Support at Home

Built into the Support at Home program is a simpler and faster way for older Australians to access aged care funding: the Single Assessment System. In the past, under the Home Care Package program, getting assessed for aged care funding could be slow and confusing. People were often passed between different assessment organisations as their needs changed, meaning they had to retell their story over and over. The Single Assessment System streamlines this process. It provides a single assessment pathway and a more consistent experience. Key features and improvements under the Single Assessment System One assessment provider for all stages of your aged care journey Less need to repeat your personal story Better access in regional, remote and rural areas Shorter wait times for assessments and funding allocation (with a target of 3 months by July 2027). What's new under the Single Assessment System? The Single Assessment System introduces 3 key updates to how aged care assessments are de

Support at Home is a government-funded program that helps older Australians live independently, safely and comfortably in their own homes for longer. The program assists participants to get support to meet their needs, from help around the house to nursing and allied health. When you enter the program, you’ll receive a Support at Home funding classification, which determines your level of ongoing funding. This is based on the outcome of an aged care assessment . There are 8 funding classifications to suit different care needs: Classifications 1–2: Basic care needs such as meal delivery, light housework or light personal care. Classifications 3–4: Low-level care needs such as regular personal care, mobility aid support, or continence care. Classifications 5–6: Intermediate care needs such hoists, transfers, allied health therapies, or nursing support. Levels 7–8: High-level care needs such as assistance with all daily living activities, palliative support or 24/7 care availability

Support at Home is designed to help older Australians live independently at home, with the right care for their needs and personal goals. To make sure each participant gets the support they need, the program includes 8 levels of funding, known as 'classifications', as well as 3 short-term support pathways. The higher your classification, the more funding you'll receive. In this article, we'll walk you through the funding classifications, as well as the extra short-term support pathways. What is the Support at Home program? Support at Home is a government-subsidised program that provides funding for older Australians to receive support services at home. It's designed to help you stay safe, independent at home for longer, especially if you have more complex care needs. Learn more about the Support at Home program , or find out how to access Support at Home funding . What are the different Support at Home classifications? There are 8 ongoing funding classifications under Support at Hom

Launched 1 November 2025, Support at Home is the program from the Australian Government that helps older people access care services so they can live independently at home for longer. It replaced the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. The program has been designed to make in-home aged care more personalised, effective and easier to access. Key changes include: A wider range of package classifications to better suit a person's individual needs, including higher levels of care. Faster access to help, with a simpler assessment process and shorter wait times. Upfront funding to preventative support with the Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) Scheme. New and improved short-term options, with an expanded Restorative Care Pathway and End-of-Life Pathway. Support at Home was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety . It works alongside the new Aged Care Act to bring in a new approach to regulatio

With the Government move from Home Care Packages (HCP) to the new Support at Home (SAH) program on 1 November 2025, many older Australians approved for aged care funding are facing some uncertainty. It's likely there will be a waiting period before funding actually becomes available. If you or a family member is in this situation, you don't have to put support on hold. By paying privately for in-home support in the short term, you can get help that suits your needs right now. It also means you'll still have choice, flexibility and control. Understanding the Support at Home program and wait times Support at Home is Australia's new aged care program . It replaces Home Care Packages (HCP) and was designed to provide a flexible, personalised and more supportive way to help older people live independently at home for longer. If you currently have Support at Home funding – or when you're approved for it – you're placed into the Government's priority system. This is a rating based on your

Everyone who is approved for the Support at Home program is given the option to self-manage their funding. Self-management puts you in the driver's seat of your support, with more choice and control over the services you receive. Why self-management in aged care matters Self-management in aged care is based on the understanding that older people are the experts in their own lives. Whether independently or with help from trusted supporters and carers, the idea is that older people should have the freedom to make their own care decisions. The Aged Care Act 2025 introduced a new Statement of Rights, affirming your right to choose how, when, and by whom your aged care services are delivered. What are the benefits of self-managed aged care? While traditional Support at Home providers can offer some of this flexibility, self-managing gives you even more freedom. You can choose your own support workers and health professionals, and decide – through platforms like Mable – who supports you,

Support at Home is a government-subsidised program that aims to help older Australians live independently in their homes for longer. It's designed for people with a range of care needs, from basic daily assistance to more complex support. But who exactly is eligible for Support at Home? In this article we'll outline the criteria for eligibility and what happens after you apply for funding. Who is eligible for Support at Home funding? You may be eligible to be assessed for Support at Home funding if: You're aged 65 or over You're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over You're aged 50 or over and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Eligibility also depends on how much support you may need. Many older people begin to notice that everyday tasks aren't as easy as they used to be. You might be: Finding it harder to shower or get dressed Feeling unsteady on your feet or at risk of falls Struggling with housework, cooking or laundry Missing medical appointments be

Under the new Aged Care Act , it's assumed that every older person is able to make their own decisions about the care they receive. This is a big step forward for person-centred care. At the same time, the Act recognises that some older people may want or need a bit of support when making those decisions. That's where a registered supporter can help. Whether it's due to language barriers, memory concerns, or simply wanting a second set of ears, having a trusted person there to help navigate aged care can make a big difference. What does a registered supporter do? A registered supporter for aged care is someone chosen by an older person to help them understand and make decisions about their aged care services. They also can contact My Aged Care , attend aged care assessments, and talk with providers on the older person's behalf. Importantly, registered supporters are there to uphold the older person's wishes, even if they personally disagree. Their role is to help to smooth the path

The Support at Home program aims to help older Australians live independently and safely at home. To access it, you'll need to meet certain eligibility criteria and have an aged care assessment to check what level of support is right for you. Who is eligible for Support at Home? You may be eligible to be assessed for the Support at Home program if you fall into one of the following groups: People over the age of 65 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 People over the age of 50 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Eligibility also depends on factors like your health, your level of independence at home, and what support you already have around you. To check your eligibility for an aged care assessment, you can use the Assessment Eligibility Checker online or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 . For more detailed information, read our guide to Support at Home eligibility . What happens if I'm eligible for an assessment? If you meet the eligibi