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 8 Support at Home Is For?
Level 8 is the highest Support at Home level. It is designed for older Australians who need intensive, daily or multi-daily support, along with strong clinical oversight to stay safe at home.
You may relate to Level 8 if you:
- You require full assistance with almost all daily tasks
- You have very limited mobility or need constant supervision
- You’re living with significant clinical or neurological conditions
- You need ongoing, intensive support throughout the day and night
- You rely heavily on specialist care, equipment or coordinated services
- You would otherwise require high-level residential care
Level 8 focuses on providing the highest level of in-home support available, helping you remain at home safely even with complex needs.
Support at Home Level 8 Budget
Support at Home budgets are funded by the Australian Government and allocated every three months.
For Level 8:
Annual funding: $78,106.35
Quarterly allocation: $19,526.59
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
Level 8 provides enough funding for multi-daily support, high-frequency personal care, comprehensive domestic and mobility assistance, and ongoing clinical engagement.
Are You Eligible for Support at Home – Level 8?
To be eligible for a Support at Home - Level 8, you must meet certain criteria set out by My Aged Care.
This assessment will show that you need the highest level of support offered under Support at Home. This includes people with extensive care needs, complex clinical requirements, or those needing help with almost every aspect of daily living.
Other factors include your lifestyle choices, financial situation, and types of support needed.
Support at Home Level 8 is designed for people who require ongoing, high-intensity, comprehensive support to remain safe and comfortable 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 full assistance with almost every aspect of daily living
- People with very complex, ongoing clinical or functional needs
- Individuals requiring extensive, continuous support similar to high-level residential care needs
Level 8 ensures you receive the highest level of coordinated, continuous support so you can remain safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible.
How to Apply for Support at Home – Level 8
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 8, the highest level, is required to meet your need for intensive, multi-daily support with continual clinical oversight. The more accurate your information, the more closely your assigned level will reflect your true needs.
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