In this guide:
The Support at Home program aims to help older Australians live independently and safely at home. To access it, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria and have an aged care assessment to check what level of support is right for you.
Who is eligible for Support at Home?
You may be eligible to be assessed for the Support at Home program if you fall into one of the following groups:
- People over the age of 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50
- People over the age of 50 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Eligibility also depends on factors like your health, your level of independence at home, and what support you already have around you.
To check your eligibility for an aged care assessment, you can use the Assessment Eligibility Checker online or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
For more detailed information, read our guide to Support at Home eligibility.
What happens if I'm eligible for an assessment?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can then apply for an aged care assessment via My Aged Care. This is an in-person meeting with a trained assessor who will talk to you about your care needs, daily routines, and goals.
After the assessment, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision letter with the outcome.
What happens if I'm not eligible for Support at Home?
If you’re not eligible for Support at Home, the letter will explain why and who to contact for more help.
You may be eligible for other care services and, if so, this information will be included with your letter. For example, if your needs are considered low – such as requiring help with just one or 2 tasks – you may be referred to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which provides entry-level assistance for people who need a little help at home.
Can I make a complaint or appeal the decision?
Yes. If you have concerns about the outcome of your assessment, you can:
- Call your aged care assessor or assessment organisation to talk through your concerns and request their help
- If you can’t resolve your complaint with your assessor, you can request a free review of the decision by writing to the Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Health within 28 days of receiving your letter.
- If you still can’t resolve the matter, you can go to the Administrative Review Tribunal, but there will be a cost.
Learn more about appeals and complaints on My Aged Care.
It’s also common for care needs to increase over time. If that happens, you can request a new aged care assessment, and you may become eligible for Support at Home in the future.
What support is available if I'm not eligible for Support at Home?
Whether you’re not yet eligible for government funding or you’re waiting for your funding to be approved, you can find the right support right now on Mable.
Our platform connects older Australians with a diverse community of independent support workers. All independent support workers on Mable are verified before they begin offering services.
Learn more about how we screen and approve support workers.
With Mable, you have the freedom to:
- Browse profiles of workers in your area
- Post job listings for specific types of support
- Choose support workers based on your preferences
- Negotiate and agree on payments with your support worker directly.
How do I pay for support on Mable if I'm not eligible for Support at Home funding?
Paying privately means you don’t need to wait for funding and can access the independence that some Support at Home providers may not offer.
Whether you’re looking for short-term help, or simply more flexibility, Mable gives you the tools to stay supported on your terms.
What types of services can I access through Mable if I'm not eligible for Support at Home?
Through Mable, you can access support services such as:
- Housework
- Meal preparation
- Social support
- Transport
- Personal care.
Learn more about the services you can find on Mable.
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.