Understanding aged care government funding

Understanding aged care government funding in Australia

Many Australians are unaware of the government support available to help older people live safely and independently in their own homes and communities. Australia’s aged care system is designed to ensure older Australians can access the care and services they need. Government funding is provided through programs such as Support at Home and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

Whether you need short-term help, regular support, or assistance with complex care needs, the Australian Government provides aged care funding through My Aged Care to make it easier to access coordinated care and continue living well at home.

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Government funding for aged care services

The Support at Home program, introduced under the Aged Care Act 2024, brings together home-based services previously delivered under the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.

Funding is based on an assessment of your needs and is made up of:

• Government funding – the amount the Australian Government contributes toward your support; and
• Your contribution – an amount you pay based on your income and assets assessment.

Support at Home provides care under three service categories:

• Clinical supports – nursing, allied health and therapy services
• Independence services – personal care, social connection, respite and transport
• Everyday Living services – cleaning, meals and home or garden maintenance

This new approach makes aged care funding simpler, more consistent and more transparent.

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Support through My Aged Care

All government-funded home support begins with My Aged Care. It’s your entry point to understand eligibility, apply for funding and connect with registered providers such as Five Good Friends.

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Step 1. Register and apply

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Call 1800 200 422, apply online at myagedcare.gov.au, ask your GP or health professional to refer you, or book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at Services Australia.

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If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you can choose to have your assessment conducted by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander assessment organisation.

Step 2. Complete your assessment

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If you’re eligible, you’ll meet with an aged care assessor who uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to understand your goals, health, function and living situation. Together, you’ll discuss what support could help you stay independent and connected to your community.

Step 3. Receive your support plan and Notice of Decision

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After your assessment, you’ll receive:

• a support plan outlining your agreed goals and recommended services, and
• a Notice of Decision, confirming your eligibility and approved support level.
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If you’re approved for Support at Home, you’ll also receive a referral code — this allows you to share your details with your chosen provider.

Step 4. Choose a provider

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Use your referral code to select a Support at Home provider such as Five Good Friends.
We’ll work with you to bring your support plan to life — coordinating your care, building your team, and helping you make the most of your government funding.

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Learn how we can help you get started.

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Entry-level help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

Some people only need a small amount of help to remain independent — for example, with meals, cleaning or transport.

These supports continue to be delivered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which provides flexible, entry-level assistance for older Australians.

The CHSP will continue until 30 June 2027 when it transitions into the Support at Home program.
If you currently receive CHSP services, your support will continue during this transition period to ensure there’s no disruption to your care.
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Key features of CHSP funding:

• Not means tested – all older Australians can apply.
• Funded by the government and delivered by approved providers.
• Services are subsidised; individuals pay a small contribution per service hour.
• Care plans are tailored but typically limited to a few hours per week.

Types of services offered under CHSP:

• Transport to appointments and activities
• Domestic help (e.g. house cleaning, washing clothes)
• Personal care (e.g. help with showering or dressing)  
• Home maintenance and modifications (e.g. changing light bulbs, getting a grab rail installed)  
• Aids and equipment (e.g. bath seat, raised toilet seat, mobility aids)
• Some allied health (e.g. podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
• Social support (e.g. accompanied activities, group excursions)

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What Support at Home funding support can include

Under Support at Home, government funding may cover a wide range of services to help you live safely and comfortably at home, such as:

• Personal and domestic assistance
• Social connection and transport
• Home maintenance and gardening
• Nursing, allied health and therapy
• Alzheimer’s & dementia care
• Assistive technology and home modifications
• Assistance with medication
• Meals and food preparation

The amount of funding you receive depends on your assessed needs. There are eight Support at Home funding classifications, from entry-level to complex care.
You can also access short-term supports, including the Restorative Care Pathway, End-of-Life Pathway, and Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme.

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Making the most of your Support at Home funding

Once you’ve chosen your provider, you’ll work together to plan your supports, set goals, and manage your funding.

At Five Good Friends, we make it simple to understand how your government funding and contributions work together.
We’ll help you create a flexible, transparent plan that uses your budget effectively — so you can continue to live the life you love, at home.

You can explore our Support at Home pricing or try our Budget Calculator to see how your funding works.

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The bottom line on aged care government funding

Understanding aged care government funding options is crucial for older Australians and their families. These programs provide vital support to help people live independently at home with dignity and confidence. With the right guidance and a trusted provider, accessing this support is straightforward.

Our mission at Five Good Friends is to help people remain in their own home so they can stay connected to their friends, communities, and the life they love, for as long as they desire.

If you’d like to know more about accessing help at home, we'd be honoured to help. Contact our care advice team on 1300 787 581.

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Frequently asked questions