Support at HomeClassification 8 Explained
The Australian Government’s Support at Home program is designed to offer comprehensive and fully coordinated assistance for older Australians with the most significant care needs. Support at Home classification 8 provides the highest level of funding available, specifically for individuals who require complex or comprehensive support due to health, mobility, or personal care challenges. Understanding this classification is important in ensuring you or your loved one can continue to live safely, comfortably, and with dignity at home with the right care in place.
At Homecare My Way, we are committed to offering you clarity and reassurance throughout your aged care journey. Our team is experienced in helping clients self-manage their funding, ensuring you maintain control and confidence in your care arrangements.
What is Support at Home Classification 8?
Support at Home classification 8 is the top tier within the Support at Home program. It is for individuals who need the most complex, coordinated, and substantial in-home care—often requiring ongoing clinical support, specialised equipment, and assistance with nearly every aspect of daily life. This classification typically benefits people with significant or unpredictable health needs, serious mobility issues, advanced cognitive impairment, or those requiring end-of-life and palliative care.
The goal of classification 8 is to ensure that you receive a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your unique needs. The funding is intended to support not only extensive personal and clinical care but also the coordination of multiple services, comprehensive home modifications, and round-the-clock support where required. This makes it possible to manage very high care needs at home, preserving choice and comfort.
Who is Eligible for Support at Home Classification 8?
Eligibility for classification 8 is determined through a personalised assessment that considers your health, daily living abilities, and overall circumstances. You may be eligible if you:
Require extensive assistance with every or nearly every daily activity
Have significant or multiple health needs that demand a fully coordinated team approach
Live with serious mobility limitations, advanced cognitive decline, or require palliative care
Would be unable to remain at home safely without the highest possible level of support and oversight
Once approved, you will be allocated a substantial quarterly budget to cover the necessary care and services. The focus is on providing fully coordinated, specialist-led support for your complex requirements.
How Much Funding Does Classification 1 Provide?
Support at Home Classification 8 provides the highest level of government funding available under this program. The current budget allocations are:
- Quarterly budget: $19,526.59
- Annual amount: $78,106.35
This significant financial support is designed to meet comprehensive care needs, including regular clinical oversight, multiple services, and 24/7 assistance if required.
Do I Have to Contribute to My Support at Home Services?
You may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your services, depending on the type of care you receive and your personal financial situation. The government funding covers the remainder, ensuring your support remains accessible and sustainable.
Service Contributions
Your contribution is based on the type of services you receive:
- Clinical Support: No contribution. This includes nursing, allied health, and medication management.
- Independence Services: Moderate contribution. Covers personal care, home modifications, domestic assistance, and respite.
- Everyday Living Services: Higher contribution. Includes shopping, transport, social activities, and gardening.
Financial Situation
Your income and assets also help determine your contribution:
- Full Age Pensioner: Minimum contribution.
- Part Pensioner / Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder: Moderate contribution.
- Self-Funded Retiree: Higher contribution.
For more information about service contributions and how your circumstances affect payment, please visit our pricing page.
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What Services Can I Access
With Classification 8
With a Support at Home classification 8 budget, you can access the most comprehensive and flexible mix of services available, all tailored to your specific care needs. These services include:
Benefits of Self-Managing Your Support at Home Funding
Through the Support at Home program, you can choose to self-manage your funding with Homecare My Way, providing you and your family with:
1 Greater Choice and Control
Self-management ensures you and your family can select the services and professionals that best match your needs. This approach empowers you to maintain oversight of every aspect of your care and make changes as circumstances evolve.
2 More Value from Your Budget
Many traditional providers charge elevated services fees that can reduce the support hours available to you. With Homecare My Way, you can choose the carers you want and agree on rates that suit your budget, which can translate into extra hours or a wider selection of services.
3 Flexibility for Changing Needs
Complex care requirements may change rapidly. With self-management, you have the flexibility to adjust your services, support staff, or care routine quickly, ensuring your care remains safe and effective with minimal delay.
How Homecare My Way Can Help
We understand that managing complex care at home can be overwhelming. Our team is here to provide the tailored support, clear guidance, and robust systems you need to manage your Support at Home Classification 8 funding:
Here is how we can assist you:
Understanding Your Plan
We help you understand your rights and the full extent of your quarterly budget for Classification 8.
Personalised Care Plan
We work collaboratively with you, your family, and health professionals to develop a holistic, effective plan that addresses every aspect of your health and wellbeing.
Budget Management Support
Our streamlined platform keeps your spending transparent and manageable while we handle all financial administration.
Qualified Support Connections
We help you source experienced nurses, allied health specialists, support workers, and palliative care professionals you can trust.
At Homecare My Way, our mission is to help you maintain dignity, choice, and comfort—no matter how complex your support needs become.
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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