Support at Home
Supporting your independence with tailored Support at Home program
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new, single in- home aged care program starting 1 November 2025. It replaces Home Care Packages (HCP) and other existing home support streams so older Australians can more easily get the care they need while staying in their own homes. Through government funding, eligible older people can access a wide range of services that promote independence, safety and well-being.
At King’s Aged Care, we are an associated provider in partnership with Active Community Group (registered Support at Home provider) and our role is to deliver services tailored to your goals and lifestyle so you can continue living confidently at home.
The Purpose of Support at Home
We work with you and your family to design a personalised support plan that fits your needs and aspirations. The principle of “dignity of risk” still applies — you always have the freedom to make choices about the care you receive.
Support at Home is designed to help you:
Stay well and independent
Remain safe and comfortable in your home
Stay connected to family, friends and community
Funding Under Support at Home
Funding amounts for each classification will be confirmed closer to the start of the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), you will continue to receive the same funding level under Support at Home. Please note that all funding amounts are indicative and will be subject to indexation once the program begins.
Support at Home uses 8 ongoing classifications (replacing the old 4 HCP levels) so funding better matches individual needs. Example annual classification funding (for reference):
Budgets are managed differently under Support at Home — funds are set and reported on a quarterly basis and providers issue monthly statements showing what was spent and what remains.
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
Support at Home introduces a separate funding stream for equipment and home modifications (AT-HM) so you don’t have to use your main support budget for urgent equipment. Typical AT-HM tiers (examples):
- Low: under $500
- Medium: up to $2,000
- High: up to $15,000
There are admin fees caps for some items.
Who this affects (transition protections)
- Grandfathered clients — if you had an HCP on or before 12 Sep 2024, your funding level and protections continue (you will not pay more than you do now).
- Transitioned clients — if you received an HCP between 13 Sep 2024 and 31 Oct 2025, you will automatically move to Support at Home (you may have new client contribution rules depending on service categories).
- New participants — from 1 Nov 2025 onward you will be assessed under the new single assessment and assigned a classification and quarterly budget.
6 Steps to apply Support at Home (SaH)
Step 1. Check eligibility
Step 1. Check eligibility
The Support at Home program is for:
Older Australians aged 65 or over, or
50 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
How to check:
Use the Eligibility Checker.
It only takes a few minutes and helps determine if you should apply for an assessment.
Step 2. Apply for an assessment
Step 2. Apply for an assessment
If the eligibility checker indicates that you may qualify, or if you feel you need support to stay independent at home, the next step is to apply for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
There are three ways to apply:
Online: Complete the online application for yourself or on behalf of someone else. You’ll need a Medicare card. The application takes about 15–20 minutes.
By phone: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Support options are available if you need assistance during the call.
In person: Book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at a Services Australia Centre by calling 1800 227 475.
After submitting your application, an assessment organisation will contact you (or your nominated contact) to discuss your needs and arrange a suitable date.
Assessments are carried out in your home by a trained assessor. They can also be arranged at other locations or via telehealth when necessary.
Step 3. Prepare for your assessment
Step 3. Prepare for your assessment
Preparing in advance helps the assessment go smoothly.
Think about your goals, needs, and daily activities that may be challenging.
You may have someone attend the assessment with you—such as a family member, carer, Elder Care Support worker, care finder, or interpreter.
They can also provide background information to the assessor beforehand if needed.
For detailed tips, see Preparing for Your Assessment on My Aged Care.
Step 4. Receive your assessment results
Step 4. Receive your assessment results
After the assessment, you’ll receive a letter called “Outcome of your application for funded aged care services” (also known as a Notice of Decision).
If you are approved for:
Ongoing funding, assistive technology and/or home modifications and are actively seeking services — you will be placed into a priority system:
Support at Home Priority System
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Priority System
*You may need to wait until funding is allocated.
Restorative Care Pathway or End-of-Life Pathway — funding is allocated immediately and services can begin straight away.
Keep this letter and support plan somewhere safe. They will be required when confirming services or checking on funding progress.
Step 5. Set up your care plan
Step 5. Set up your care plan
We’ll meet with you to design a personalised Support Plan that outlines:
What services will be provided
How often and when they’ll occur
Any out-of-pocket costs
This plan ensures your care is flexible and aligned with your goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
Step 6. Start receiving services
Step 6. Start receiving services
Once your plan is approved and funding is confirmed, services can begin.
King’s Aged Care coordinates visits and checks in regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly.
If your needs change, services can be adjusted at any time.