Why do we need this? So we can get in touch and help find you nursing homes for your needs. 
100% Obligation Free
Zero Additional Cost to You
In this article:
Support at Home Package Take-up Deadline
Support at Home Take-Up Deadline: At A Glance
- 56-day deadline: Once approved, you have 56 days to find a provider and begin setting up your care plan
- One extension available: You can request an extra 28 days through My Aged Care (maximum 84 days total)
- If you miss it: Your funding offer may be withdrawn and you would need to reapply through My Aged Care
- What counts as activated: You need a signed Home Care Agreement with a provider — actual services don’t need to have started yet
- Don’t rush your choice: 56 days is enough time to compare providers properly — quality matters more than speed
- Running out of time? CareAbout can match you with a quality provider quickly — call 13 13 00
Every Support at Home package has a take-up period that acts like an expiry date for your government funding offer. If you don’t begin services within this timeframe, you may lose access to your assigned funding and need to reapply through My Aged Care.
Once you receive your Support at Home approval, you will have 56 days to find an approved provider and begin setting up your care plan.
If you need more time, you can request an extension through My Aged Care. The extension period is an additional 28 days, and only one extension can be granted, so it’s important not to let your Support at Home allocation lapse.
What can Support at Home funding be used for?
Support at Home funds are grouped into three categories — Clinical Supports, Independence Supports, and Everyday Living Supports. Each category is designed to help you stay safe, healthy, and independent in your own home, depending on your care needs.
Clinical Supports cover medical and health-related services that maintain or improve your wellbeing. This can include nursing care, allied health visits such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, nutrition support, and care management for ongoing health conditions.
Independence Supports help you stay active and connected. They include personal care, social support, therapies for mobility or daily tasks, respite for carers, transport to community activities, and assistive technology or minor home modifications that promote independence.
Everyday Living Supports focus on comfort and routine, such as cleaning, laundry, gardening, home maintenance, and meal preparation or delivery. These services help keep your home safe and your day-to-day life manageable.
Your Support at Home funds cannot be used for expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, holidays, entertainment, food, or other items already subsidised by the government. Funding is intended only for services that improve health, independence, and wellbeing at home.
How long does it take to get Support at Home funding?
The time it takes to receive Support at Home funding depends on your care needs and priority level as assessed by My Aged Care. Wait times currently range from several months for high-priority cases to more than a year for lower-priority applicants. It’s important to apply early and accept your classification promptly once offered to avoid losing your place in the queue.
What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) remains in place until 2027 and provides entry-level assistance for older Australians who only need a small amount of help at home. CHSP funding goes directly to providers, so you don’t choose how the money is spent. It typically covers light domestic services, meals, or transport and averages around $6,000 of government subsidy per client per year.
Support at Home replaces the Home Care Package system and offers personalised, flexible funding that you can direct towards the services you need most. There are eight classification levels of Support at Home, with annual funding ranging from approximately $10,000 for low-level support to more than $75,000 for complex or high clinical care. This funding is based on a consumer-directed care model, giving you greater choice and control over how your support is delivered.
What is the maximum Income Tested Fee for Support at Home?
Like the previous Home Care Package system, the government expects those who can afford to do so to contribute towards the cost of their care through an Income Tested Fee. The annual and lifetime caps remain consistent with current Home Care arrangements — approximately $13,724.45 per year and $82,347.13 over a lifetime (November 2025).
If you receive a full pension, you won’t need to pay an Income Tested Fee. Part-pensioners can contact Centrelink to confirm their contribution, while self-funded retirees must complete an Income Tested Care Fee form to determine how much they will need to pay.
We’re here to help!
If you need help understanding your Support at Home funding or require assistance before accepting your classification, speak to a CareAbout Adviser. They’ll answer your questions about your options, extensions, or how to get started — at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to activate my Support at Home package?
You have 56 days from the date of your approval to find a provider and begin setting up your care plan. If you do not activate your package within this period, you may lose your funding allocation and need to reapply through My Aged Care.
Can I get an extension on the 56-day deadline?
Yes. You can request one extension of 28 days through My Aged Care. Only one extension is granted, giving you a maximum of 84 days in total. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request an extension before your deadline passes.
What happens if I miss the take-up deadline?
If you do not activate your Support at Home package within the take-up period (including any extension), your funding offer may be withdrawn. You would then need to reapply through My Aged Care and go through the assessment process again.
Do I need to have started receiving services within 56 days?
You need to have signed a Home Care Agreement with a provider and begun setting up your care plan within the 56-day period. Actual services do not need to have started, but you must have an active arrangement with an approved provider.
How can CareAbout help me find a provider before my deadline?
CareAbout’s free service can match you with quality, accredited providers quickly so you do not miss your deadline. We understand your needs, compare providers on fees and services, and connect you with the right match. Call 13 13 00 for free, no-obligation advice.