The Support at Home program is bringing changes to how aged care is delivered, along with some new language to get familiar with. This glossary defines some of the most common terms, helping older people, their loved ones and support workers feel more confident navigating the program.
We've grouped the terms by topic to make them easier to find.
Getting started with Support at Home
Aged care assessment
A detailed review that determines whether an older person is eligible for government-funded aged care services. It is conducted in-person by a trained assessor using the Single Assessment System.
Single Assessment System
A national, streamlined process for aged care assessments. Participants will be assessed by the same organisation for all stages of their aged care journey.
Notice of decision
A letter outlining the outcome of the aged care assessment. It confirms whether the older person is eligible for funding and, if so, which type of funding and classification they have been assigned.
Participant
An older person who is receiving Support at Home funding.
Funding, costs and budgeting
Funding classification
The level of funding assigned to a participant based on their care needs. There are eight classifications under Support at Home, each with a different annual amount.
Participant contributions
The amount a participant may be required to pay toward the services they receive. This depends on both the types of services received and the participant's financial circumstances.
Income and assets assessment
Also known as a 'means test', this is a review of a participant's financial situation by the government to determine how much they may need to contribute toward their aged care.
Transitioned HCP care recipient
A Home Care Package recipient who transitioned to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. This also includes older people who were on the National Priority System prior to 1 November 2025 but had not received a Home Care Package. These participants do not need to reapply or be reassessed immediately and may continue with existing arrangements.
Grandfathered participant
A subset of transitioned HCP care recipients. These are recipients who were either receiving a Home Care Package, were on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package on 12 September 2024.
A 'no worse-off' principle applies to these participants, which means they will make the same contributions, or lower, than they would have had under HCP program arrangements.
People and roles in your care
Registered provider
A registered organisation responsible for delivering safe, quality aged care services under Support at Home. Providers manage a participant's funding, plan their care, and provide clinical oversight. They are also known as 'home care providers'.
Associated provider
An associated provider is a third-party provider that delivers aged care services on behalf of a registered Support at Home provider. The registered provider is responsible and accountable for the compliance of associated providers with aged care standards.
Service agreement
A formal agreement between a participant and their Support at Home provider . It outlines the services to be delivered, responsibilities of each party, and any fees or contributions.
Care management
A key responsibility of Support at Home providers, which helps participants to get the most out of their funding. Care Partners coordinate services, check in regularly, and update support plans as needs change.
Registered supporter
A trusted person formally nominated to My Aged Care to help a participant make decisions about their care. They support communication, advocacy and navigating the aged care system.
Digital labour platform operator
A digital labour platform operator is an organisation or person who runs a digital platform (i.e. a website or app) that helps participants find labour or services by service providers.
Planning and extra support
Support plan
A personalised outline of a participant's needs, goals, and recommended services. It is developed during the aged care assessment and used by the provider to guide ongoing care.
Short-term pathways
Extra budgets that can be allocated on top of a participant's ongoing funding to meet specific needs. Also referred to as 'short-term classifications' or 'short-term supports'.
Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) scheme
Short-term funding to help pay for assistive devices or home changes that improve safety, comfort, or independence. Funding tiers range from $500 to $15,000 and must be used within 12 months.
Restorative Care Pathway
An additional budget designed to help eligible participants regain strength and confidence. It provides a budget of approximately $6,000 up to $12,000 for services such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, over a 12 week period.
End-of-Life Pathway
Funding for eligible participants who wish to spend their final months at home. It offers up to $25,000 for more intensive care over a three-month period.
Rights and legislation
Aged Care Act
New legislation coming into effect on 1 November 2025. The Act sets out the responsibilities of aged care providers and the rights of older people, with a focus on dignity, autonomy and personalised care.
Statement of Rights
A document introduced under the Aged Care Act that outlines the rights older people have when receiving aged care services. Want to dive deeper into Support at Home? Visit My Aged Care online for more information, explore the Support at Home Program Booklet, or speak with your current provider.
This article provides our summary of Support at Home terms and is intended for general purposes only. Please contact My Aged Care for advice on your specific circumstances.
