Learn about government-subsidised funding (Support at Home) and how to access in-home aged care services once your funding is assigned, to help you stay independent and comfortable in your own home.
Support At Home Government Funding for Aged Care
When it comes to in-home aged care services, getting a little extra support at home can make a big difference. Below is a simple guide to help you understand what the Support at Home program is, how to apply and when Carer’s Network can step in to support you through aged care services and securing government funding.
What Is Support at Home?
Support at Home is funding provided by the Australian Government, a simple and fairer system to help older Australians live independently at home for longer. It can cover services like personal care, help around the home and more.
Learn More
How Do I Apply for Support at Home?
Support at Home funding is arranged through My Aged Care, who manage the application and approval process. This involves an in-home assessment to determine eligibility and understand your care needs.
How Can Carer’s Network Help?
Once your funding is allocated, you’ll receive a notification confirming that your Support at Home program can begin. Carer’s Network can help set up your care plan. We also offer privately funded care if you’re waiting or not yet eligible.
Who Can Access Support at Home Funding?
- Individuals aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Participants experiencing financial hardship or housing instability.
*If you’re privately funding your care, you can access our services at any age.
About the Support at Home Program
The government-funded Support at Home program helps older Australians stay independent, healthy and socially connected while continuing to live safely in their own homes.
Your level of funding is based on your individual care needs. Funding can be used for personal care, domestic support, home modifications, assistive technology and more, all designed to help you live well at home for longer.
Based on your aged-care assessment and eligibility, Carer’s Network will work with you to design a care plan and discuss the best mix of services to meet your needs and budget. Have a chat with our team today about your care, we’d love to meet you in person and have a cuppa together.
If you’re applying for Support at Home funding, this is managed by My Aged Care (MAC). Learn more about the process below.
Begin Your In-Home Care Journey
What the Support at Home Program Includes:
Fairer and easier access to assessments and reassessments, with increased care options for those needing higher levels of support.
The End-of-Life Pathway, offering additional funding to help older Australians remain at home during their last 3 months of life.
The Restorative Care Pathway, intensive short-term care after illness or injury (up to 16 weeks), offered alongside your existing Support at Home services to help you recover and stay independent, with allied health support.
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, where individuals will be approved at assessment to receive separate funding for assistive technology and/or home modifications.
Benefits of Support at Home
The Support at Home program is designed to make in-home aged care easier to navigate and better tailored to individual needs. It provides the right level of support at the right time, with a clear structure and transparent funding model. Here are some key benefits:
A Single Assessment
Your care needs are determined through a single assessment that considers your personal, medical, and functional circumstances.
Faster Access & Reduced Wait Times
Faster access to care, with reduced waiting times for approved services, prioritised by care requirements, ensuring higher-priority cases receive funding sooner.
Quarterly Budgets
Quarterly budgets make it easier to manage your care throughout the year. Your annual funding is divided into four equal parts (each covering three months), and you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) of any unused funds to the next quarter.
No Hidden Charges
No separate admin fees, package management costs are built into pricing, ensuring transparency and value.
Care Management Funding Allocation
Care management funding will be allocated as 10% of each ongoing quarterly budget. This amount will be reserved for providers to offer care management support.
How Can I Access Government Funding for Aged Care?
The process of receiving Support at Home funding can be a little confusing, so we’ve broken it down into five clear steps of what you can expect during each stage.
Registering with My Aged Care:
Before you can access government-subsidised aged care services for the first time, you need to register and apply for an assessment. Initial registration with My Aged Care can be completed online or via phone.
This registration is divided into three steps:
- Answer questions about your situation
- Provide your details (including your Medicare card details)
- Arrange your assessment
Getting Assessed for My Aged Care:
A government representative from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will come and meet you in your home to discuss your needs.
To Prepare:
You can expect some questions about your day-to-day activities and where you may need support. They may ask to speak to your doctor or specialist. You can track your application at any time by logging into your My Aged Care account online or by calling 1800 200 422.
Getting Approved for Support at Home:
Based on your assessment, if found eligible, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision from My Aged Care, which includes your individual support plan to share with your chosen provider. This plan outlines your approved level of support and funding, along with details such as:
- A summary of your aged care needs and personal goals
- A classification with an associated ongoing quarterly budget and approved list of services
- Approval for any short-term supports, which may include budgets for:
– Assistive technology
– Home modifications
– Restorative Care Pathway
– End-of-Life Pathway
Join the Waiting List:
After the approval stage and receipt of your Notice of Decision, your details will be entered into the Support at Home Priority System, which manages the allocation of funding for ongoing services.
Your position in the system is determined by:
- The priority level of your care needs (urgent, high, medium, or standard), as identified during your aged care assessment
- The date your approval for in-home care was granted
You’ll then remain on the national waitlist until your funding is allocated.
Receiving Your Confirmation:
Once your funding is allocated, you’ll receive a notification confirming that your Support at Home services can begin. You can then choose your preferred provider to deliver your in-home care.
