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Everything to Know About Support at Home: Level 1

Level 1 support is for people who are mostly independent and want a little help to stay comfortable and confident at home.

An illustration of a female carer standing next to an elderly man in a wheelchair and an elderly woman in a chair. The woman has a tray on her lap with a cup.

Support at Home is Australia’s new in-home aged care program...

It replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, bringing everything into one simpler, more flexible system.

Level 1 is the starting point — ideal for people who are mostly independent but appreciate a little help to make everyday life easier.

This page explains:
  • How Support at Home works
  • Who Level 1 is designed for
  • Your budget and contributions
  • How to begin through My Aged Care
  • Level 1 services and supports
  • Why people choose Haisey

What Is Support at Home?

Support at Home is Australia’s new, simplified in-home aged care program. It brings all government-funded supports into one clear system, so you no longer need to navigate multiple programs, confusing rules or different funding streams.

Here’s what that means for you:

A single quarterly budget

Your funding is paid to your provider every three months.

You choose how it’s used, with guidance from your care manager — giving you clarity, control and flexibility.

Eight clear funding levels

Support at Home includes eight classifications, each designed to match the help you actually need — from light support right through to intensive daily assistance.

Three easy-to-understand service categories

Every support fits neatly into one of three groups:

  • Everyday Living – domestic assistance, meal support, home maintenance
  • Independence Support – personal care, transport, social connection, therapy
  • Clinical Care – nursing and allied health (always 0% contribution)

These categories make it simple to understand what you can receive and which contributions apply.

Straightforward contribution rules

Depending on your income assessment, you may contribute a small percentage toward some services.

Clinical care is fully funded, no matter your income.

Flexible as your needs change

Your supports can increase, reduce or shift at any time.

If you need more help later, you can move to a higher level without losing continuity of care.

Support at Home is designed to remove confusion — so you always know what you’re approved for, how much you receive, and how your budget can be used, with no surprises and no complicated processes.

Who Level 1 Support at Home Is For?

Level 1 is designed for older Australians who are generally managing well but benefit from light, occasional support to stay safe and comfortable at home. You may relate to Level 1 if:

  • You are independent with most personal tasks
  • You need help with a few everyday activities
  • You feel more confident when someone checks in
  • You want support to stay active and socially connected
  • You’re experiencing early mobility changes or fatigue
  • You are recovering from a minor setback and want to stay on track

Level 1 focuses on prevention — keeping you well, supported and independent so you can continue living at home for as long as possible.

Support at Home Level 1 Budget

Support at Home budgets are funded by the Australian Government and allocated every three months.

For Level 1:

Annual funding: $10,732.04
Quarterly allocation: $2,683.01

Your budget is used to pay for the services in your personalised care plan.

How your actual budget is determined

Your usable budget depends on:

  • Your approved Support at Home level
  • Whether any personal contributions apply
  • The mix of services in your care plan
  • Whether you need clinical or independence supports

Many people approved for Level 1 pay very little, especially if most of their supports fall under clinical care or light independence assistance.

Are You Eligible for Support at Home – Level 1?

To be eligible for a Support at Home - Level 1, you must meet certain criteria set out by My Aged Care

This assessment will show that you need a basic level of support to stay safe and independent at home. This may be due to mild frailty, early mobility changes, disability, or managing a chronic condition.

Other factors include your lifestyle choices, financial situation, and types of support needed.

Support at Home Level 1 is designed for people who only need occasional or low-intensity help to continue living confidently at home.

This may include individuals such as:

  • Older adults who are at least 65 years old (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
  • Younger adults with disabilities who need light assistance to manage daily routines
  • People who are mostly independent but benefit from occasional support
  • Those recovering from a recent setback who need short-term, low-level assistance

Level 1 gives you just enough support to make life easier while preserving your independence and routines.

How to Apply for Support at Home – Level 1

Applying for Support at Home is relatively straightforward, and the process requires only minimal documentation.

Keep in mind that you cannot choose your Support at Home level.
My Aged Care is responsible for assigning your level after reviewing your needs.

Your assigned level is based on your:

  • Eligibility
  • Income-tested care fee
  • Care needs

When applying, it’s important to provide accurate and complete information about your situation. This includes details about your medical conditions, daily routines, safety concerns and living arrangements. 

My Aged Care uses this information to determine whether Level 1 is the right match for your current support needs. Being thorough helps ensure you receive the appropriate level of light, occasional assistance from the start.

The Support at Home Process (Step by Step)

If you’re new to aged care, the process can feel confusing — but it doesn’t need to be. Here’s exactly how it works.

1

Contact My Aged Care

Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register. 

They’ll ask a few questions about how you’re managing at home.

This takes about 10–15 minutes.

2

Have your assessment

An assessor will meet with you (at home, by phone or video).

This is a friendly conversation covering:

  • The tasks you find easy
  • The tasks you find harder
  • Your routines, health and mobility
  • What would make life easier
  • Your preferences and cultural considerations
3

Receive your Support at Home level

You’ll receive a formal letter confirming:

  • Your Support at Home classification
  • Your funding level
  • The types of support you can access

If you’re approved, funding will follow shortly.

4

Choose a provider

You can select Haisey Home Care as soon as you’re approved. We guide you through the next steps and make the transition simple.

5

Build your personalised care plan with Haisey

Together we design a plan that fits your goals, routines and lifestyle.

We explain:

  • What services are available
  • How your budget works
  • Whether contributions apply
  • How to get the most value from your approved level

Nothing is rushed — we take the time to understand what matters to you.

6

Start your services

Most people begin within a few days of choosing Haisey. We match you with consistent support workers who feel right for you.

If anything changes, even slightly, we update your plan.

Specialised Nursing

How can Support at Home Level 1 Help You?

Support at Home Level 1 is designed to improve your quality of life. It does this by offering practical solutions that meet your specific needs. 

This level of service can be a life-changing opportunity. It gives older individuals a chance to live an independent and dignified lifestyle. 

It offers tailored support services that promote health and well-being for elderly adults.

Level 1 Support at Home services provide a great way to help those who need extra assistance in their day-to-day lives.

With this Service, individuals can receive the necessary care and support they need. They don't have to worry about long wait times or associated costs. 

Your family members will have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are being supported in a safe environment.

Participant Contributions

Support at Home is mostly funded by the Australian Government. Depending on your income and assets, you may be asked to contribute a small percentage toward certain services — but many people on Level 1 pay very little.

0%
Contribution

Clinical Care

Nursing and allied health are fully funded for everyone.

5-50%
Contribution

Independence supports

You may contribute 5%–50%, based on your means-tested assessment.

Most full pensioners pay only 5%.

17.5%–80%
Contribution

Everyday living supports

You may contribute 17.5%–80%, depending on your financial circumstances.

Full pensioners pay the minimum rate of 17.5%.

Your exact rate is set by Services Australia, and we explain everything upfront so there are no surprises. If your income changes, your contribution can be reviewed at any time.

Book a free in-home consultation

Call us on (03) 8358 5945 to book in a free, no obligation in-home consultation. Alternatively, fill out the form and we'll be in touch.