The Support at Home program provides government funding based on your individual care needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package. After completing an aged care assessment through the Single Assessment System, eligible participants are assigned one of eight funding classifications. Each classification provides a different level of funding, ensuring the support you receive reflects your health, independence, and daily living needs.
Compared to the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) program, which had only four funding levels, Support at Home offers eight funding classifications. This allows funding to be more closely matched to a participant's care needs and provides greater flexibility as those needs change over time.
The funding is provided as a quarterly budget and includes funding for ongoing care management. Your registered Support at Home provider uses this budget to deliver the services included in your personalised care plan.
Support at Home: The Eight Levels of Support
The Support at Home program replaces the Home Care Package system with a more flexible, needs-based approach to in-home care. It offers eight funding levels, clear service categories, and government-set price caps to ensure older Australians receive the right support at the right time.
2.1 Levels of Support at Home:
There are eight levels of Support at Home program. Each level of Support at Home is designed to match a person’s functional ability, clinical needs, and support preferences, ranging from minimal domestic help to full-time complex care.
Level 1: Minimal Support for Independent Living
- For older adults who are mostly independent but need occasional help
- Support may include light domestic tasks (e.g., mopping, changing bed sheets)
- Also includes brief welfare checks and community transport
- Focus is on prevention and reassurance
Level 2: Light Personal Assistance and Social Connection
- Adds personal care like showering or dressing assistance a few times per week
- May include grocery shopping or help attending social activities
- Mild medication management or basic health checks (e.g., blood pressure)
- Supports physical well-being and reduces isolation
Level 3: Moderate Support with Daily Routines
- Regular assistance across multiple daily tasks
- Help with hygiene, meal preparation, transport, and fall prevention
- Cognitive support or mobility assistance becomes more prominent
- Ideal for individuals at risk of losing independence without support
Level 4: High-Frequency Personal and Household Support
- Daily support with personal care routines (e.g., dressing, toileting)
- Occupational therapist-led home safety modifications (e.g., handrails)
- Incontinence support and more intensive mobility assistance
- Housekeeping services are ongoing to ensure a safe environment
Level 5: Daily Support and Clinical Coordination
- Suitable for people with high daily support needs and health risks
- Includes advanced personal care, hoisting, feeding assistance, and transport to medical appointments
- Clinical care is coordinated with allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, dietitians)
- Home safety and monitoring become key components
Level 6: Comprehensive Medical and Personal Care at Home
- Multidisciplinary care with frequent nursing services (e.g., wound care, injections)
- Ongoing physiotherapy or speech therapy may be involved
- Daily personal care, continence management, and medical monitoring
- Homes may be modified for clinical functionality
Level 7: Intensive Daily Care Across Multiple Needs
- For individuals with complex, multi-system conditions (e.g., dementia, COPD)
- Full support with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, feeding, toileting, etc.
- Requires multiple daily visits from carers, nurses, and allied health staff
- Social and emotional support becomes an integral part of care
Level 8: Highest Level of In-Home Care, Including Palliative Support
- Designed for individuals with chronic or terminal conditions needing end-of-life care
- Includes 24/7 availability, pain management, and use of specialist equipment
- Emotional, spiritual, and family support is provided alongside physical care
- This is the in-home equivalent of high-dependency palliative care
Here’s a clear and simple table outlining the eight levels of Support at Home:
Comparing HCP and Support at Home: What’s Changing?
Here's aside-by-side breakdown of the key differences between HCP and Support at Home:
Funding for Transitioned Home Care Package (HCP) Recipients
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) before the Support at Home program commenced, you won't lose your funding. The Australian Government has ensured a smooth transition by moving existing HCP recipients to an equivalent transitioned funding level under Support at Home.
Likewise, people who had been approved for a Home Care Package before 31 October 2025 but were still waiting for funding were transferred to the Support at Home Priority System. Once funding becomes available, they'll receive a transitioned funding level equivalent to their original Home Care Package approval.
Participants who later require a higher level of care can request a reassessment. If approved, they'll move from a transitioned HCP funding level to one of the new Support at Home Levels 1–8 based on their assessed care needs.
Transitioned HCP Funding Levels
Final Thoughts
The Support at Home program offers a more flexible and personalised approach to in-home aged care, with eight funding levels designed to better match each person's care needs. Whether you're applying for the first time or transitioning from a Home Care Package, understanding how the funding classifications work can help you make informed decisions about your care.
If you need help comparing registered Support at Home providers, Aged Care Choices can connect you with trusted providers to help you find the right care for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Home Care Packages and Support at Home?
Home Care Packages (HCP) offer four levels of coordinated care for older Australians living at home. Support at Home, launching in July 2025, will replace HCP with a more flexible system that includes eight levels of care and simpler pricing. It’s designed to better match services to individual needs.
2. Will I lose my current services when Support at Home replaces HCP?
No. If you're already receiving a Home Care Package, you'll be automatically transitioned to an equivalent level in the Support at Home program. Your services will continue without interruption, and you’ll receive communication about any changes.
3. How do I know what level of care I need?
Your care level is determined through an aged care assessment conducted by a trained assessor. This assessment evaluates your physical, medical, and social needs to match you with the right level of support. You can start this process through My Aged Care.
4. Can I choose my own care provider under the Support at Home program?
Yes. Just like with HCP, you will retain the right to choose your preferred provider under Support at Home. The government will also ensure transparent pricing so you can compare services more easily.
