Eight Funding Levels with up to $78,000 available for more complex needsRestorative Care Short Term Pathway
Up to $6,000
Up to $6000 (16 weeks) for extra nursing and allied health support to help you regain strength and independence after illness, injury, or a hospital stay.
Support At Home
From November 1st 2025, the Support at Home program, the government’s new aged care program, will replace the current Home Care Package system.
Support At Home is designed to ensure that the support you need to stay independent in your own home is there when you need it.
At Nurse Next Door, we know that when things change it can sometimes be confusing, so our team is committed to helping you understand the new home care program, and can explain in simple terms - what’s new, what stays the same, and how you can get the most out of your government funding.
Whats Changing with Support At Home?
Eight Funding Levels with up to $78,000 available for more complex needs
Quarterly budgets will take the place of annual ones, making it easier to stay on track
A clear service list so that you know exactly what support is available to you
Helpful Video Resources
Support at Home Funding Classification Levels
There are 8 classification levels of funding available under Support at Home.
The dollar figures shown below are current estimates provided by the Australian Government and are subject to change
Support At Home Additional Funding
End-of-Life Short Term Pathway
Up to $25,000
Up to $25,000 (12-16 weeks) for additional in-home care for people nearing the end of life to support with palliative care at home.
Assistive Technology and Home Modification
Up to $15,000
Up to $15,000 in funds to spend on assistive technology and/or home modifications (AT-HM) to help participants live more independently and safely by providing tools like mobility aids or physical changes to their homes, such as grab rails or ramps.
Support at Home Services
To ensure that support is targeted to individual needs, Support at Home offers a clear list of services, under three distinct service categories, and funds each service category slightly differently depending on your financial situation.
Clinical Care
This category includes nursing care, for example, wound care, medication management and continence care. It also includes allied health services, for example physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry.
Regardless of your financial situation, the government will fully cover the cost of all clinical supports, so there is no out of pocket cost.
Full Pensioner will contribute 0%
Part Pensioner will contribute 0%
Self Funded Retiree will contribute 0%
Independence Supports
This category includes help with daily activities. For example, assistance with personal care (showering and dressing), social support and community engagement (transport to appointments) and respite care for carers to take a break.
Depending on your financial situation, you will partially cover the cost of Independence Support through a co-contribution.
Full Pensioner will contribute 5%
Part Pensioner will contribute 5 to 50%
Self Funded Retiree will contribute 50%
Please Note – If you are a Grandfathered HCP recipient (approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024) you will be no worse off under the contribution arrangements for Support at Home. You will never pay more than you are currently paying with an ITF.
Everyday Living
This category covers essential services to support your independence to maintain a clean and liveable home environment. For example, assistance with cleaning, gardening, shopping, or meal preparation.
Depending on your financial situation, you will partially cover the cost of Everyday Living Support through a co-contribution.
Full Pensioner will contribute 17.5%
Part Pensioner will contribute 17.5 to 80%
Self Funded Retiree will contribute 80%
Please Note – If you are a Grandfathered HCP recipient (approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024) you will be no worse off under the contribution arrangements for Support at Home. You will never pay more than you are currently paying with an ITF.
Support At Home Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Eligibility must be confirmed by a doctor or nurse practitioner, including:
Age - 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Life expectancy of 3 months or less
AKPS score of 40 or less
What is an AKPS score?
AKPS (Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status) is a clinical tool used to describe someone’s functional status (how much support they need for daily activities). Eligibility requires a score of 40 or below. A score of 40 is commonly described as being in bed more than 50% of the time (which can also mean “in a chair”).
What services can the pathway cover?
The same types of services available through Support at Home—clinical supports, independence supports, and everyday living supports (e.g., nursing, personal care, cleaning, meals, transport, respite), based on your approved plan.
Does the End-of-Life Pathway replace palliative care?
No. It’s designed to complement state and territory palliative care services—helping bring extra day-to-day support into the home.
Can the End-of-Life Pathway be used more than once?
My Aged Care notes the End-of-Life Pathway can only be used once.
Can the funding be used for equipment or home modifications?
My Aged Care notes your plan may include a separate budget for assistive technology (products and equipment). The Department also states participants may access some assistive technology funding but cannot receive funding for home modifications under this pathway.
Where can we get independent help if we have concerns?
The Department fact sheet notes you can contact the Aged Care Advocacy Line (OPAN) on 1800 700 600 for free, confidential support.