Support at Home can help older Australians remain in their own homes longer. But if you’re navigating the application process for the first time, it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start or what comes next.
In this article, you’ll learn how to apply for a Support at Home package. How to register with My Aged Care, what happens at your assessment, how income and assets testing works, and what to expect with wait times. You’ll also find out what to do if you need help urgently, and how to compare and choose a Support at Home provider once you’ve been approved.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is an Australian Government program that started on 1 November 2025.
It funds home care services such as personal care, domestic help, allied health and home modifications to help older Australians live independently for longer. The program replaces the previous Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Program, making aged care at home simpler and more accessible.
Are You Eligible?
You are generally eligible if you:
- Are aged 65 or older (50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
- Live at home (not in residential care)
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have been assessed by My Aged Care as needing home care services
Learn more: Support at Home Eligibility Explained for Families & Carers
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Support at Home
1. Register with My Aged Care
Start by registering with My Aged Care online at myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422. Registration gives you access to aged care assessments and government-funded services. You may also be referred to My Aged Care by a GP, healthcare professional or hospital.
2. Complete an Aged Care Assessment
My Aged Care will refer you to an aged care assessor who visits you at home to evaluate your care needs, strengths and challenges. This assessment determines your eligibility for Support at Home and assigns your priority level (urgent, high, medium, or standard) based on your care requirements.
3. Receive Your Assessment Outcome
If approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision letter outlining your approved funding level, care plan and referral codes to choose a provider. The letter includes your priority category, which affects how long you’ll wait for funding and services
4. Complete an Income and Assets Assessment
To work out your contribution towards the cost of services, you will need to have an income and assets assessment. This is managed by Services Australia and determines how much co-contribution you’ll pay, if any, based on your income, assets (excluding your principal home) and pension status.
You can complete this assessment up to 120 days before starting your package. If you disagree with the outcome, you can request a review by contacting Services Australia directly.
5. Wait for Funding Allocation and Interim Support
Once approved, your place in the Support at Home Priority System is confirmed. Funding is allocated based on your priority category and the date your approval started.
The estimated wait times for ongoing support as of 1 November 2025 are:
| Priority Category | Estimated Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Urgent | Within 1 month |
| High | 1.5 to 2.5 months |
| Medium | 8 to 9 months |
| Standard | 10 to 11 months |
*source https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment-outcome-support-at-home
For the last updates and more information about Support at Home wait times, visit the My Aged Care website.
Interim funding
If the wait for full ongoing funding is longer than expected, you may be allocated interim funding. This provides access to 60% of your approved funding to cover your most critical services while you wait for the remainder.
Interim funding is not available if you’re approved under the Restorative Care Pathway or End-of-Life Pathway, as these receive immediate funding.
Once interim funding is allocated, you should find a Support at Home provider and enter into a service agreement. Your provider will work with you to prioritise essential services within your interim budget while you wait for the remaining funding to be released.
6. Choose Your Support at Home Provider
Once your funding has been approved, you can select a provider from those registered on the My Aged Care website.
It’s important to consider your care needs, location, and provider reputation when deciding. You can compare providers yourself or get expert guidance from Aged Care Decisions to help you make the right choice.
Our service is 100% free, 100% independent and 100% personal.
7. Enter a Service Agreement
You will need to enter into a service agreement with your provider within 56 days of funding allocation. The service agreement outlines the services, budget, fees and care responsibilities. You can request a 28-day extension if more time is needed to select a provider.
8. Start Receiving Care and Regular Reviews
Your provider will start delivering services as agreed. Regular reviews ensure your care adapts to any changes in your needs.
Start comparing providers rightaway with a tailored report sent to you within 20 minutes. Get started here.
What to do if you need urgent assistance
If your circumstances suddenly change and you need aged care services urgently, there are three main options:
- For urgent medical issues that are not immediately life-threatening, contact your GP or usual doctor. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
- For emergency respite care (for example, if your primary carer becomes unwell or can no longer look after you), call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 to organise emergency respite where available.
- For urgent or ongoing aged care support at home, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and explain that your situation is urgent so they can arrange an assessment and discuss immediate support options.
How do I find a home care provider?
Choosing the right provider matters for your comfort and the quality of your care. Consider:
- The range and quality of services offered
- Provider experience with your specific health or support needs
- Location and ease of access
- Transparent pricing and flexible care plans
This is where Aged Care Decisions can assist. Our 100% free, 100% independent aged care matching service can take your location, care needs, budget and personal preferences, and matches you with a provider that perfectly suits your needs.
We can save you time and greatly reduce the stress of navigating aged care by helping you find the right provider.
Get started today and receive a personalised list of Support at Home providers, suited to your needs and budget.
