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Navigating the Path to Support at Home Packages: A Step-by-Step Guide
FOCUS Connect • 8 December 2023
Embarking on the journey to access government-subsidised in-home support can be a life-changing step for older Australians. From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program (formerly known as Home Care Packages) will replace the current aged-care system for people who need ongoing assistance to live safely and comfortably at home.
This program provides government funding for services such as cleaning, personal care, transport, allied health, and home modifications, all aimed at supporting independence and quality of life.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to access a Support at Home package.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The first step is to determine whether you qualify for government-funded aged care. Visit the My Aged Care eligibility checker online or call 1800 200 422 to answer a few questions about your age, daily activities, and support needs.
Most people eligible for Support at Home will be:
- Aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), and
- Experiencing difficulty with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or personal care.
If you appear eligible, My Aged Care will arrange a formal assessment.
Step 2: Get an Aged Care Assessment
After your initial eligibility check, you’ll need an in-person assessment through the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
From late 2025, this process will transition to the Single Assessment System, using the new Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). The IAT helps determine your classification level — one of eight levels that reflect the intensity of care and services you require.
The assessment usually takes place at your home, where an assessor will discuss your lifestyle, health, and any help you already receive. You’re welcome to have a family member, friend, or carer present.
Step 3: Income Assessment
To determine if you’ll contribute towards the cost of your care, complete an income assessment through Services Australia (Centrelink).
This process helps establish how much, if any, you’ll need to contribute under the income-based contribution system introduced with Support at Home.
- People on a full Age Pension will generally pay little or no fees.
- Those with higher incomes may pay a greater share for everyday living supports (like cleaning and gardening) while still receiving government subsidies for clinical care.
You can read more about residential aged care means assessments here.
Step 4: Wait for Approval and Package Allocation
Once assessments are complete, you’ll receive a letter from My Aged Care confirming your approval and classification level under the Support at Home program.
When the program launches, eligible older Australians will begin to transition from existing Home Care Packages into Support at Home.
New applicants will enter a national priority queue, with waiting times depending on demand and assessed need.
You’ll be notified when your funding becomes available and can then choose a provider to deliver your services.
Step 5: Choose a Support at Home Provider
Once approved, the next step is to select an aged-care provider who will deliver your services. You can use the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website to compare options in your area.
If you live in Macarthur or South West Sydney, FOCUS Connect can help you understand your funding, create a care plan, and coordinate Support at Home services that suit your needs and budget.
Step 6: Understand Your Funding and Services
Under the Support at Home program, funding is no longer divided into four Home Care Package levels. Instead, there are eight funding classifications, each reflecting a person’s assessed level of support.
The higher your classification, the greater your quarterly budget and range of services available to help you live safely and independently at home.
Below are the indicative funding amounts for each classification as released by the Department of Health and Aged Care (as of June 2025):
| Classification | Quarterly Budget | Approximate Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,674.18 | $10,697.72 |
| 2 | $3,995.42 | $15,981.68 |
| 3 | $5,479.94 | $21,919.77 |
| 4 | $7,386.33 | $29,545.33 |
| 5 | $9,883.76 | $39,535.04 |
| 6 | $11,989.35 | $47,957.41 |
| 7 | $14,530.53 | $58,122.13 |
| 8 | $19,427.25 | $77,709.00 |
*These amounts are indicative and subject to indexation by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package, you will transition to an equivalent classification under the Support at Home program and continue receiving the same funding level unless your care needs change.
Your classification is determined during your aged care assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which evaluates your physical, cognitive, and social support needs. Your approved provider will then help you develop a personalised care plan and allocate your funding toward eligible services such as cleaning, personal care, transport, and allied health.
Conclusion
Accessing a Support at Home package involves several key steps: checking eligibility, completing assessments, and choosing the right provider. But the outcome is worthwhile. Once approved, you’ll gain access to flexible, subsidised support designed to keep you independent, safe, and connected in your own home.
At FOCUS Connect, we are here to guide you through your Support at Home program journey. Whether you’re starting your application, awaiting approval, or transitioning from a Home Care Package, our friendly team can help you understand the process and make the most of your funding.
Call 02 4627 1188 or visit our website to find out how we can assist you on your path to Support at Home.
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FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.
