Support at Home Classification Levels Explained Simply
From November 2025, the Australian government has launched the new Support at Home program, aimed at providing more inclusive care to older Australians. One of the programme’s main highlights is its 8 levels of funding, providing a degree of support that can cater to every need.
Replacing the government’s previous Home Care Packages, this new system is not just flexible, it’s personal. Where the previous 4-level packages provided broad funding, this 8-level programme has been specifically tailored to allow Australians to stay in their home for longer. Aged care has never had a one-size-fits-all solution, and this new comprehensive funding better reflects a diverse variety of circumstances.
The programme’s 8 levels encompass the following features:
Level 1: Basic Home Care
$2,683 Quarterly
Level one will replace what was previously referred to as the Commonwealth Home Support program entry-level care. It’s aimed at those who are still considerably independent, but may need assistance with small household tasks. Besides housework, it also offers assistance with meals and transport to and from medical appointments. People often refer to this as ‘preventative care’, as it provides the level of support needed to avoid more intensive care down the track.
Level 2: Personal Assistance
$4,008 Quarterly
Level two is aimed at supporting a person’s well-being without being overly invasive or intrusive. This level of funding will accommodate social activities, ensuring older Australians remain connected with their community. It also provides assistance with shopping, dressing and preparing meals – ensuring their regular routine runs smoothly.
Level 3: Regular In-Home Support
$5,491 Quarterly
This level is tailored to those who need more structured support, ensuring at-home visits become more frequent and thorough. These visits can include assistance with personal care and hygiene, as well as in-depth household cleaning. There is also a bigger focus on mobility, with fall-prevention and home modifications introduced as needed.
Level 4: Daily Living Assistance
$7,424 Quarterly
In level four, there is a larger focus on everyday tasks – making at-home living simple, smooth and safe. This can involve toileting, showering and further house modifications when necessary. This degree of support particularly benefits those who are injured or living with a chronic illness.
Level 5: Coordinated Care at Home
$9,924 Quarterly
This level provides an even higher degree of personal support with a focus on in-house safety. It’s especially suitable for those who have an increasing number of care needs, helping with physical support, transport and medical monitoring. At this point, allied health is also integrated to meet additional needs.
Level 6: Comprehensive Health Support
$12,028 Quarterly
Level six essentially works to prevent hospitalisation, providing increased nursing oversight. This can include managing wounds, monitoring medication, helping with incontinence and administering injections. At this stage, daily support is necessary, with specialised equipment being used to assist with everyday processes. Allied health therapies are also integrated here, including physiotherapy and podiatry.
Level 7: Full-day Personal Care
$14,536 Quarterly
This level provides support all day long across all activities. It’s specifically aimed at those who need intensive assistance at all times with bathing, dressing and meal preparations – essentially covering all aspects of daily living. This should be considered for those with cognitive health needs, such as dementia or serious life-altering injuries.
Level 8: Specialist Care and Comfort
$19,526 Quarterly
As the final level of funding, this is the most intensive level of support. With multiple daily visits, there is a big focus on quality of life, providing a degree of emotional and spiritual support to put patients at ease. Ultimately, it allows people to stay at home in comfort – avoiding hospitals with reassurance, dignity and compassion.
Making the Transition with Catholic Homes
If you were already a Home Care Package recipient, the transition to these new care levels will be stress-free and smooth. Your existing care continues while everything shifts across. Nothing is removed from your plan during the switch. You keep your unspent funds, and they roll straight into your new quarterly budget under Support at Home.
Our team stays beside you for the whole transition period. The goal is simple. You stay safe, supported and confident at home, while the new system gives you more choice and more clarity. And if you ever want to adjust your services, review fees or talk through future plans, you can contact us at any time.
