About Support at Home Funding
The Australian Government’s Support at Home Program helps older Australians stay safe, supported and independent in the comfort of their own home. But while the funding is flexible, it is important to understand your funding and what the criteria is, for better and tailored care.
At Carer’s Network, we help make sense of these guidelines in a simple, friendly way. As an independence living specialist delivering in-home aged care services across Clayton, we support you to understand exactly what your funding covers so you can make confident decisions.
What Support at Home Funding Can’t Be Used For
Everyday living costs
These are considered general household expenses and not care-related:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries or personal shopping
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water)
Lifestyle expenses
Funding cannot be used for items or activities that don’t directly support your assessed care goals:
- Club memberships
- Entertainment costs
- Holidays or travel
- Social outings not linked to wellbeing goals
Home renovations not tied to safety or clinical need
- Kitchen or bathroom upgrades for lifestyle purposes
- Painting or cosmetic repairs
- Major modifications without clinical justification
Medical items already covered through Medicare or the PBS
- Medicare-funded procedures
- Medications subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Support at Home Program funding focuses on care, safety and independence, not day-to-day living expenses or lifestyle choices.
What Support at Home Program Funding Can Cover
Support at Home funding can be used for services directly connected to your care needs, independence and wellbeing at home.
Clinical Supports (fully subsidised, 0 contribution)
- In-home nursing services (nursing, wound care, health monitoring, medication administration)
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Other allied health services
These are fully government-funded when included in your assessed care plan.
Independence Supports (client contribution applies)
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming, mobility support)
- Community & Social Support (transport to appointments, support to attend social groups, companionship and community access)
- Medication assistance
- Mobility support
Respite Supports (client contribution applies)
- Respite Care (regular, irregular or emergency respite to support carers)
Respite is included in the Support at Home program and is funded when part of your care plan.
Everyday Living Supports (higher client contribution)
- Domestic Assistance (cleaning, laundry, household tasks)
- Home & Garden Maintenance (gardening, lawn care, light home maintenance)
- Home maintenance
Support at Home Funding Classifications and Criteria
The Support at Home Program allocates funding through eight classification levels, each aligned to different care needs. These budgets are reviewed quarterly and yearly by the Australian Government.
Below is a friendly breakdown and example scenario, using figures that are accurate as of 1st November 2025.
Funding Level 1 – Basic care needs
$2,683.01 quarterly / $10,732.04 yearly
Scenario: Margie only needs a little help. She’s independent but appreciates support with occasional cleaning and light shopping.
Funding Level 2 – Low-level care needs
$4,008.91 quarterly / $16,035.64 yearly
Scenario: John needs help a couple of times a month. He benefits from meal prep every fortnight and transport to community activities.
Funding Level 3 – Low–intermediate care needs
$5,491.67 quarterly / $21,966.70 yearly
Scenario: Miriam has mild mobility issues. She needs regular personal care and weekly housekeeping.
Funding Level 4 – Intermediate care needs
$7,424.07 quarterly / $29,696.28 yearly
Scenario: Tom needs ongoing weekly support. This might include personal care, medication assistance, and occasional allied health.
Funding Level 5 – Moderate–high care needs
$9,924.40 quarterly / $39,697.61 yearly
Scenario: Patricia needs multiple and continuous supports each week. She benefits from a combination of personal care, meal preparation, and mobility support.
Funding Level 6 – High care needs
$12,028.44 quarterly / $48,113.74 yearly
Scenario: Bruce requires frequent support throughout the week. Personal care, medication assistance, mobility support and help around the home are part of his routine.
Funding Level 7 – Very high care needs
$14,536.88 quarterly / $58,147.50 yearly
Scenario: Evelyn needs multiple types of support every day. She receives personal care, allied health services, meal assistance, and home support regularly.
Funding Level 8 – Very high / complex care needs
$19,526.51 quarterly / $78,106.04 yearly
Scenario: Mary requires complex, ongoing care. Her package may include clinical support, nursing, frequent personal care, home maintenance and meal support.’
Private Funding vs. Government-Subsidised Funding
If you choose to privately fund your in-home aged care services, you are not restricted by these Support at Home rules. You can access care at any age, with complete flexibility over the types of support you choose.
Many families choose a blend of government-subsidised services and private services to increase their level of support.
How to Get Started with Support at Home Funding
The process begins with an assessment (through My Aged Care). Once you receive your Support at Home classification, Carer’s Network guides you through each step from your in-home consultation to creating your personalised Care Plan and introducing your dedicated Client Services Manager. To learn more about how to apply click here.
How We Can Help
If you’re ready to explore your options, we’d love to help. As your local in-home care services provider, Carer’s Network is here to make getting started simple, personal, and stress-free.
We can arrange a time to have a cuppa and a chat about what you need, what matters most to you, and how your Support at Home Program funding can be used to support your independence.
Our services include: Personal Care, Domestic Assistance, In-Home Nursing Services, Community & Social Support, Home & Garden Maintenance and Respite Care, all delivered by a team who genuinely cares.
Every participant has a dedicated Client Services Manager, so you always know who to call and never feel like you’re navigating the journey alone. Whenever you’re ready, get in touch to start your aged care journey with us.
