Support at Home, explained.
The government's program for help at home. Here's how it works, what it covers, and what you'd pay, in plain words.
What would you pay?
What would you pay?
The help you'd like
An estimate using our prices and the Support at Home contribution rates from 1 October 2026. Services Australia works out your actual rates from your income and assets. If you were approved for a Home Care Package by 12 September 2024, you pay no more than you would have before.
Personal care is free to you now. Since 1 October 2026, approved personal care, like showering and dressing, has no contribution. It still comes out of your budget.
Approved before 12 September 2024? If you had, or were approved for, a Home Care Package by then, you'll pay no more than you would have under the old rules.
Eight levels, eight budgets.
Your assessment gives you a level. Each has a budget every three months (a quarter), from 1 July 2026.
| Level | Each quarter | Each year |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $2,752.50 | $11,010 |
| Level 2 | $4,112.84 | $16,451 |
| Level 3 | $5,634.20 | $22,537 |
| Level 4 | $7,617.13 | $30,469 |
| Level 5 | $10,182.38 | $40,730 |
| Level 6 | $12,341.32 | $49,365 |
| Level 7 | $14,915.00 | $59,660 |
| Level 8 | $20,034.28 | $80,137 |
Amounts change each July. 10% of each quarter is set aside for care management. There are also short-term budgets for getting back on your feet, for end of life, and for equipment and home changes.
What you contribute.
| Kind of help | Full pension | Part pension or seniors card | Self-funded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing, allied health and personal care | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing |
| Independence: transport, social support | About 5% | 5% to 50% | About 50% |
| Everyday living: cleaning, garden, meals | About 17.5% | 17.5% to 80% | About 80% |
Services Australia sets your exact rates from your income and assets. Contributions stop once you reach the lifetime cap, which is shared with residential care.
How to get started.
How do I get assessed?
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or we can help you make the call. An assessor visits and works out your level.
How long does it take?
It varies. Once you're approved and funding is available, you choose a provider and sign an agreement.
Can I change providers?
Yes, any time. Any budget you have carried over comes with you.
Let's have a cuppa.
We'll visit, listen, and show you exactly what your help would cost, before anything starts.