Support at Home Explained in Plain English
Support at Home is a government-funded program designed to help older Australians live independently in their own homes for longer.
What Is Support at Home?
Support at Home is a program funded by the Australian Government for people aged 65 and over (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need help to continue living safely at home.
After an assessment, eligible individuals are approved for a level of funding based on their care needs. That funding is then used to pay for services that support independence and wellbeing.
The program does not give you cash directly. Instead, funds are allocated to your care plan and managed through an approved provider or management arrangement.
How Do You Get Support at Home?
The process usually follows these steps:
Step 1
Register with My Aged Care
Telephone: 1800 200 422
Step 4
Wait for funding to be assigned (this can take time)
Step 2
Complete an assessment to determine your care needs
Step 5
Choose a provider to deliver your services
Step 3
Receive approval for a funding level
If you’ve been approved but are waiting for funding, there may still be options available in the meantime.
What Services Can Support at Home Cover?
Support at Home can fund a wide range of services, depending on your approved level and care plan. These may include:
Personal care (showering, dressing, mobility support)
Assistive technology and home modifications
Transport to appointments
Cleaning and household help
Gardening and minor home maintenance
Nursing services
Allied health (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry)
Not every service is automatically covered. Services must align with your assessed needs and approved support plan. If you’re unsure whether something is eligible, it’s best to confirm with your provider or care partner.
How Is the Funding Managed?
There are different ways funding can be managed:
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Provider-managed: An approved provider manages your services and spending.
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Self-managed: You have more flexibility in choosing who delivers your services, while staying within program rules.
The management type affects how much flexibility you have in selecting providers.
How Much Does It Cost?
Support at Home is subsidised by the government.
Some people may be asked to contribute towards the cost of their care, depending on their income and financial situation. These contributions are assessed individually.
Costs can vary, so it’s important to review your care agreement carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
What to Do Next
If you think Support at Home may be right for you:
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Contact My Aged Care to begin the assessment process
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Review your current approval status if you’ve already applied
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Browse local providers in Victoria offering the services you need
Understanding the system is the first step. Once you know where you stand, choosing the right support becomes much clearer.