Start with your assessment and approved needs.
Funding & programs
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s in-home aged care program. Local Home Help brings together plain-English guidance about funding, approved services, contributions and choosing support.
Liz explainsPlain-English guidance, then the next useful step.
At a glance
What to know first
Different service types can attract different contribution rules.
Your provider should explain how your approved funding translates into services.
Related Liz Questions
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Navigating the System & Eligibility
What does it mean to be “approved” versus “assigned” a Home Care Package or Support at Home package?
Being approved means an assessment has found you eligible for particular aged care services. Being allocated or assigned funding means the government funding for those approved Support at Home services is available for you to start arranging care.
Read answer →Financials, Fees & FundingHow does the family home count towards the asset test if a spouse still lives there?
For Support at Home, an ordinary family home is generally exempt, although homeownership can affect the thresholds used in the assessment. If one spouse enters residential aged care and the other remains at home, the property is also generally exempt while that spouse continues living there.
Read answer →Understanding Support at HomeWhat happened to people who already had a Home Care Package?
People already receiving Home Care Packages moved automatically into Support at Home with equivalent ongoing funding. They retained their unspent funds, did not need a fresh assessment solely because of the change, and may be protected by the no worse off contribution rules depending on when they were approved.
Read answer →Assessments, Waiting & Urgent HelpWhat can I do while waiting for Support at Home funding?
Ask about interim funding, CHSP, private services, community support and whether your priority should be reviewed.
Read answer →Assessments, Waiting & Urgent HelpWhat is interim Support at Home funding?
Some people may receive part of their approved funding while waiting for their full allocation.
Read answer →Navigating the System & EligibilityWhat happens if my care needs change after my initial assessment?
If your care needs change, you can request a Support Plan Review or a full reassessment at any time through My Aged Care. You do not need to wait for a scheduled 12-month check-in to adjust your funding or services if your health, living, or financial circumstances change significantly. The process for updating your support includes:Initial Contact: Talk to your current service provider first.
Read answer →Navigating the System & EligibilityHow long is the national waitlist for a Home Care Package?
There is no single fixed national wait time. Under Support at Home, waiting depends on your priority category, the services approved and available funding. Some urgent funding is expected within one month, while other ongoing services may take considerably longer.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeWhat services can I actually pay for with Support at Home?
Support at Home funding can pay for services that are approved in your support plan and included on the official service list. These may include nursing and allied health, personal care, respite, transport, domestic assistance and home maintenance.
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