Support at Home Level 1: The Entry Point to Aged Care in 2026

For many older Australians, the journey into aged care doesn’t start with a major health crisis. It starts with a realisation: the gutters are getting harder to clean, the walk to the bus stop feels a little longer, or the house is becoming difficult to manage alone.

In 2026, under the new Aged Care Act, Level 1 (Classification 1) of the Support at Home program is designed specifically for this stage of life. It provides “Minimal Support for Independent Living,” acting as a subsidized safety net that keeps you in your own home for longer.

What is Support at Home Level 1?

Level 1 is the first of eight funding rungs. It is intended for seniors who are generally healthy and independent but require a small, consistent amount of help with “Everyday Living” and “Independence” tasks.

Think of Level 1 as preventative care. By getting help with the heavy lifting now, you reduce the risk of falls and exhaustion, delaying the need for higher levels of care or residential nursing homes.

How Much Funding Do You Receive?

As of early 2026, the funding for a Level 1 classification is approximately:

• Annual Budget: ~$10,731

• Quarterly Allocation: ~$2,680
• Important Note on Care Management: 10% of this budget (approx. $268 per quarter) is automatically allocated to your Care Partner. This person is your professional guide, helping you coordinate services and adjusting your plan if your health changes.

What Services Can You Access at Level 1?

While your funding is the entry-level amount, it can be stretched surprisingly far if used wisely. Most Level 1 participants focus on these three categories:

1. Everyday Living (Domestic Assistance)

This is the most common use for Level 1 funds. It covers tasks that have become physically taxing or dangerous.

• Cleaning: Vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the bathroom.

• Gardening: Light weeding and lawn mowing to keep your home safe and accessible.

• Meal Prep: Help with chopping vegetables or preparing “make-ahead” meals for the week.

   

  2. Independence Support

Services that help you stay active and connected to your community.

• Transport: Vouchers or a support worker to take you to the GP, the pharmacy, or social clubs.

• Accompanied Shopping: Someone to help you navigate the supermarket and carry the heavy bags

3. Clinical Support (Fully Subsidized)

Even at Level 1, you can access clinical services. In 2026, Clinical Care is $0 cost to you, regardless of your income.

• Nursing: A quick check-in for blood pressure or wound monitoring.

• Allied Health: An initial visit with a podiatrist for foot care or a physiotherapist for a balance assessment.

What Will it Cost You? (The 2026 Contribution Model)

Under the 2026 reforms, what you pay depends on the type of service and your financial status:

Level 1 FAQs

1. How many hours of care does Level 1 provide?

On average, Level 1 provides approximately 2 to 3 hours of support per fortnight. This is usually enough for a fortnightly house clean or a weekly transport trip and some gardening.

2. Can I use Level 1 funding for a personal alarm?

Yes. However, in 2026, you may be better off accessing the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme. This is a separate pool of funding that can provide up to $500 (Low Tier) for items like personal alarms or grab rails without touching your $10,731 daily care budget.

3. What if I need more help than Level 1 provides?

Level 1 is just the starting point. If you have a fall, a new diagnosis, or simply find that the 2 hours a fortnight isn’t enough, your Care Partner can request a “Supplementary Assessment” to move you to Level 2 or 3.

4. Can I carry over unspent money?

Yes, but there are limits. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) to the next quarter. This allows you to “save up” for a slightly larger expense, like a spring clean or a major gardening visit.