Quick Answers: Support at Home
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s aged care program that funds services to help you live independently in your own home.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s primary aged care program
designed to help older Australians remain living safely and independently at home.
It replaces the previous Home Care Package system and introduces a simpler, more
flexible approach to accessing care.
Funding is based on your individual needs and can be used for a wide range of
services that support your health, independence, and quality of life.
What Services Can You Receive?
Support at Home covers three main categories of services:
Clinical Care
(No out-of-pocket cost)
Nursing Care
Medication Management
Wound Care
Allied Health Services
(physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, etc.)
Independent Living Support
Help with everyday personal tasks:
Personal Care
(showering, dressing, grooming)
Transport to Appointments
Everyday Living Support
Help to keep your home safe and comfortable:
Laundry
Equipment and Home Modifications
Support at Home funding can also be used for:
What will I actually pay?
Support at Home is partly funded by the Australian Government.
Clinical services
Fully funded — no contribution required.
Non-clinical services
May require a contribution depending on your income and assets.
This includes:
- personal care
- domestic assistance
- transport
- social support
Your contribution is assessed by Services Australia and is designed to be fair and affordable.
How does Support at
Home funding work?
Funding is allocated based on your care needs following an assessment through My Aged Care.
You will be assigned a funding classification, which determines your quarterly budget.
Level 1–2
(Lower support needs)
Level 3–4
(Moderate support needs)
Level 5–6
(Higher support needs)
Level 7–8
(Complex care needs)
Funding is flexible and can be used across different services depending on your needs.
How do I get started?
How quickly can services begin?
Once your funding is approved and you choose a provider, services can often begin within days.
We prioritise fast onboarding so you can start receiving support as soon as possible.
What if my care needs change?
Your care plan is flexible.
If your needs increase, we can help you:
- adjust your services
- request a reassessment
- access additional funding if required
Why choose Direct Care Australia?
Choosing the right provider makes a significant difference to your experience.
Fast, responsive service
We can start services quickly once your funding is approved.
Dedicated Care Partner
You’ll have one point of contact who coordinates your care and supports you ongoing.
Tailored support
Your services are designed around your goals, preferences, and routine.
Transparent pricing
Clear understanding of your funding and any contributions required.
End-to-end support
We assist with everything from assessment preparation through to ongoing care.
What’s changed from
Home Care Packages?
Support at Home replaces the previous Home Care Package system.
Key differences include:
- quarterly budgets instead of annual funding
- clearer service categories
- improved access to assistive equipment and home modifications
- more transparent pricing structure
- simplified assessment process
These changes are designed to make the system easier to understand and more responsive to your needs.
Need help getting started?
Whether you’re just beginning the process or already approved for funding, we can help you understand your options and get services in place quickly.
