Most older Australians want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. The Support at Home program is designed to help make that happen, with services that range from a little help with cleaning through to nursing, allied health and personal care.

Support at Home started on 1 November 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages program and Short-Term Restorative Care. It sits under the new Aged Care Act, which puts the rights of older people at the centre of the aged care system.

Who can access Support at Home?

Support at Home is generally for people aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness) who need help to keep living independently. The first step is always the same: contact My Aged Care.

The steps, in order

Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online. You can do this yourself, or a family member, carer or GP can help.
Have an aged care needs assessment. An assessor will talk with you, usually at home, about what you can do and where you need help.
Receive your outcome. This sets out the services and level of support you've been approved for.
Choose a provider and agree on a care plan and service agreement that suits you.

Will I need to pay?

Under Support at Home, many people contribute to the cost of some services, depending on their income, assets and the type of service. Clinical care, such as nursing, is fully funded. Services Australia works out your contribution rate, so it's worth asking about this early.

"The best time to start the conversation about aged care is before it becomes urgent." — Clarry Care Aged Care Team

How Clarry Care can help

We help older people and families understand the system, prepare for the assessment, compare providers and speak up if something isn't right. Our aged care advocacy is free. If you'd like a hand, call us or send an enquiry and we'll be in touch within one business day.

This article is general information only. Rules and fees change, so always check the latest details with My Aged Care.

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