Support at home program Australia 2026 explained: funding, services, co-contributions, and how older Australians can apply through My Aged Care.
If you or a loved one currently receives aged care services at home, or is planning to apply for them, there is a significant change you need to know about. The Australian Government replaced the Home Care Package program with the new Support at Home program Australia in November 2026. This guide explains what changed, who is eligible, how much it costs, and how to apply.
1. What Is the Support at Home Program?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new way of funding aged care services delivered in your own home. It officially replaced the Home Care Package program on 1 November 2026 — part of the biggest shake-up to aged care in decades, following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The program provides funding for older Australians to access Nurse Practitioner home visits, nursing care, personal care, domestic assistance, allied health, and other services that help them remain living safely and independently at home, rather than moving into residential care.
Support at Home is administered through My Aged Care, the Australian Government’s entry point for aged care services. To find out more or to begin an assessment, visit the My Aged Care website at www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.
Expert Health Services is an approved Support at Home provider serving older Australians and First Nations people across South Western and South Eastern Sydney, including Bankstown, Revesby, Milperra, Randwick, Maroubra, and surrounding suburbs.
2. How Is Support at Home Different from the Old Home Care Package?
The Home Care Package program operated on four funding levels, which many people found confusing and difficult to navigate. The new Support at Home program replaces this structure with a more streamlined, needs-based funding model.
Key differences include:
- Funding is based on individual assessed need, not a fixed package level.
- Services are grouped into three clear categories, which are explained in detail below.
- Quarterly budgets give recipients more flexibility and control over their care.
- A new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications pathway is included.
- Short-term restorative and transition care is built into the program.
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package, your services and funding transferred automatically to the new program in November 2026. You did not need to reapply. However, it is worth reviewing your care plan with your provider to ensure your services are correctly aligned with the new funding categories.
3. Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?
To be eligible for Support at Home, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 65 years of age or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have been assessed as needing support to live at home safely
- Have completed a My Aged Care assessment, either a Regional Assessment Service assessment or an Aged Care Assessment Team assessment, depending on your level of need
You do not need to be at immediate risk or have a serious medical condition to qualify. Many people access Support at Home for practical assistance such as help with household tasks, transport to medical appointments, or regular nursing visits.
Expert Health Services welcomes First Nations clients from age 50. Our Nurse Practitioner can conduct an initial home assessment and help you navigate the My Aged Care process. Call us on 0414 072 871.
4. The Three Service Categories: Clinical Care, Independence Support, and Everyday Living
Under Support at Home, all funded services fall into three categories. Understanding these categories helps you and your care coordinator choose the right mix of services for your situation.
Clinical Care
Under Support at Home, all funded services fall into three categories. Understanding these categories helps you and your care coordinator choose the right mix of services for your situation.
Independence Support
Independence Support covers services that help you maintain your ability to live independently at home. This includes:
- Personal care such as showering, dressing, and grooming
- Mobility assistance
- Transport to medical appointments
- Social support and community participation
Everyday Living
Everyday Living covers domestic and household support. This includes:
- House cleaning and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Garden maintenance for safety purposes
- Shopping assistance
A means-tested co-contribution may apply for Independence Support and Everyday Living services, depending on your income and assets. Clinical Care services are exempt from co-contributions.
5. How Much Does Support at Home Cost? Co-Contributions Explained
The cost of Support at Home depends on which services you receive and your individual financial circumstances. Services Australia conducts a means test to determine what, if any, co-contribution applies to your situation.
Here is a simple overview of how co-contributions work across the three service categories:
| Service Category | Co-Contribution | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Care | No | Fully government funded |
| Independence Support | Means-tested | Depends on your income and assets |
| Everyday Living | Means-tested | Depends on your income and assets |
Self-funded retirees and higher-income earners may be required to pay a higher co-contribution than part-pensioners or full Age Pension recipients. The Australian Government covers the remainder of the cost. There is also a lifetime cap on the total amount you can be asked to contribute, which provides long-term financial protection.
For a personalised cost estimate, contact Services Australia on 1800 227 475, or speak to your care coordinator at Expert Health Services.
6. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide via My Aged Care
Applying for Support at Home involves the following steps:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au to register and request an assessment.
- An assessor from a Regional Assessment Service or Aged Care Assessment Team will contact you to arrange a home visit.
- The assessor will evaluate your needs across daily living, health, and social participation.
- You will receive a letter confirming your approved funding and quarterly service budget.
- You choose an approved provider, such as Expert Health Services, to manage and deliver your services.
- Your care coordinator will develop a personalised care plan in consultation with you and your family.
The process usually takes several weeks from initial registration to your first service delivery. If your needs are urgent, let My Aged Care know when you call, as priority assessments are available for people at immediate risk.
7. How Expert Health Services Can Help You Access Support at Home
Expert Health Services is an approved Support at Home provider based in Milperra, serving older Australians and First Nations people across South Western and South Eastern Sydney.
Our services under the Support at Home program include:
- Nurse Practitioner home visits and Medicare-billed telehealth consultations
- Nursing care, including wound care, medication management, and chronic disease support
- Personal care, including showering, dressing, grooming, and continence support
- Domestic assistance, including cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
- Allied health coordination and support
We serve clients across Bankstown, Revesby, Milperra, Padstow, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Randwick, Maroubra, Rockdale, Hurstville, and surrounding areas.
Our team includes a registered Nurse Practitioner who can conduct clinical assessments in your home, manage your ongoing health needs, and liaise with your general practitioner and specialists, all under the Support at Home funding model.
To find out if Expert Health Services is the right provider for you, call us on 0414 072 871 or visit experthealthservices.com.au/contact. We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home
What happened to my Home Care Package after November 2026?
Your Home Care Package was automatically transitioned to the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2026. You did not need to reapply. Your services should have continued without interruption. However, we recommend reviewing your care plan with your provider to make sure your funding is correctly categorised under the new structure.
Is Support at Home the same as the National Disability Insurance Scheme?
No. The National Disability Insurance Scheme supports Australians under 65 with permanent and significant disabilities. Support at Home is an aged care program for people aged 65 and over, or 50 and over for First Nations people. If you are approaching 65 and are currently on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, speak to your planner about transitioning to aged care funding.
Can I keep my current home care provider?
Yes. If you are satisfied with your current provider, you can remain with them. If you would like to change providers, for example, to access a provider with a Nurse Practitioner on staff, you can do so at any time by notifying My Aged Care and your current provider.
How long does it take to get approved for Support at Home?
Registration and assessment typically take several weeks. If you have urgent needs, contact My Aged Care and request a priority assessment. Once approved, your provider can begin services promptly.
Do I need a referral from my general practitioner to apply?
No referral is needed to register with My Aged Care. You can call 1800 200 422 directly. However, your general practitioner can provide a letter of support describing your health needs, which can be helpful during the assessment process.
Does Support at Home cover telehealth appointments with a Nurse Practitioner?
Yes. Nurse Practitioner consultations, including telehealth, fall under the Clinical Care category and are fully funded with no co-contribution required. Expert Health Services offers both in-home and telehealth Nurse Practitioner consultations for Support at Home clients.
What areas does Expert Health Services cover?
We provide Support at Home services across South Western and South Eastern Sydney, including Bankstown, Revesby, Milperra, Padstow, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Randwick, Maroubra, Rockdale, Hurstville, and surrounding suburbs.
