Support at Home

A Guide to the New Aged Care Program

1. What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new in-home aged care program that will replace the existing Home Care Packages system. Its aim is simple: to help older Australians remain safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

The program brings together a wide range of supports, from daily living assistance to clinical care, assistive technology and home modifications, depending on each person’s assessed needs.

2. How the Program Works

Support at Home follows an assessment-led process:

Step 1: Register with My Aged Care

The first step is to contact My Aged Care. They manage eligibility, referrals and assessments.

Step 2: Your Assessment

A qualified assessor (from ACAT or RAS) meets with you to understand your needs. They determine the type and level of support you are eligible to receive.

Step 3: Your Support at Home Level (1–8)

You will be assigned a level that reflects your support needs from basic assistance to more comprehensive support.

Step 4: Working With Your Chosen Provider

Once approved, you choose your home care provider. They will coordinate your services, including any allied health referrals for assistive technology.

Where CCG Fits In

Your provider or allied health professional may recommend assistive technology or minor home modifications. This is where Country Care Group can help, by supplying safe, appropriate equipment and working with therapists and allied health professionals to find the right options.

3. Support at Home Levels (1–8)

The new program introduces eight levels of support instead of the old four. These levels reflect the overall amount of help a person may need, not just equipment.

While most levels relate to personal, domestic or clinical care, assistive technology can appear at any level if it helps someone remain independent and safe.

Examples include:

• Mobility aids
• Bathroom safety equipment
• Pressure care products
• Daily living aids
• Minor home modifications such as grab rails or ramps

All equipment must be recommended by an assessor or allied health professional as part of the person’s care plan.

4. Am I Eligible for Support at Home?

Eligibility is managed entirely through My Aged Care.

In general, you may be eligible if:

• You are 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
• You need support to continue living independently at home.
• You have experienced changes to your mobility, safety or daily functioning.

If eligible, an assessor will help determine whether assistive technology could support your health, independence or home safety.

5. Assistive Technology Under Support at Home

Assistive technology can play an important role in supporting independence at home. Examples include:

• Mobility aids: walkers, wheelchairs, transfer products
• Bathroom safety: shower chairs, grab rails, over-toilet aids
• Bedroom & pressure care: electric beds, mattresses, support cushions
• Daily living aids: kitchen aids, dressing supports, falls-prevention items

Under Support at Home:

• Equipment must be recommended by an allied health professional or assessor.
• Funding is based on the person’s care plan and support level.
• A provider will manage purchases, rentals or modifications.

How CCG Supports This Process

At Country Care Group we:

• Work with occupational therapists and physiotherapists
• Provide product options that suit the person’s assessed needs
• Supply equipment and minor modifications recommended in the care plan
• Offer product education to therapists and clients

We do not prescribe equipment — that is the role of the allied health professional.

6. Home Modifications

Some Support at Home plans may include small modifications that improve home safety. Examples include:

• Grab rails
• Hand-held showers
• Ramps or step wedges
• Minor bathroom adjustments

All modifications require:

1. Assessment and written recommendation by an allied health professional
2. Approval by the person’s home care provider
3. Completion by a qualified tradesperson

CCG can work with therapists to supply appropriate equipment and coordinate modifications through approved networks.

7. Costs and Contributions

The cost of assistive technology under Support at Home varies depending on a person’s:

• Support level
• Care plan
• Type of equipment or modification required
• Provider policies around contributions

Your home care provider will explain what is funded and what, if anything, requires a personal contribution. Country Care Group does not determine eligibility, funding levels or personal contributions. Our role is to support the safe supply of equipment when it has been approved.

8. How to Get Started

If you are considering Support at Home for yourself or a family member:

1. Contact My Aged Care to begin the process.
2. Complete the assessment (in person or by phone).
3. Choose your home care provider.
4. If assistive technology is recommended, your provider or therapist can work with CCG to explore suitable equipment options.

We are always happy to provide information, product guidance and support to Occupational Therapists, clients and families with no obligation.

9. Information and Support

Country Care Group is here to help people feel informed, reassured and confident. Whether you are an older Australian, a family member, or an Occupational Therapist supporting clients through the transition, we aim to make the assistive technology process simple and stress-free.

If you need general information about equipment, product suitability or available options, we’re here to help; always with clear guidance and a focus on comfort, safety and independence.

SUPPORT AT HOME — LEVELS AT A GLANCE

Support at Home uses eight levels of funding to match the amount of help a person may need to live safely and independently at home. These amounts are the current annual budgets as of December 2025 and may change over time with indexation.

Level 1 — A little help now and then

Annual budget: $10,696.72

For people who need small amounts of occasional support to stay comfortable and independent.

Level 2 — A bit more regular help

Annual budget: $15,981.68

Suitable for people who need low-level assistance with day-to-day tasks or basic mobility.

Level 3 — Ongoing support

Annual budget: $21,919.77

For people who benefit from regular support to stay safe and well at home.

Level 4 — Moderate support

Annual budget: $29,545.33

Helps with more frequent daily tasks and may include allied health input.

Level 5 — Moderate to higher support

Annual budget: $39,535.04

Designed for people needing coordinated support to manage comfortably at home.

Level 6 — Higher support

Annual budget: $47,957.41

Supports people with significant day-to-day needs or mobility challenges.

Level 7 — High-complexity support

Annual budget: $58,122.13

For people with high and ongoing support needs across multiple areas.

Level 8 — Very high support

Annual budget: $77,709.00

Provides intensive support for people who require substantial help to live safely at home.

Assistive Technology at Any Level

Helpful equipment such as mobility aids, bathroom safety items or small home modifications may be included at any level if recommended by an assessor or an allied health professional. Country Care Group supports this process by working closely with Occupational Therapists to recommend and supply appropriate equipment once it has been approved in the person’s care plan.