Understanding Support At Home Assessment & Eligibility

What is the Support at Home program?

The Support at Home program is a government initiative that combines several aged care programs into one streamlined system. The goal is to make aged care simpler, fairer and more flexible for older Australians.

Under the new program:

• There will be eight classification levels to suit different needs
• Eligible participants will receive a quarterly budget rather than an annual one
• A clear service list will outline what supports can be accessed
• Short-term supports like restorative care, end-of-life care, and assistive technology and home modifications will be available

Why eligibility matters

Understanding Support at Home eligibility is the first step to making the most of the new program. Eligibility determines:

• Whether you can access ongoing or short-term supports
• What level of funding you’ll receive
• Which services you can use your budget for

By knowing the requirements early, you can prepare for a smoother transition and make informed choices about your care.

Who is eligible for Support at Home?

Eligibility depends on your age, circumstances and care needs. You may be eligible if you meet one of these conditions:

• You are over the age of 65
• You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person over the age of 50
• You are over 50 and at risk of homelessness

Residency is also important. To qualify, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a permanent visa.

If you already receive a Home Care Package, are on the national waiting list or are using short-term restorative care, you will move across to Support at Home automatically. You won’t need to reapply unless your needs have changed.

The role of assessments

To confirm Support at Home eligibility, you will need to go through a formal assessment. Assessments are done in person, usually in your home, and are designed to capture the full picture of your needs.

Your assessment will:

• Review your health, mobility and support needs
• Consider your personal goals and daily living activities
• Match you with a classification level that determines your funding
• Provide you with an individual support plan

This plan will act as a guide for you and your provider, helping you choose the right services and manage your quarterly budget effectively.

The single assessment system

One of the biggest improvements in the new program is the Single Assessment System (SAS). Until now, different teams have handled assessments depending on the type of support you applied for. All assessments will be delivered by the SAS using the Integrated Assessment Tool.

This means:

• You will no longer need multiple assessments for different programs
• The process will be clearer and faster
• Families will have a better understanding of what services are available

What happens after your assessment?

If you are assessed as eligible, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision letter. This letter will confirm your classification, budget and approved services. It may also include approval for short-term supports, such as:

• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
• Restorative Care Pathway
• End-of-Life Pathway

Your provider will then work with you to set up a Service Agreement and start delivering services. If you’d like more control over your care decisions, you may want to explore self-management options.

What if your needs change?

Support at Home has been designed with flexibility in mind. If your circumstances change, you can request a reassessment. This ensures your services always reflect your current needs, whether that’s increased clinical care, extra independence supports or adjustments to daily living assistance.

Take control of your care services with Homecare My Way

The move to Support at Home represents a major shift in the aged care system. While change can be overwhelming, the new assessment process and eligibility rules are designed to make things clearer and more consistent.

If you or someone you care for is starting to explore in-home aged care, understanding Support at Home eligibility and the assessment process will help you feel prepared. At Homecare My Way, we’re here to guide you through the changes, answer your questions and make sure you get the support you need.