Start Receiving In-Home Care Services
During this stage, Carer’s Network will work with you to create a personalised care plan that supports your independence and helps you live safely and comfortably at home.
We’ll begin with an obligation-free consultation in your home to understand your individual needs and preferences, so we can match you with the most suitable care team to deliver ongoing support.
How Much Does Support at Home Services Cost?
The cost of Support at Home services varies depending on your individual care needs, the provider you choose and your financial circumstances.
The Australian Government subsidises most of the cost of your in-home care through the Support at Home program. You may also be asked to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to, based on an income assessment.
Your contribution forms part of your overall Support at Home budget, which is allocated quarterly according to your assigned funding level. There are eight funding levels, ranging from basic care needs to very high or complex care needs, explained below.
Levels of Government Funding for In-Home Care:
Funding Level 1
Basic level care needs
$2,752.50/quarterly
$11,010.01/yearly
Funding Level 2
Low-level care needs
$4,112.84/quarterly
$16,451.35/yearly
Funding Level 3
Low-Intermediate care needs
$5,634.20/quarterly
$22,536.81/yearly
Funding Level 4
Intermediate care needs
$7,617.13/quarterly
$30,468.51/yearly
Funding Level 5
Moderate-high care needs
$10,182.38/quarterly
$40,729.53/yearly
Funding Level 6
High care needs
$12,341.32/quarterly
$49,365.27/yearly
Funding Level 7
Very high care needs
$14,915.00/quarterly
$59,660.00/yearly
Funding Level 8
Very high / complex care needs
$20,034.28/quarterly
$80,137.12/yearly
*Quarterly budgets and annual amounts are subject to change in July each year in line with indexation. These figures are correct as of 1st July 2026.
Want to understand exactly how your contribution is worked out?
Why Carer’s Network?
Accredited Private Home Care Services and Supports
We are a local accredited and certified in-home care services provider held to the Aged Care Quality Standards of Australia.
In-home Care Tailored to Your Needs
We know you like things done a certain way, so our highly experienced team will work with you to understand your unique needs.
Carer’s Network is sensitive to the needs of our clients and takes on board all cultural and linguistic differences. Where possible, we will recruit to accommodate our clients’ specific requirements such as preferred language or cultural fit.
In-House Support Team
Our team of qualified and experienced in-home support workers are screened and selected by our dedicated internal team of recruiters. All staff are thoroughly vetted and police checked.
Additionally, our entire support team is in-house, from 24/7 rostering to after-hour support, so you can expect a high standard of service no matter who you interact with.
Dedicated Care Partner
No matter how much or how little support you require, we match every client with a Dedicated Care Partner. A single, familiar face who you can contact at any time to assist with your care needs.
Our In-Home Aged Care Services
Have you been assigned Support at Home Funding by My Aged Care?
Our qualified and trained team can help you set up your funding and create a tailored care plan so you can start receiving assistance at home. With Carer’s Network, you’ll be matched with a Dedicated Care Partner, who will help you get the services you require.
Support at Home Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access government funded aged care services?
If you’d like to access government-funded aged care services, there are a few things you’ll need to consider and do. Depending on your situation and the type of care you need, the process and timescales differ. To help you understand what’s involved and get more information, you can create your personalised guide to aged care via the My Aged Care website:
Where can I find more information and resources about Support at Home?
For detailed information about the Support at Home program, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Can I switch in-home aged care providers?
Yes. You’re always in control of your in-home aged care services and support. If your needs change or you want a provider who better suits your lifestyle, you can switch at any time without losing your funding. It’s a simple process designed to prioritise your care, safety and choice.
To read more about switching in-home aged care providers click here.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is a national support initiative funded by the Australian Government, offering free, local services to carers. Carer’s Network can support carers with flexible in-home respite on a scheduled or emergency basis.
What is the reason for the delay in CHSP joining Support at Home?
The phased implementation allows CHSP providers the necessary time to adapt their business systems and familiarise themselves with the new payment structures.
This approach ensures a smooth transition, helping providers maintain operations effectively under Support at Home while minimising any potential disruptions for the large number of CHSP clients.
How can I seek support from an advocate?
If you’re seeking, or receiving, government-funded aged care services, it’s common to need some support to work out what’s best for your situation. If you do, you might find an aged care advocate can help.
My Aged Care provides information on accessing advocates here.
Or, you can seek information on the Older Persons Advocacy Network.
What if I need support throughout my aged care journey?
You don’t have to be alone in your aged care journey. You can talk directly to Carer’s Network about any concerns you may have through our contact page.
My Aged Care provides a range of support for those seeking more information about understanding the aged care system, knowing your rights and making complaints:
What if I have any concerns?
If you have concerns about any aspect of your aged care experience (or a loved one’s), it’s important you raise them.
You can contact Carer’s Network any time about any concerns you may have and you can do so anonymously via our “Your Voice” platform. Or, if you’d like to make a complaint directly to My Aged Care, follow the link below:
