How do I access care
at home?
Help at home can support you with everyday tasks and personal care. Learn how to access the right care to stay comfortable and independent in your own home.
If you or someone you love needs a little extra help at home, you may be eligible for government funding to stay in your own home longer. Many older Australians want to stay independent and close to family and friends. At PlanCare, we’re here to provide care that fits your needs, giving you more choice and extra support so you can live safely and comfortably at home. But you might be wondering - how do I get started?
About Support at Home
The government is introducing a new program called Support at Home. This program will bring together three existing aged care programs - Home Care Package, Commonwealth Home Support, and Short Term Restorative Care - into one, starting 1 November 2025.
The new Support at Home program aims to simplify and streamline aged care by offering more flexible, person-centred services that support older Australians to live independently at home for longer. The program focuses on individual needs, choice, and early intervention, including care management, restorative care, and help with daily tasks.
If you already have a Home Care Package, you automatically move across to Support at Home. If you are applying for the first time, or supporting someone who is, you will need to go through the new application and assessment process.
Which services can I access with Support at Home?
Under the Support at Home program, there are a range of services that you can access, depending on your needs and what you are eligible for. These services are grouped into three main categories:
Clinical supports are fully funded under Support at Home. That means no matter a person’s income or assets, they will not be asked to contribute to the cost of clinical services. These supports include essential care such as:
- Nursing care
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy
- Help with wound care
These are health-related services delivered by qualified professionals and these services are fully paid for through your funding program. You do not need to make any contribution toward these costs.
The government has developed a defined service list that outlines the types of services you can access. You will be assessed on the services you need, which will be outlined in your care plan.
Classifications and Funding
The Support at Home program introduces eight funding classifications, ranging from ~$11,000 to $78,000 per year. These will replace the existing four Home Care Package levels. Under Support at Home, budgets are set quarterly, with Care Management automatically deducted. Clients will have access to the full value of their budget at the start of the quarter. The quarters are as follows:
Quarter 1
1 July - 30 September
Quarter 2
1 October - 31 December
Quarter 3
1 January - 31 March
Quarter 4
1 April - 30 June
If you are a new client who hasn’t received a Home Care Package previously, you will have a Support at Home package at one of eight levels. Your annual budget will be split into four even quarters, with 10% deducted automatically for Care Management.
| Classification | Annual Budget | Quarterly Budget | Deduct 10% Quarterly Care Management | Quarterly Spending Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Level 1 SAH | $10,731.00 | $2,682.75 | $268.27 | $2,414.48 |
Level 2 SAH | $16,034.45 | $4,008.61 | $400.86 | $3,607.75 |
Level 3 SAH | $21,965.70 | $5,491.43 | $549.14 | $4,942.29 |
Level 4 SAH | $29,696.40 | $7,424.10 | $742.41 | $6,681.69 |
Level 5 SAH | $39,697.40 | $9,924.35 | $992.43 | $8,931.92 |
Level 6 SAH | $48,114.30 | $12,028.58 | $1,202.85 | $10,825.73 |
Level 7 SAH | $58,148.15 | $14,537.04 | $1,453.70 | $13,083.34 |
Level 8 SAH | $78,106.35 | $19,526.59 | $1,952.65 | $17,573.94 |
If you are already receiving a Home Care Package, you won't need a reassessment. Under the Support at Home program, you will be moved across on your current Home Care Package funding amount, called a Transitional Home Care Package budget.
| Classification | Annual Budget | Quarterly Budget | Deduct 10% Quarterly Care Management | Quarterly Spending Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transitioned HCP Level 1 | $10,986.50 | $2,746.63 | $274.66 | $2,471.97 |
Transitioned HCP Level 2 | $19,319.45 | $4,829.86 | $482.98 | $4,346.88 |
Transitioned HCP Level 3 | $42,055.30 | $10,513.83 | $1,051.38 | $9,462.45 |
Transitioned HCP Level 4 | $63,758.20 | $15,939.55 | $1,593.95 | $14,345.60 |
Note: Funding amounts are updated several times throughout the year, so we recommend checking the My Aged Care website for the most up to date amounts.
Am I eligible for Support at Home?
To be eligible for Support at Home, you must:
- Be over 65 (over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and need help with at least three areas of your life, like getting around, meals, or housework
- Be a permanent resident or an Australian citizen
- Be living at home (not in residential aged care)
- Be assessed by My Aged Care as needing home care services
How do I access care as a new client?
Register with My Aged Care
Your first step is to contact My Aged Care, the national gateway to aged care services. Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. They’ll ask a few simple questions about your health, mobility, and how you are managing day-to-day.
Note: Make sure you have your Medicare card handy!
Get assessed by the Single Assessment System (SAS)
Once registered, you will be referred for an aged care assessment through the Single Assessment System (SAS), which replaced ACAT and RAS teams.
Once registered, you will be referred for an aged care assessment through the Single Assessment System (SAS), which replaced ACAT and RAS teams.
Book your Assessment
An assessor will visit your home to understand your care needs and determine your eligibility. This is a supportive conversation, not a test, and the goal is to match you with the right level of help. Click here to prepare for your assessment.
Receive your Support at Home classification
Following the assessment, you will be assigned a Support at Home classification level. This determines how much funding you will receive each quarter. There are eight ongoing classification levels, plus additional short-term options like the Restorative Care and End-of-Life Pathways.
Complete an Income Assessment
To work out how much you need to pay towards your care, you will need to complete a simple Income Assessment. This is done through Services Australia (or DVA for veterans) and is based on your financial situation.
Being assigned a Package and your Referral Code
When you are assigned a package, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care with a referral code. You will have 56 days to find a Home Care Provider managing your funds.
Choose your Provider and create your Care Plan
You will then choose a Home Care Provider who will work with you to create a care plan that suits your life and preferences. This is where you can get in touch with PlanCare.
Do you have questions or are not sure what to do next? Get in touch with our team at 1800 024 000 or book a free Explainer Session and we will call you back at a time that suits you best.
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