What’s changing?
Get to know what’s new under Support at Home
Support at Home introduces a simpler and more flexible way to receive aged care at home.
Instead of fixed package levels, care is based on individual needs, with more choice in how services are arranged and delivered.
Funding is managed quarterly, and you have clearer information about your budget, service costs, and contributions.
With the new program, you’ll have stronger protections, capped service prices, and fairer access to equipment and home modifications that make everyday living easier.
Understanding your funding
Your Support at Home funding is based on an aged care assessment of your health, abilities, and lifestyle needs.
There are eight funding levels, from light assistance to daily comprehensive support.
Funding is provided quarterly, giving you flexibility across the year. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your budget each quarter, and if your needs change, you can be reassessed for a higher level.
Your care journey is protected by a $130,000 lifetime cap, recognising your unique life story. This protection moves with you if you enter residential care, with all contributions counting toward the same cap.
| Level | Quarterly budget | Annual budget | Care overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,750 | $11,000 | Minimal support – Light housework, meal delivery, welfare check-ins. For largely independent individuals. |
| 2 | $4,000 | $16,000 | Light personal care – Assistance with dressing, showering, medications, and social activities. |
| 3 | $5,500 | $22,000 | Moderate support – Regular personal care, mobility aid support, meal prep, household cleaning. |
| 4 | $7,500 | $30,000 | High-frequency support – Daily routines assistance, home modifications, toileting, continence care. |
| 5 | $10,000 | $40,000 | Daily support & health coordination – Hoists, transfers, transport to medical appointments, in-home safety monitoring. |
| 6 | $12,000 | $48,000 | Comprehensive care – Nursing support (wound care, medication), continence management, allied health therapies. |
| 7 | $14,500 | $58,000 | Intensive daily care – Assistance with all daily living activities, complex health conditions, dementia support. |
| 8 | $19,500 | $78,000 | Highest level of care – Palliative support, 24/7 availability, specialised equipment, nursing interventions. |
How your contributions have changed
With the introduction of the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025, contribution arrangements now depend on when your Home Care Package was approved.
Grandfathered participants
If your Home Care Package was approved before 12 September 2024, you are considered a grandfathered participant.
- If you haven’t been paying fees, you don’t start now.
- If you already contribute, your arrangements stay the same — you’re no worse off.
- You automatically move to a Support at Home level that matches your existing package — no reassessment is required.
- Your annual budget is now managed quarterly.
- Any unspent funds carry over, with future rollovers capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater.
New participants
If you joined Support at Home on or after 1 November 2025, your contribution is based on your financial situation.
- If you receive the Age Pension, you’ll pay the lowest contribution.
- If you’re retired but not receiving a pension, your contribution will depend on an income assessment.
- You’ll only pay for the services you use — the government covers the rest.
- If paying becomes difficult, hardship support is available so you won’t miss out on the care you need.
Contributions you may pay
Your contribution depends on the kind of help you receive and whether you’re a pensioner, part pensioner, or self-funded retiree. The government covers the rest to make sure support remains affordable and fair.
How your quarterly budget works
Under Support at Home, your funding is provided every three months instead of once a year. This gives you more flexibility to plan your care and adjust services as your needs change. You’ll know exactly what’s available in your budget each quarter, making it easier to manage your support and stay in control.
If you have unspent funds
If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, any unspent funds will move with you when you transition to Support at Home. You can use these funds for approved extra services, assistive technology, or home modifications that make life easier.
Once you’re in the new program, any new unspent funds from your quarterly budget will have a cap. Each quarter, you can carry over up to 10% of your Support at Home budget or $1,000 — whichever is greater.
This cap only applies to funds you build up under Support at Home. It won’t affect any unspent Home Care Package funds you already have.
Reduced fees
You will no longer pay package management fees and care management fees will be reduced. Whilst you will pay a higher hourly rate for each service, for most participants the net result is more service hours.
Increased funding
Under the Government’s new Support at Home program there will be 8 levels of care/funding, ranging from $11,000 To $78,000
You may also be eligible for
- $15,000 for Home Modifications
- $15,000 for Assistive Technology
- $12,000 for Restorative Care; and
- $25,000 for End of Life supports
New service categories
- New and improved options for your care
Support at Home includes short-term services you can access when needed — without reducing your main care budget. Your aged care assessor and BSL Care Partner will help you understand what’s available each year and guide you through your options.
- Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
Get help with home modifications, equipment, or smart technology to make life easier and safer. Up to $15,000 for home modifications and $15,000 for assistive technology.
- Restorative Care Pathway
Short-term support after illness, injury, or hospital stay to help you regain strength and confidence. Up to $6,000 for 12 weeks (or $12,000 for complex needs, up to 16 weeks).
- End of Life Care
Compassionate care and support at home for you and your loved ones.
Up to $25,000 over 12 weeks (with up to 16 weeks to use the funds).
It’s easier to apply
Getting help at home is now simpler and more flexible. The new Support at Home program uses one clear assessment process that looks at your health, lifestyle, and care needs — and adjusts if things change over time.
To get started, register with My Aged Care. They’ll guide you through each step and arrange your assessment. Once approved, your BSL Care Partner will work with you to plan the right supports for your situation.
Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 10am–2pm).
Get BSL’s Support at Home Quick Guide to learn more
A short summary of the upcoming changes to your home care support.
Why choose BSL for your Support at Home
At BSL, we believe getting older should never mean losing independence. For more than 80 years, we’ve been working with older people to stay active, live well, stay connected and feel supported at every stage of life. Our team understands the aged care system — and the realities of daily life — so we can help you plan support that truly fits you.
Let’s make sure your next chapter feels secure, supported, and full of possibility.
“BSL made everything simple. My Care Partner really listened and helped me find the right support. I finally feel in control again.”
How to get started with Support at Home
Learn about your options
Talk to a BSL Care Partner to understand the new Support at Home program and what it means for you.
Plan your support
Together, we’ll design a plan that supports your goals and lifestyle — now and into the future
Begin your care
Once your plan is set, we’ll coordinate your services and stay in touch as your needs evolve.
