In this guide:
Support at Home is a government-subsidised program that aims to help older Australians live independently in their homes for longer. It’s designed for people with a range of care needs, from basic daily assistance to more complex support.
But who exactly is eligible for Support at Home? In this article we’ll outline the criteria for eligibility and what happens after you apply for funding.
Who is eligible for Support at Home funding?
You may be eligible to be assessed for Support at Home funding if:
- You’re aged 65 or over
- You’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over
- You’re aged 50 or over and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Eligibility also depends on how much support you may need. Many older people begin to notice that everyday tasks aren’t as easy as they used to be. You might be:
- Finding it harder to shower or get dressed
- Feeling unsteady on your feet or at risk of falls
- Struggling with housework, cooking or laundry
- Missing medical appointments because transport is a challenge
- Managing health concerns that now need nursing or allied health support.
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to look into Support at Home funding.
Read more about the Support at Home program, or find out how to access Support at Home funding.
You can also check your eligibility for an assessment online by using the Assessment Eligibility Checker, or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. If you prefer, a family member or other trusted person can also do this on your behalf.
What happens if I'm eligible for Support at Home funding?
If you’re eligible, you can apply for Support at Home Funding via My Aged Care. You’ll then be referred for an aged care assessment. An assessor, usually a nurse or healthcare professional, will visit you in person to understand your needs.
They will ask about your daily routine, health and safety at home, and any support you already receive. From there, they’ll decide whether you’re eligible for government-funded care and assign a funding classification level based on how much support you need.
There are 8 funding classification levels under Support at Home, plus 3 short-term classifications. Each one comes with a different budget, depending on your care needs.
If you’re not approved, you’ll be told why. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions or request a review.
What if I'm not eligible for Support at Home funding?
If you’re not eligible but still need support, you can connect with independent support workers on Mable. They can help with daily tasks like personal care, housework, transport, errands or companionship.
You don’t need government funding to use Mable. Simply pay privately, agree on a rate with your support worker, and choose the services and schedule that work for you.
Learn more about finding support on Mable if you’re not eligible for Support at Home funding.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Support at Home package cost?
It's free for eligible older Australians to access Support at Home, although you may need to contribute to the services you receive.
Your contributions will be calculated based on 2 overarching factors:
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- The type of services received:
- Clinical care does not require a contribution
- Independence services require a moderate contribution
- Everyday living services require a higher contribution.
- Your financial situation:
- This includes age pension status, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card status and means testing.
- The type of services received:
How do I apply for Support at Home funding?
If you haven't already applied or begun receiving Support at Home funding, you can apply for an aged care assessment. There are 3 ways to do this:
- Online at the My Aged Care website
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
- Book a face-to-face appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at select Services Australia service centres by calling 1800 277 475.
A family member or other trusted person can also apply on your behalf if you authorise them to do so.
Take a closer look at the steps to accessing Support at Home funding.
How long is the wait for Support at Home funding?
Funding is allocated according to a priority system. Higher priority applicants will receive their funding sooner.
It's highly recommended that when you first start to feel like you need support, you begin the application process. In the meantime, you can pay privately for support by connecting with independent support workers via Mable.
Can I apply for Support at Home if I'm already receiving other aged care services?
If you are already receiving support through a Home Care Package, you will be automatically transitioned to the Support at Home program.
If your needs change and you want to apply for more or different support services, you can contact My Aged Care.
This article, and any of our linked documents or articles, provides our summary of Support at Home terms and is intended for general purposes only. Please contact My Aged Care for information specific to your circumstances.