Ongoing Support at Home uses 8 funding classifications based on assessed needs.
Funding & programs
Support at Home: funding, services and what to do next
Support at Home is the Australian Government program that funds approved in-home aged care. This guide brings together the practical parts families usually need next: assessment, funding, service types, contributions and choosing a provider.
Liz explainsPlain-English guidance, then the next useful step.
At a glance
What to know first
Funding is managed in quarterly budgets and 10% of ongoing-service funding is allocated to care management.
Participant contributions depend on the service category and financial circumstances; providers set their own service prices within current program rules.
The practical detail
Understand the part that matters to you.
Start with your approval and support plan
The useful starting point is not the provider list. First understand what has been approved, the support needs recorded in the plan and whether funding is active, interim or still waiting.
Understand the funding classification
People approved for ongoing services receive one of 8 Support at Home classifications. Funding is allocated quarterly and the published amounts are indexed over time, so use current government figures when comparing a budget.
Allow for care management
For ongoing services, 10% of the quarterly budget is allocated to care management. This supports planning, monitoring, reviewing and coordination rather than direct service hours.
Know the three broad service groups
Contribution rules differ between these groups. Clinical supports do not attract participant contributions. From 1 October 2026, approved personal care moves to the fully funded contribution category.
- Clinical Supports
- Independence
- Everyday Living
Compare provider prices properly
Support at Home providers set their own prices. Prices must be explained clearly and agreed before services are charged. Compare the actual unit price, what is included and how much of the quarterly budget will remain for direct support.
Compare providers on more than price
Check real service coverage, current availability, workforce fit, care-management style, communication and how clearly the provider explains what happens when needs or schedules change.
Related Liz Questions
Go deeper without reading everything.
Costs, Contributions & Value
How many hours of care will my Support at Home budget provide?
Your classification does not guarantee a set number of hours. After 10% is allocated to care management, divide the remaining funding by the government-funded portion of each provider’s service price. Provider rates, participant contributions and minimum visit times determine how much actual support the budget provides.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeHow many hours of care will a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 Home Care Package give me per week?
There is no fixed number of weekly care hours for each former HCP level or Support at Home classification. Hours depend on your budget, approved services, provider prices, contributions and the 10% care-management allocation.
Read answer →Costs, Contributions & ValueWhich Support at Home services are free?
Nursing, approved allied health and other clinical supports have no participant contribution. Care management is also contribution free. Personal care will become contribution-free from 1 October 2026. These services may still use your available government-funded budget, so “free” means no out-of-pocket contribution not unlimited care at no cost to your funding.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeWhat are provider "care management" and "package management" fees?
Under Support at Home, the old separate package-management fee has ended. For ongoing services, 10% of each quarterly budget is set aside nationally for care management, which is delivered by a care partner even when you self-manage parts of your care.
Read answer →Financials, Fees & FundingWhat is the Basic Daily Fee, and does everyone have to pay it?
For Support at Home, there is no Basic Daily Fee. You may instead pay contributions only when certain approved services are delivered. In residential aged care, most residents pay a Basic Daily Fee toward everyday living costs.
Read answer →Financials, Fees & FundingWhat happens if I genuinely cannot afford aged care fees? (Financial Hardship provisions)
You should not assume you must stop receiving care because you cannot afford the fees. Complete the financial assessment, apply for hardship assistance through Services Australia and tell your provider immediately. If approved, the government may cover some or all eligible costs for a specified period.
Read answer →Costs, Contributions & ValueHow are Support at Home contributions calculated?
The provider’s agreed service price is multiplied by the contribution percentage set by Services Australia. You pay that amount, while the government-funded budget pays the remainder. Clinical supports remain contribution-free.
Read answer →Costs, Contributions & ValueCan a provider charge a separate administration fee?
A provider cannot normally add a separate administration fee to ordinary Support at Home services. A capped overhead of up to 10% may apply when a self-managing participant directly sources a third-party worker, although it must be included in the final service price. Separate capped charges are also permitted for AT-HM administration and home-modification coordination.
Read answer →When general information is not enough
Talk it through with Liz.
Start with this topic already in context, then add what is happening in your situation.