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The Support at Home program is designed to help older people live well at home for longer with more choice and better support.
We know the application process can sometimes be confusing, which is why we’re here to walk beside you on the journey and make sure all your questions are answered.
Getting started with Support at Home
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Step 1: Register with My Aged Care
An assessment is a free service provided by the Australian Government that determines the level of care that you require and what you are eligible for. While your financial situation won’t affect your eligibility, it may determine how much the Government will ask you to contribute. If your registration is successful, an assessor will be in touch to arrange an aged care assessment. In this assessment, you’ll be asked what you want to be able to do, what you can do well and what you may need help doing.
Step 2: Receive notice of decision & funding allocation letter
If successful, you will first receive a Notice of Decision approval letter from the Australian Government and be placed in the Support at Home priority system. There is a lot of demand for in-home care so although you are approved for funding, there may be a wait before funding you receive funding allocation. There are Fee For Service options available while you’re waiting for your Support at Home funding.
Step 3: Complete an income and assets test
You’ll need to make sure you’ve completed an income and assets test to determine your participant contribution percentages. When you’re ready, click here to access the Income and Assets form on the Services Australia website, or phone 1800 227 475 and our team can help you through it.
Frequently asked questions
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new in-home aged care program starting 1 November 2025. It replaces Home Care Packages and brings key programs together so you can get the right help to live well at home – earlier, more flexibly and with stronger rights and protections.
If you receive a Home Care Package now, you will transition to Support at Home from 1 November 2025 and continue receiving care. Your funding will align with your current level unless you’re reassessed and need more support. To ensure your services continue without interruption, you’ll complete some transition paperwork- updating your care plan, budget and signing a new Service Agreement by 31 October 2025.
No. Unspent HCP funds roll over when you move to Support at Home.
From 1 November 2025, each quarter allows carryover up to $1,000 or 10% of the previous quarterly budget – whichever is higher. Overspends aren’t allowed, and your Care Partner will help you use your budget well, so you get the care you need.
- Your funding arrives as a quarterly budget rather than daily accruals, with a capped carry over each quarter.
- Services are grouped under a service list. We’ll explain what sits where.
- You may start contributing to some services depending on your Home Care Package approval date – on or before 12 September 2024 (covered by the “no worse off” rule) or after that date (new Support at Home contribution rules apply) – and the outcome of your income and assets assessment completed by Services Australia.
- Clinical supports will remain contribution-free.
Yes. You’ll keep the same caring team and support. Nothing changes unless you want it to. We’ll update your care plan and budget and finalise your new Service Agreement by 31 October 2025 – so services continue smoothly.
You’ll be assigned a funding classification based on your care needs. If you already have a Home Care Package, you’ll move to the equivalent classification for now. You’ll receive a budget every three months – and we’ll help you make the most of it.
Support at Home has eight ongoing funding classifications, plus short-term options: Restorative Care, Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) and End-of-Life Support.
We’ll help you choose the right mix of services to match your needs and preferences. Support at Home services are grouped into three categories:
- Clinical care – nursing, allied health, nutrition
- Independence services – personal care, transport, social support, respite
- Everyday living – cleaning, gardening, shopping, meal preparation.
Most people will contribute to some services under Support at Home. What you pay depends on:
- Type of service: Clinical supports (nursing, allied health) have no participant contribution;
Independence services (personal care, social support) attract a moderate contribution;
Everyday living (cleaning, gardening, meal preparation) attract the highest contribution. - Means test: your pension status and the income and assets assessment by Services Australia.
- Approval date: on or before 12 September 2024 (covered by the no worse off rule) or after that date (new contribution rules apply). If you were approved on or before 12 September 2024, you’ll pay the same – or less -than you do now.
Services Australia can help through a Financial Hardship Supplement. Services Australia will review your claim and let you know in writing what assistance you’re eligible for – usually within 28 days.
Need help?
- Ask your Care Partner to guide you through the process.
- Call Services Australia on 1800 227 475.
- You can also contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for free advice on 1800
700 600.
It’s important to let us know if you’re applying, because providers can’t collect contributions while your hardship application is being assessed.
If you’re already with us: Your Care Partner will meet with you before 31 October 2025 to explain changes, review your goals and services, confirm your new quarterly budget and any contributions, and finalise your new Service Agreement so care continues smoothly from 1 November.
If you’re new to us: We’ll help you get started with My Aged Care and work with you on a plan and budget that suits your needs and preferences.
Yes. From 1 November 2025, you can choose to have a Registered Supporter to help you understand and make decisions about your aged care.
A Registered Supporter can:
- talk with My Aged Care and your provider
- attend meetings with you
- and help you communicate your wishes.
They don’t make decisions for you unless they also have a legal role, such as Enduring Power of Attorney. You can register or update a supporter through My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. Your Care Partner can provide you with extra information.
You’re not doing this alone—we’re here to help.
- You can speak to us on 1800 960 433
- Visit our Home Care website pages for more detailed information.
- For independent information about reforms and your rights, see the Department of Health,
Disability and Ageing and My Aged Care resources. - Visit the Support at Home section of My Aged Care,
- You can also contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for free advice on 1800 700 600.
Let’s create new possibilities together
We’re here so you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re ready to start receiving Home Care now, or planning for the future, we’re always happy to chat. Drop us a line and we’ll get in touch.
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Serving Queenslanders for 90 years
Lutheran Services has been serving our community since 1935. Since then, we have continued the Lutheran tradition of care, now providing services and support to over 6,000 people every year.