How Support at Home works

Who can get it

People aged 65 and over can apply, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Getting assessed

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online. An assessor visits to talk about what’s hard day to day and what help would make a difference. You can have a family member with you. Afterwards you get a letter, called a Notice of Decision, saying what you’re approved for.

Your budget

There are eight ongoing levels, from about $11,000 to about $80,100 a year (as at 1 July 2026).

Your budget is paid in quarters. If you don’t spend it all, you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of that quarter’s budget, whichever is higher.

What it pays for

Services fall into three groups:

• Clinical supports, like nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Since 1 October 2026 this includes personal care: help with showering, dressing and continence.
• Independence, like company and outings, respite and transport.
• Everyday living, like cleaning, home maintenance and meals.

What you pay

You pay nothing towards clinical supports, including personal care. For independence and everyday living services, you pay a contribution worked out by Services Australia from your income and assets.

If you were receiving or approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, you won’t pay more than you would have under the old rules. Help is available if paying would cause financial hardship.

Short-term help

Three short-term options sit alongside ongoing support: a restorative care pathway of up to 12 weeks to help you get back on your feet, an end-of-life pathway for people expected to have three months or less to live who want to stay at home, and funding for equipment and home modifications. Your assessor and provider arrange these.

Choosing and changing who supports you

Your Support at Home provider manages your budget, service agreement and monthly statements. Many providers let you choose the people who come to your home. You can change providers if it isn’t working.

Turning 65 on the NDIS?

If you joined the NDIS before 65, you can usually stay on it. You can’t use the NDIS and Support at Home at the same time. Read our guide: NDIS or Home Care Package at 65?