How to Apply for a Support at Home Package: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

The Australian aged care landscape has changed significantly with the introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024. The old “Home Care Packages” have been streamlined into the Support at Home program. This new system is designed to get you help faster, with more transparency around costs and eight distinct levels of care.

If you or a loved one are finding daily tasks a bit more difficult, here is the updated, step-by-step process to securing government-funded support in 2026.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the paperwork, confirm you meet the basic criteria. You are generally eligible for Support at Home if you:

• Are 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).

• Need help with daily tasks (e.g., showering, cleaning, or transport) due to age-related functional decline.

• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Important for 2026: If you are transitioning from a hospital stay or have a rapidly deteriorating condition, you may be eligible for the Restorative Care or End-of-Life pathways, which bypass standard waiting lists.

Step 2: Register with My Aged Care

All aged care journeys begin with My Aged Care. This is the official government portal that manages your record and assessments.

• Online: Visit myagedcare.gov.au and use the “Apply for an assessment” tool.

• Phone: Call 1800 200 422.

• What you need: Your Medicare card and about 20 minutes to answer questions about your health, mobility, and social support.

Step 3: The Face-to-Face Assessment

Once registered, an assessor from the Single Assessment System will visit you at home. This is a collaborative conversation to understand your goals and “functional capacity.”

How to prepare:

• Be honest: Don’t “put on a brave face.” If you struggle to hang out the laundry or feel unsteady in the shower, say so.

• Have a Support Person: Ask a family member, friend, or advocate to be present.

• Documentation: Have a list of your medical conditions, medications, and your GP’s contact details ready.

Step 4: Understand Your Classification (Levels 1–8)

Under the 2026 system, there are eight levels of support. After your assessment, you will receive a Notice of Decision letter confirming your level:

Step 5: Funding Allocation and Quarterly Budgets

Once you are at the top of the National Priority System, you will receive a Funding Allocation Letter.

In 2026, funding is managed in quarterly blocks. This means your budget is refreshed every three months, allowing for better planning and ensuring funds are used for active care rather than sitting in a “holding account.”

Step 6: Choosing a Provider and Your “Care Partner”

You have 56 days to find a provider and sign a Service Agreement. A key feature of the new Act is the Care Partner. 10% of your budget is automatically allocated to a Care Partner who helps you:

• Coordinate multiple services (e.g., a cleaner, a physio, and a nurse).

• Adjust your care plan as your needs change.

• Ensure the provider is meeting the new Statement of Rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I switch providers if I’m unhappy?

Yes. Under the 2026 reforms, “portability” is a right. You can move your Support at Home funding to a new provider with a standard notice period (usually 2–4 weeks), and your funding follows you immediately.

2. How much will I have to pay?

The government pays the bulk of the cost, but you may be asked to pay a Basic Daily Fee or an Income-Tested Care Fee. Your assessor will provide a referral for an income assessment via Services Australia to determine your contribution.

3. What can I spend the money on?

Funding is split into three categories: Clinical Care (nursing, physio), Independence Support (showering, meals), and Everyday Living (cleaning, gardening). In 2026, there is also a simplified “Fast-Track” for home modifications and assistive technology (like personal alarms).