Support at Home is Australia’s government-funded in-home aged care program (introduced 1 November 2025) that helps older Australians live safely and independently at home.

On this page

• What is Support at Home?
• Services Available
• Budgets & Contributions
• Eligibility
• ACAT Assessment
• Benefits
• How to Access
• Related Programs
• FAQs

What is Support at Home?

The Support at Home Program is a new model for aged care in Australia that streamlines in-home care into a single program. Services are delivered by registered and approved providers, such as Just Better Care, tailored to participants' goals and needs.

The Support at Home program aims to:

• Simplify access to care
• Reduce waiting times
• Personalised and flexible support
• Equitable access for all Australians from all backgrounds
• Ability to reassess as needs change

The reform sits alongside the new Aged Care Act, strengthening quality standards, accountability and person-centred care

The Support at Home program replaces the former Home Care Package program.

What's changing with Support at Home?

The Support at Home aged care reform introduces:

• A single, streamlined in-home care program
• Improved care planning through My Aged Care
• Clearer service lists and pricing
• Additional support and short-term pathways for higher and complex care needs

These changes are designed to make aged care at home and support services easier to understand and more responsive to individual needs.

What services are included?

• Clinical care: nursing, allied health, continence support
• Independence support: personal care, medication prompts, transport, respite
• Everyday living: cleaning, gardening, shopping, meal preparation
• Care management: planning, coordination, regular check-ins

Find out more about the services available and the Support at Home Services List

Short-Term Supports

• Restorative Care Pathway: time-limited allied health/nursing to build strength and independence
• End-of-Life Pathway: priority in-home support for comfort in the last three months
• Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM): funding for equipment and safety modifications

Find out more about the short-term support pathways available with Support at Home

Understanding Costs and Contributions

The Support at Home Program costs are under a new model, designed to be clearer and more consistent nationwide. 

This includes:

• Quarterly budgets aligned to assessed needs
• Carry-over unspent funds: up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) each quarter
• Pay only for the services used (co-contribution rates vary by income and service type)

Find out more about Support at Home budgets and contributions

Eligibility 

1. Check eligibility via My Aged Care (online or 1800 200 422).
2. Recieve an Assessment through the Single Assessment System.
3. Wait for a Notice of Decision and Support Plan (with approved services and budget).
4. Work with Just Better Care to create a Service Agreement and personalised Care Plan.

Find out more about Eligibility for Support at Home

ACAT Assessment 

My Aged Care is the starting point for all government-funded aged care services, including the Support at Home program

Through My Aged Care, participants can:

• Request an assessment

• Check My Aged Care Support at Home wait times

• Access more information about Support at Home and the My Aged Care Support at Home booklet

• Locate tools and resources for Support at Home, such as a Support at Home fee estimator and budget planner to help you calculate how much you will need to contribute to your care.

Learn how the ACAT assessment helps determine your eligibility for government-funded Support at Home services and what to expect from the process.

Find out more about the ACAT Assessment – How it works for Support at Home 

What are the benefits of Support at Home with 
Just Better Care?

All approved providers of Support at Home services across Australia must meet strict quality and safety standards. 

If you're looking for the best aged care and Support at Home provider where you live, look for your local Just Better Care office who can assist participants and their families to:

• Stay at home longer with tailored supports.
• Adjust services as needs change.
• Fair, transparent funding.
• Quality-assured, person-centred care.
• Have strong local knowledge with local offices and local team members.
• Prioritise continuity of support teams.

How to Access Support at Home?

Start with My Aged Care:

• Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422
• In person, you can enquire to speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia Service Centre (not all locations)
• Once you are deemed as eligible, nominate Just Better Care as your provider, and our friendly local team will work with you to build out your care plan and support services.

Related Programs

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) (entry-level, short-term support) available at selected Just Better Care locations
• Veterans’ Home Care & DVA Community Nursing (for eligible veterans and war widowers)
• Just Better Care Private (self-funded support for extra or immediate help)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Support at Home program for aged care?
The Support at Home Program is a new government-funded model replacing Home Care Packages, designed to deliver more flexible, fair, and transparent in-home aged care.

Is Support at Home different from Home Care Packages?
Yes. While similar in purpose, the new model simplifies funding, improves access, and better matches services to individual needs.

How do I apply for aged care at home support?
Start with My Aged Care Support at Home by contacting My Aged Care online or by phone 1800 200 433 to arrange an assessment.

Can I change my services?
Yes. You can request a reassessment if your needs change.

Do I have to pay?
You pay co-contributions only for services used; clinical care has no co-contribution.

Can I add private support?
Yes. You can commence private services through Just Better Care whilst waiting for Support at Home or as additional services or service hours.

Read more Support at Home Frequently Asked Questions