Support at Home Classification 2: Who It’s For and How it Helps

Support at Home Classification 2 provides $16,035.64 in annual government funding, or $4,008.91 per quarter, for older Australians who need regular, reliable help to stay independent at home.
This level of care is designed for people who are still largely self-sufficient but find that certain daily tasks are becoming more difficult.

It offers ongoing, scheduled support with things like showering, meal preparation, cleaning and transport, helping you stay comfortable, confident and connected without losing your independence.

Support at Home replaces the previous Home Care Packages (HCPs), expanding the former program from four levels to now eight classifications. This shift and expansion allows for more personalised support that’s better able to match your actual care needs as they change over time


 

Who is Support at Home Classification 2 For?

Support at Home Classification 2 is ideal for people who are mostly independent but need regular low-level care to manage safely at home. It provides the reassurance of consistent visits and a broader range of support than Classification 1.

You may be suited to Support at Home Classification 2 if you:

  • Need help with personal care or showering several times a week
  • Feel tired or unsteady doing household tasks or meal preparation
  • Rely on others for shopping, errands or transport
  • Find it harder to keep up with cleaning or laundry
  • Want regular companionship and a structured routine
  • Would feel more confident with someone checking in on your wellbeing
     

What Does Support at Home Classification 2 Cover

Support at Home Classification 2 provides more frequent and structured assistance across key areas of daily living. Services are flexible and designed to maintain independence while preventing risks like falls, malnutrition and/or isolation.

Regular Personal Care

Gentle, regular assistance with personal care helps you maintain dignity and wellbeing, where examples include:

  • Help with showering, dressing and grooming
  • Toileting support if needed
  • Light mobility assistance around the home

Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support

At this level, carers can provide a slightly more hands-on help with food preparation and meal planning.

  • Preparing nutritious meals multiple times per week
  • Supporting grocery shopping and meal planning
  • Encouraging hydration and balanced eating

Household Support and Cleaning

A tidy, safe home makes a big difference to wellbeing.

  • Cleaning multiple rooms, including kitchen and bathroom
  • Laundry, ironing and bed linen changes
  • Tidying cupboards and light decluttering

Medication Management

More structured medication support ensures you stay on top of prescriptions and routines, with:

  • Regular reminders and checks
  • Assistance with prescription refills
  • Coordination with your GP or pharmacist if needed

Health and Safety Monitoring

Care workers at this level play a more active role in keeping you safe and well by:

  • Checking for changes in mobility, appetite or mood
  • Spotting hazards around the home
  • Encouraging gentle exercise to maintain strength

Quick Safety and Wellbeing Checks

Simple checks to help catch potential risks early. This could include:

  • Verifying heating, lighting, and essential appliances are working
  • Checking pantry or fridge for essentials
  • Spotting early signs of health or memory changes
     

Example: Meet Dorothy

Dorothy, 83, lives alone and enjoys gardening and reading. Lately, she’s been skipping meals and finds it tiring to shower or tidy the house. Her nephew noticed she’s become less social and hasn’t been attending her weekly book club.

With Support at Home Classification 2, a care worker visits four times a week to:

  • Assist with showering and dressing
  • Prepare nutritious lunches and dinners
  • Keep the kitchen and bathroom clean
  • Drive her to the local book club and help with shopping

Now, Dorothy feels more confident and supported, maintaining her routines, staying connected and enjoying her home without worrying about falling behind on tasks.

Budget and Funding for Support at Home Classification 2

Support at Home budgets are managed quarterly by Services Australia, with funding tailored to your assessed classification.

Quarterly BudgetAnnual Budget
Level 2$4,008.91$16,035.65

Your funding covers the approved services in your Support Plan. It’s designed to provide dependable help where it’s needed most, with no unexpected fees for standard supports.

You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget for unplanned needs, such as extra support while a family carer takes a break.

How to Apply for Support at Home Classification 2

Applying for Support at Home is straightforward, and you don’t need to navigate it alone. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Register with My Aged Care


    Begin by getting in touch with My Aged Care – the government’s central point for aged care services.

    A quick initial screening will confirm if you’re eligible for a formal assessment

    Register online at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422

  2. Complete Your Aged Care Assessment


    If eligible, you’ll be referred for a full in-home assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).

    This assessment looks at your current health, mobility, home setup, and support needs

    You may have a friend, family member, or advocate with you during the assessment

  3. Receive Your Personalised Support Plan


    After your assessment, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision that includes:

    Your Support at Home classification and the level of funding assigned

    A care plan that outlines recommended services and goals

    Information about short-term supports if applicable

  4. Enter the Priority System


    Your care needs will be ranked as urgent, high, medium, or standard. This determines how quickly you receive funding.

  5. Choose a Provider and Start Services


    Once your funding becomes available you’ll have 56 days (or up to 84 days with an extension) to choose an approved provider