mix of personal and clinical support or coordinated services across multiple providers, depending on your care plan.
How Classification 4 Compares to Other Levels
Support at Home classifications are designed to reflect increasing levels of care needs:
- Classification 1, 2: Lower-level support for occasional or light assistance
- Classification 3: Moderate, regular support across multiple areas of daily living
- Classification 4: A higher level of ongoing support for people with increasing care needs across several areas
- Classification 5, 6, 7, 8+: Support for people with more complex or intensive care needs
If your needs change over time, your classification can be reassessed to ensure your funding continues to match your situation.
Who is Eligible for Support at Home Classification 4?
Eligibility for all Support at Home classifications is determined through a comprehensive assessment as part of the Single Assessment System. A qualified assessor will work with you to understand your individual circumstances, the challenges you face in daily living and your specific health requirements.
You may be suitable for classification 4 if you:
Have increasing care needs that require regular, ongoing support.
Rely on multiple services to help manage personal care, household tasks, clinical needs or allied health requirements.
Find daily living more challenging due to changes in health, mobility or cognitive abilities.
Would benefit from a structured support plan that coordinates various services to help you stay at home safely and comfortably.
Once approved, you will receive a quarterly budget to spend on the care and services outlined in your agreed plan.
How Much Funding Does Classification 4 Provide?
Support at Home classification 4 provides an approved quarterly budget based on your assessed care needs. As government funding amounts may change, we recommend checking the latest details through My Aged Care or speaking with Homecare My Way for guidance.
The amount of support you can access will depend on your approved budget, the services in your care plan, provider pricing and any contributions that may apply. To understand how Homecare My Way’s service rates and pricing work, please visit our pricing page.
Do I Have to Contribute to My Support at Home Services?
Depending on your situation, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of your support. The amount you contribute depends on both the type of services you receive and your personal financial circumstances.
Support at Home has a different contribution structure from the previous Home Care Package system, so your contribution may be calculated differently. Government funding covers the remaining costs to make sure your care is accessible and sustainable.
You can read more about contributions and our pricing here.
Service Contributions
Your contribution is based on the type of service:
- Clinical Support: No contribution. Includes nursing, allied health and medication management.
- Independence Services: Moderate contribution. Covers personal care, home modifications, domestic assistance, transport and respite.
- Everyday Living Services: Higher contribution. Includes shopping, social activities and gardening.
Financial Situation
Your contribution may also be influenced by your financial status:
- Full Age Pensioner: Minimum contribution
- Part Pensioner / Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder: Moderate contribution
- Self-Funded Retiree: Higher contribution
For specific guidance on your contribution responsibilities and further information on funding, please see our pricing page.
For specific guidance on your contribution responsibilities and further information on funding, please see our pricing page.
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What Services Can I Access
With a Support at Home level 4 budget, you can access a coordinated range of in-home care services. Support plans are flexible and developed with you and your loved ones to ensure that the assistance you receive directly addresses your growing needs. Services may include:
Domestic assistance
Help with everyday household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, shopping and preparing meals.
Personal Care
Frequent support with showering, dressing, grooming and mobility.
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Benefits of Self-Managing Your Support at Home Funding
Support at Home enables you to self-manage your funding, delivering important benefits:
1 Greater Choice and Control
Self-management means you decide which services you receive, who provides them and when they are delivered. This allows you to build a care team you trust and ensures your schedule reflects your daily life and personal preferences.
2 More Value from Your Budget
When you manage your own support, your funding can go much further. Traditional providers generally charge higher overheads, which can cut into your available service hours. Through Homecare My Way, choosing your own carers at prices you approve can increase the number of hours you receive.
3 Flexibility as Circumstances Change
Your needs may increase over time. Self-managing allows you to adjust your services quickly—engaging different specialists, changing service providers or amending care hours to match your requirements without delay.
How Homecare My Way Can Help
Navigating growing care needs can seem daunting, but you are not alone. Homecare My Way provides expert guidance and structured support for clients with increasing care needs.
We help you with:
Understanding Your Plan
We clearly explain your classification, quarterly budget and service eligibility.
Develop a Personalised Care Plan
Our team works alongside you to coordinate multiple services and adapt your plan as needs evolve.
Managing Your Budget
Our platform gives you control and transparency over spending. We handle financial administration so you can focus on your wellbeing.
Connect with Trusted Support Workers
We help you build your preferred care team and ensure all services meet your standards.
At Homecare My Way, our priority is enabling you to remain at home, safely and with confidence, with support that grows with your needs.
self-managing
their Support at Home with us
“My care partner is such a delight — she’s always cheerful and respectful of my independence, she just knows how to help without taking over. It makes a real difference having someone who truly listens.”
Assistance with shopping, cleaning, gardening and home maintenance.
“The carers have been so professional and kind. They take the time to get to know us — it’s not just about the tasks, it’s about dignity and connection. We feel part of a team.”
Personal care, domestic assistance, gardening, Physio, social support and respite services.
“My mother’s care needs are quite complex, and the nursing and physio team have been excellent. They always communicate clearly with us and treat Mum with such respect and skill.”
Nursing, Equipment, personal care, shopping assistance, physio and Meal assistance.
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