Support at Home Package Inclusions

Under the new Support at Home program, your funding can be used for services that meet your assessed care needs and help you stay safe, well and independent at home. Your classification level determines your total budget and the mix of services available to you. While many of the principles from Home Care Packages remain, the Support at Home framework groups services into three main categories: Clinical Care, Independence Support, and Everyday Living Support.

Support at Home funding is designed to pay for services that directly contribute to your assessed goals. It cannot be used for general living expenses or items already funded by Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, or other government programs. Below are examples of what is and isn’t covered under the new model.

Can Support at Home funding pay for a funeral?

No. Funeral expenses are excluded under Support at Home. When a participant passes away, any unspent personal contributions are returned to their estate, and the remaining government-funded portion is returned to the Commonwealth. The same notification and refund rules apply as before, ensuring transparency for families and estates.

Can Support at Home funding pay for gardening?

Yes, light gardening that supports your safety and independence may be funded under Independence Support. This can include mowing lawns, weeding, clearing paths, and pruning for safe access. Larger projects, landscaping, or aesthetic gardening remain excluded because they are considered general household expenses.

Can Support at Home funding pay for meals?

Yes, Everyday Living Support funding can pay for meal preparation and delivery when this is part of your assessed needs. This includes services such as Meals on Wheels or in-home meal preparation. The food component itself cannot be funded as it is a normal living cost, but preparation and delivery may be subsidised. Education or cooking support can also be included if linked to your wellbeing or nutritional goals.

Can Support at Home funding pay for home modifications?

Yes. Home modifications that improve safety and accessibility are eligible under Independence Support. This includes grab rails, handheld shower heads, ramps, and small structural adjustments recommended by a qualified health professional. Major renovations or aesthetic improvements are excluded. For complex modifications, the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme may provide additional funding and oversight.

Can Support at Home funding pay for home maintenance?

Yes, minor home maintenance that ensures your safety and wellbeing can be covered. This might include replacing smoke alarm batteries, changing light bulbs, or cleaning windows where it is unsafe for you to do so. Larger repairs and upgrades remain personal expenses, as they are considered part of normal home ownership.

Can Support at Home funding pay for equipment and aids?

Yes, Clinical Care and Independence Support funding can be used for aids and equipment that assist with mobility, safety, or personal care. This includes walking frames, shower chairs, mobility scooters, pressure-relief mattresses, and personal alarms. Some high-cost or high-risk items may require a prescription or assessment from a qualified professional, and all purchases must represent value for money. General household appliances, like fridges or standard washing machines, are excluded unless clinically justified.

Can Support at Home funding pay for respite?

Yes, in-home respite can be funded when it supports the wellbeing of both you and your carer. Residential respite is funded separately through government programs and cannot be paid from your Support at Home budget. If you temporarily enter residential respite, your in-home services and funding may be paused until you return home.

Support at Home excluded items – what can’t I use my funding for?

Support at Home funds cannot be used for everyday living costs or items already subsidised by other government programs. Examples include:

• Groceries, rent or mortgage, and household bills
• Holidays, entertainment, or gambling
• Services or medicines covered by Medicare or the PBS
• Renovations or aesthetic home improvements
• Items already funded by another Australian Government program