How Funding Works in the Support at Home Program?

As Australians age, many desire to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes rather than moving into a residential care facility. The Support at Home program is a government initiative designed to provide personalised support and funding to help older individuals live independently at home for as long as possible. This program offers a wide range of services, from personal care and household support to nursing services and home modifications. Understanding how funding works within the Support at Home program is crucial for recipients and their families to access the care they need. In this detailed guide, we will explore how funding is structured, how it is allocated, eligibility criteria, the process of applying, and any costs or contributions that may be required from participants.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is part of the Australian Government’s broader aged care reforms. It aims to provide a more flexible, streamlined, and tailored approach to supporting older Australians who wish to continue living in their own homes rather than moving to a residential care facility. The program was introduced in November 2025, replacing older home care programs like the Home Care Packages (HCP) program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program. It consolidates different types of care services under one umbrella, making it easier for older people to access the services they need to stay at home. Key services provided under the Support at Home program include:

• Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Clinical Care: Nursing services, allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy), and medication management.
• Domestic Assistance: Help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and other household tasks.
• Home Modifications and Assistive Technology: Funding for mobility aids, bathroom modifications, and other adjustments to make the home safer and more accessible.
• Respite and Social Support: Services to give caregivers a break and help individuals remain connected with their communities.

How is Funding Allocated in the Support at Home Program?

The core of the Support at Home program lies in its funding allocation. Understanding how funding is distributed, how it’s classified, and how it can be used is essential for participants.

1. Assessment and Classification

Before accessing funding, individuals must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their eligibility and needs. This assessment is carried out by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or through the My Aged Care portal. The assessment considers:

• Physical and mental health: An individual’s overall health and medical condition.
• Functional abilities: The person’s ability to perform daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, mobility, and meal preparation.
• Social and psychological support: The person’s social connections and mental health needs.
• Living environment: Whether the home environment is safe and suitable for independent living.

Based on the assessment, the individual will be classified into one of eight funding levels, which range from minimal support to intensive care. These levels ensure that participants receive the appropriate amount of funding and services according to their needs. Unlike the previous program that had only 4 levels, the new system allows for more precise alignment between the care needs of the individual and the funding provided.

2. Quarterly Funding Allocation

Once classified, participants are allocated a quarterly funding budget. The total funding provided is based on the classification level assigned during the assessment. This is a shift from previous programs, where funding was provided as an annual sum.

• The quarterly allocation is designed to allow individuals to access services consistently throughout the year, with each quarter being treated separately in terms of budget.
• Flexibility in Funding: If participants do not use all of their allocated funding in one quarter, they may carry over unused funds to the following quarter. This flexibility helps prevent the disruption of services and ensures that care can continue when needed most.

The amount of funding provided is aligned with the individual’s needs, and each of the eight funding levels corresponds to a specific budget. Those with more complex needs receive higher funding allocations, which helps cover the cost of additional care and services.

3. Use of Funds

The funds allocated to each participant can be used for a variety of services depending on their specific care needs. These services are divided into three main categories:

• Personal Care and Domestic Assistance: This includes help with tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
• Clinical and Allied Health Services: This covers medical and healthcare services, including visits from a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or other specialists.
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications: Funding is available for the installation of home safety modifications, such as grab rails, ramps, and other adjustments to make the home more accessible.

Participants have the flexibility to choose which services to access and how their budget is spent. This empowers recipients to tailor their care plan based on their specific needs, ensuring they receive the most appropriate support.

Co-Contribution and Participant Fees

While the government covers the majority of the cost of care, participants may need to contribute towards their services, depending on their income, assets, and the level of care they require. These contributions are designed to ensure that the Support at Home program is sustainable and equitable for all participants.

1. Means Testing and Financial Contributions

The Australian Government uses a means test to determine the financial contributions that a participant will be required to make toward their care. The means test looks at both income and assets to assess the level of contribution. The higher an individual’s income or assets, the higher their co-contribution may be. For example:

• Individuals with higher incomes or more assets may be required to pay a portion of the costs associated with non-clinical services (such as personal care and domestic assistance).
• Those with limited income or assets may be eligible for full government funding for their care, meaning they would pay little or no co-contribution.

There is also a cap on the total amount that a participant can be required to contribute over their lifetime, which provides financial protection for those needing long-term care.

2. User Fees

Certain services, especially non-clinical services like personal care, domestic assistance, and social support, may require user fees. These fees are determined by the care provider based on the participant’s financial means. However, the government ensures that these fees remain affordable and within limits set to prevent undue financial burden.

3. Short-Term and Special Care Pathways

For short-term needs, such as restorative care following an illness or injury, additional funding may be provided through a special pathway. Similarly, end-of-life care for individuals with terminal conditions is fully funded to ensure that the person can receive quality care at home during their final days.

How to Access Funding and Services?

To begin accessing funding through the Support at Home program, the following steps are typically followed:

1. Register and undergo an assessment: Participants must first register for an assessment through My Aged Care or contact an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment will evaluate care needs and determine eligibility.
2. Receive a classification and funding allocation: Based on the assessment, participants will be classified into one of eight funding levels, which will determine the amount of funding they receive.
3. Choose an approved care provider: Participants can choose a care provider from a list of government-approved organizations. These providers will help manage the services and ensure they are delivered in line with the participant’s care plan.
4. Create a care plan: A care plan will be developed in consultation with the participant, outlining the services they require. This plan will specify how funds will be allocated to meet those needs.
5. Start receiving care: Once the care plan is in place and the funding is allocated, services can begin, and the provider will manage the care according to the budget.

What’s New in Support at Home?

The introduction of the Support at Home program has brought several key changes:

• Eight funding levels replace the previous four, allowing for a more personalised care experience.
• Quarterly budgets make it easier to manage and allocate funds over the course of a year.
• Flexible funding: Unused funds can be carried over from one quarter to another, providing greater financial flexibility.

Additionally, the Support at Home program integrates various services like assistive technology and short-term care pathways into a unified system, simplifying the process for both participants and providers.

Conclusion

The Support at Home program is a valuable resource for older Australians wishing to remain in their homes with the support they need to live independently. By providing personalised funding, flexible care options, and access to a wide range of services, the program offers significant assistance for those who require help with daily living activities, clinical care, and home modifications. Understanding how funding works, including the means testing process and the various types of services available, is crucial for participants to make the most of the program. By knowing the ins and outs of funding allocation, co-contributions, and service availability, individuals and their families can ensure they receive the care that best suits their needs. If you’re considering the Support at Home program for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to start by registering for an assessment and understanding the different funding levels. This will help you create a care plan that aligns with your needs and ensures you receive the right support to continue living independently at home.

At Ambition Health Group, we are committed to helping older Australians navigate aged care options and find the best support solutions. Our team of professionals can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the right care, funding, and services to meet your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalised advice and assistance in securing the support you deserve.