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.


