The Support at Home program is a new national in-home care system replacing the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs from 1 November 2025. It provides funding for older Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) to receive care and support in their own homes. Support at Home offers more structured and transparent levels of assistance than the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, which will be fully integrated by July 2027.
Previously known as Home Care Packages, this government-funded support is now delivered through the Support at Home program, designed to offer clearer funding, simpler access, and more flexible care tailored to your needs.
Benefits of Support at Home
Receiving care at home is beneficial for both older Australians and the government, as it helps people remain independent and reduces pressure on residential care services. Home care use has increased 283% since 2017, from 71,900 to over 275,000 recipients (GEN Aged Care Data, AIHW, 2024). The Support at Home program makes this easier through a simpler structure, consistent funding, and greater transparency for recipients and providers.
- Support at Home operates under a consumer directed care model, allowing you to choose how your funding is used in partnership with your approved provider.
- Support at Home recipients generally receive higher levels of support and flexibility compared with CHSP participants.
- There are eight Support at Home classification levels, each with a different annual funding amount aligned to the level of care and support you require.
- Funds are paid to an approved Home Care Provider, who coordinates services that match your personalised plan. You may also choose a self-managed option if you wish to take greater control of your care budget.
What are the eight Support at Home levels?
Support at Home funding is structured across eight classification levels that increase progressively with care needs. Levels 1 and 2 provide lighter, occasional assistance for everyday activities like cleaning, shopping, and transport.
Levels 3 to 5 offer more regular support such as personal care, mobility assistance, and ongoing management of health or medication routines.
Levels 6 to 8 provide high to complex care, including nursing, allied health, and palliative or end-of-life support for people with greater medical or functional needs.
Under the previous Home Care Package system, 41% of recipients were on Level 2, 33% on Level 3, and 21% on Level 4 (AIHW, 2024) — the eight-level Support at Home structure now provides more precise funding matched to individual care needs. This ensures funding directly aligns with the intensity and frequency of support required.
How does Support at Home funding work?
The Australian Government pays a different subsidy for each Support at Home classification level and may also cover supplements for specific care needs. With two in three people with dementia living in the community rather than residential care (Dementia Australia, 2026), home-based funding is the primary support pathway for most older Australians. Funding is paid directly to your approved provider, who delivers and coordinates your services.
Your total Support at Home budget is made up of:
- The Australian Government contribution (subsidy and any applicable supplements), and
- Your personal contribution, which may apply depending on your income and the type of service. Clinical care is fully government funded, while means-based contributions may apply to Independence and Everyday Living supports.
Who is eligible for Support at Home?
To be eligible for the Support at Home program you must be:
- 65 or over (50 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
- 50 or over and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness (45 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
Support at Home replaces the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. Eligibility and assessment are managed through My Aged Care using the new Single Assessment System and Integrated Assessment Tool.
How am I assigned to a Support at Home level?
Your Support at Home classification is determined through a My Aged Care assessment, where an assessor reviews your health, mobility, home environment, and daily living needs. The outcome sets your classification level and guides the types of services you are eligible to receive.
CareAbout recommends being honest and realistic about your daily needs during your assessment to ensure your classification accurately reflects the level of care required.
Many older Australians feel hesitant to ask for help, but being open during your assessment ensures you receive the support that helps you stay safe and comfortable at home.
Inclusions and Exclusions of Support at Home
Your Support at Home funds can be used for services that help you maintain independence and quality of life at home. These may include home modifications, cleaning, gardening, equipment, nutrition and meal preparation, and allied health or nursing services.
Support at Home funds cannot be used for accommodation or rent, holidays, entertainment, gambling, or goods and services that are unrelated to your assessed care needs.
Need Help Finding a Support at Home Provider?
CareAbout is Australia’s leading placement service for Home Care and Support at Home. We’ve helped thousands of families find the right provider and would love to help you too.
Call us today to get free, no-obligation advice from our team of Aged Care Specialists.
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