Support at Home Program with Belong at Home

Your home. Your way. We are here to help.

At Belong at Home, we support you to live independently, stay connected, and remain in control of your care.

Your Support at Home package is yours to shape and tailored to suit your lifestyle and preferences, as your needs evolve, your services can too. We’re with you every step of the way, working together to make sure your care continues to fit your life.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is a new aged care program designed to help older Australians live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.

It offers a range of personalised services tailored to your individual needs and goals, based on your My Aged Care (MAC) assessment. After your assessment, you’ll be matched to one of eight support levels, ensuring the right level of care for your situation.

Short-term support pathways are also available, including options for assistive technology and home modifications, restorative care and, end-of-life care.

What Services Are Available*?

Our Support at Home program offers flexible options, including:

  • Domestic Assistance
    Help with cleaning, laundry, and household tasks.
  • Personal Care
    Support with showering, dressing, and grooming.
  • Social Support
    Companionship and activities to keep you connected.
  • Nursing Services 
    Assistance with wound care and supervision of medications and the completion of assessments.
  • Allied Health
    Provided through Associated Providers including physiotherapy and podiatry.
  • Meals and Food Preparation
    Assistance with cooking and nutrition planning, pre-packaged meals or meals on wheels.
  • Garden and Home Maintenance 
    Keeping your home safe and comfortable.
  • Transport
    Getting you to appointments, shopping, and social outings.

*We can only provide the services listed above once they’ve been approved for you through your My Aged Care assessment.

Support at Home Pathways

The Support at Home program offers both ongoing and short-term pathways to meet a wide range of needs for older Australians:

1. Ongoing Support Pathway

There are eight funding classification levels designed to help you access the services you need to continue living well at home. Your level is determined by your individual care needs. Classification Level 1 is for those requiring minimal support with daily tasks, while Classification Level 8 provides the highest level of funding for those with more complex care needs.

  • Your classification level is determined through a My Aged Care assessment and reflects the level of support you require. This classification determines:
    • The types of services you can access
    • The amount of funding allocated to you
  • Funding is provided as a quarterly budget, allocated every three months and managed by you and your chosen Support at Home provider.
  • Budget quarters are:
    • July to September
    • October to December
    • January to March
    • April to June
  • If you have any unspent funds you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is higher. These funds can be used in the next quarter, giving you flexibility in managing your care.
2. Short-Term Support Pathways

In addition to ongoing care, Support at Home offers three short-term pathways designed to meet specific needs. These pathways are based on your My Aged Care assessment and must be approved before services can begin.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) 

  • Separate funding for equipment and home modifications to improve safety and accessibility. 
  • Examples include mobility aids, ramps, grab rails, and bathroom adjustments. 
  • Three funding tiers: 
    • Low: under $500 
    • Medium: up to $2,000 
    • High: up to $15,000 
  • This funding is separate from your main Support at Home budget and is based on assessed need. 

Learn more about the AT-HM scheme 

Restorative Care Pathway

  • Provides short-term, goal-oriented allied health and nursing support to help you regain or maintain independence, especially after illness or injury.
  • Funding: Between $6,000 and $12,000 for up to 16 weeks.
  • Services may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing.

Learn more about the Restorative Care Pathway
Download the Restorative Care Pathway booklet (PDF)

End-of-Life Pathway

  • Offers additional support for people with a life-limiting illness who wish to remain at home during their final months.
  • Funding: Up to $25,000 over 12–16 weeks for in-home nursing, personal care, respite, and more.
  • Can be accessed even if you’re not currently receiving Support at Home services.

Learn more about the End-of-Life Pathway
Download the End-of-Life Pathway factsheet (PDF) [myagedcare.gov.au]

Client Contributions

Means-Tested Fees

Under the Support at Home program, the Australian Government fully funds clinical care services, such as nursing and allied health, so you won’t need to contribute to these costs.

However, for independence support (e.g. personal care, transport) and everyday living services (e.g. cleaning, gardening, meals), you may be required to contribute depending on your income and assets as assessed by the Australian Government.

Contribution rates:

Full Pensioners

  • 5% for independence support
  • 17.5% for everyday living services

Self-funded retirees

  • Up to 50% for independence support
  • Up to 80% for everyday living services

There is a lifetime cap on contributions which is currently around $130,000, to ensure costs remain manageable over time.

Some useful resources:

Grandfathered Clients under Support at Home

If you were assessed as eligible or receiving a Home Care Package on 12 September 2024, you are considered a grandfathered client. This means:

  • You would pay no client contributions if you paid no contributions under Home Care Packages, or no more than your Income Tested Care Fee if you paid these under Home Care Packages. 
  • You will be able to access all services on the service list that are necessary to meet your needs.

This ensures a smooth transition and protects clients from unexpected changes in costs or service levels.

How to Access Support at Home

Steps by step guide to access Support at Home

Step 1: Learn About Support at Home
Before applying, it’s helpful to understand what Support at Home offers.
Additional resources: Explore the Support at Home program

Step 2: Apply for an Assessment
To access services, you must first be assessed by My Aged Care. You can apply:

  • Online: Quick and easy with the link below
    Apply for an assessment online
  • By phone: Call 1800 200 422
  • In person: Book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer by calling 1800 227 475

Additional resources:
How to get assessed
Preparing for your assessment

Step 3: Receive Your Assessment Outcome
After your assessment, you will receive:

  • A Notice of Decision letter
  • A Support Plan outlining approved services and funding level

Additional resources: Receiving your assessment outcome

Step 4: Choose a Provider
Once approved, you have 56 days to choose a provider (like Belong at Home) and sign a service agreement. You can:

Step 5: Start Your Services

Your provider will help set up your services and manage your quarterly budget. You’ll work together to ensure your care matches your needs and goals.

Additional Resources: Managing your Support at Home services

Contact Us for more information
Support at Home Pricing

Additionally, Explore Resources from the Australian Government Below:

Service List:

Client Fact Sheets:

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate these changes and ensure you receive the best possible care.