Understanding Support at Home funding
Support at Home funding is shared between government support and individual contributions. The amount of funding available is based on an assessment of care needs and personal circumstances, ensuring support is matched to each person’s situation.
This funding approach promotes fairness and transparency across the aged care system. By combining government subsidies with personal contributions where appropriate, Support at Home helps ensure people can access reliable, high-quality in-home care services while remaining safe and independent in their own homes.
How does Support at Home funding work?
My Guardian makes getting the right care easy. Reach out to us, get expert advice, and schedule your initial visit—all in three simple steps.
Complete an Assessment
Identify your are needs via the assessment
Receive a Funding Level
Check with MAC on what package is assigned to you.
Choose My Guardian
Check with MAC on what package is assigned to you.
Review your package as needs change
Check with MAC on what package is assigned to you.
Government contributions
The Australian Government contributes funding to Support at Home to subsidise approved in-home aged care services. Government contributions are designed to ensure essential supports are accessible to people who need assistance to remain living safely and independently at home. The level of government contribution depends on assessed care needs and eligibility.
Individual contributions
In addition to government funding, individuals may be required to contribute to the cost of their care. Individual contributions are determined based on personal circumstances and may take into account factors such as income and assets. Contribution arrangements aim to balance affordability with long-term sustainability of the aged care system.
What can Support at Home funding be used for?
Support at Home funding can be used for approved services that help people remain independent, safe, and well in their own homes. These services are designed to support daily living, health, and overall wellbeing based on individual needs.
Funding is applied to services aligned with assessed care requirements and agreed care plans. This ensures support is delivered appropriately and consistently, helping individuals maintain quality of life at home.
How are funding levels reviewed?
Support at Home funding is reviewed regularly to ensure the level of support continues to reflect an individual’s current care needs. These reviews help confirm that services remain suitable as health, mobility, or daily living requirements change over time.
If circumstances change, a reassessment may be conducted to adjust funding arrangements accordingly. This ongoing review process supports a flexible approach to care, ensuring assistance remains responsive, appropriate, and aligned with evolving personal needs.
How is Support at Home different from Home Care Package funding?
In 2024, around 300,000 Australians accessed Home Care Packages, with many more waiting for services. This flexible approach ensures that support can be adjusted as individual needs evolve, helping people access the right care at the right time.
| Support at Home | Home Care Packages |
|---|---|
| 8 funding levels | 4 package levels |
| More flexibility | Fixed structure |
| Needs-based | Budget-based |
| Ongoing reviews | Limited adjustments |
Does funding vary by location?
Support at Home funding eligibility is consistent nationwide, ensuring equal access across Australia. However, the range of available services and how they are delivered may differ by location due to provider availability, local workforce capacity, and regional service arrangements.
Key points about Support at Home funding
Support at Home funding ensures people receive the right support at home, balancing government subsidies and personal contributions according to individual care needs.
- Funding is based on assessed care needs
- Government contributions subsidise approved services
- Individuals may be required to contribute based on personal circumstances
- Funding can change over time as needs change
- Services must align with approved care arrangements
Next steps
Support at Home funding eligibility is the same across all of Australia, ensuring people have equal access to support regardless of where they live. The criteria for receiving funding do not change based on location.
However, the availability and delivery of services can differ depending on where someone lives. Factors such as local provider availability, workforce capacity, and regional service arrangements may affect how support is accessed and delivered.
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