The Support at Home program is designed to help older Australians live independently and safely at home. If you’re new to government-funded home care, you might be wondering what exactly your Support at Home funds can be used for? The answer depends on your assessed needs, your funding classification, and the service categories available under the program.
How does Support at Home funding work?
An aged care assessment determines your eligibility and places you into one of eight ongoing funding classifications (or, in some circumstances, a short-term pathway). Each classification comes with a set annual and quarterly budget, matched to your level of need, which you use to pay for services from a defined service list. The higher your classification, the more funding you receive, which means more or higher-intensity services.
Short-term pathways: Restorative Care, End-of-Life & AT-HM scheme
In addition to ongoing classifications, Support at Home includes flexible pathways that respond to changing circumstances:
- Restorative Care Pathway: Provides intensive, time-limited support to help you regain function and independence after illness or injury. This pathway is designed to be preventive and restorative, aiming to reduce the need for ongoing or higher-level care.
- End-of-Life Pathway: Offers tailored support for people with a terminal illness or in palliative care, ensuring comfort and dignity at home.
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM): If you’re assessed as needing equipment or home modifications, you may receive separate funding for these supports:
You may shift between ongoing and short-term supports as your needs evolve.
The Support at Home service list: What you can access
A central feature is the service list under support at home, which sets out which services are in scope, grouped by contribution categories, and which are excluded. There are 14 service types (e.g. domestic assistance, nursing, transport) under three participant contribution categories.
The three main service categories (and typical services)
Under Support at Home, home care services are grouped into three main categories, each with its own guidelines and contribution rates:
1. Clinical Supports
Clinical services to help you manage medical conditions and stay well at home.
Examples:
- Nursing (wound care, medication management)
- Allied health (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry)
- Continence support
Clinical supports are fully funded by the government. No participant co-contribution is required.
2. Independence Services
Services that help you maintain independence and participate in the community.
Examples:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Social support and companionship
- Transport to appointments or social outings
- Assistance with mobility and daily living activities
Contribution rates are lower for pensioners and moderate for self-funded retirees.
3. Everyday Living Services
Practical supports that make daily life at home easier.
Examples include:
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Home maintenance and gardening
- Shopping and errands
These typically attract higher contributions.
What determines the services you can access?
Your care needs are set through an aged care assessment, arranged by contacting My Aged Care. Your funding classification sets your overall budget, and your care plan (developed with your provider) outlines which services you need and how your budget will be allocated across the three categories. You can tailor your supports to your preferences and priorities, as long as they fit within your budget and the program’s guidelines.
What Can Support at Home funding be used for?
Depending on your needs and classification, you might use your Support at Home funds for:
- Regular nursing visits to manage a chronic condition (Clinical Supports)
- Personal care assistance - help with showering, grooming, dressing (Independence)
- Domestic assistance such as cleaning, laundry, changing bed linen (Everyday Living)
- Physiotherapy, podiatry or occupational therapy to help you maintain movement and mobility (Clinical Supports)
- Transport to community events or medical appointments (Independence)
- Meal delivery if you’re unable to cook (Everyday Living)
- Maintenance to keep your home and garden in a safe condition (Everyday Living)
- Social outings or companionship to help you stay connected (Independence)
- Assistive technology (e.g. mobility aids) or modifications approved via the AT-HM scheme (separately funded)
Your provider will help you design a care plan that makes the best use of your funding and supports your goals.
What can’t Support at Home funds be used for?
There are some exclusions, such as:
- General living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, groceries)
- Services already covered by Medicare or other government programs
- Major home renovations or general repairs not tied to assessed functional or safety needs
- Items or services not on the official Support at Home service list
- Unapproved or non-documented expenses
Your care team can give you a full list of what’s in and out of scope.
How do participant contributions work?
Your contribution (the amount you pay) is based on your income and assets and varies by service category. Everyday Living services attract the highest contributions.
There is a lifetime cap on contributions. Once you have paid $130,000 (indexed) towards services, you will not be charged any more for the services you receive. There are also hardship provisions that may apply.
Grandfathered Home Care Package recipients (those who received a package or were eligible on, or before, 12 September 2024) will pay the same or less than under the previous program.
Need help?
Our team is here to help you understand your options and make the most of your Support at Home funding. Contact us today.
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