In this guide:
Support at Home is a government-subsidised program that aims to help older Australians live independently in their homes for longer. It's designed for people with a range of care needs, from basic daily assistance to more complex support.
But who exactly is eligible for Support at Home? In this article we'll outline the criteria for eligibility and what happens after you apply for funding.
Who is eligible for Support at Home funding?
You may be eligible to be assessed for Support at Home funding if:
- You're aged 65 or over
- You're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over
- You're aged 50 or over and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Eligibility also depends on how much support you may need. Many older people begin to notice that everyday tasks aren't as easy as they used to be. You might be:
- Finding it harder to shower or get dressed
- Feeling unsteady on your feet or at risk of falls
- Struggling with housework, cooking or laundry
- Missing medical appointments because transport is a challenge
- Managing health concerns that now need nursing or allied health support.
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to look into Support at Home funding.
Read more about the Support at Home program, or find out how to access Support at Home funding.
You can also check your eligibility for an assessment online by using the Assessment Eligibility Checker, or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. If you prefer, a family member or other trusted person can also do this on your behalf.
What happens if I'm eligible for Support at Home funding?
If you're eligible, you can apply for Support at Home Funding via My Aged Care. You'll then be referred for an aged care assessment. An assessor, usually a nurse or healthcare professional, will visit you in person to understand your needs.
They will ask about your daily routine, health and safety at home, and any support you already receive. From there, they'll decide whether you're eligible for government-funded care and assign a funding classification level based on how much support you need.
There are 8 funding classification levels under Support at Home, plus 3 short-term classifications. Each one comes with a different budget, depending on your care needs.
If you're not approved, you'll be told why. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions or request a review.
What if I'm not eligible for Support at Home funding?
If you're not eligible but still need support, you can connect with independent support workers on Mable. They can help with daily tasks like personal care, housework, transport, errands or companionship.
You don't need government funding to use Mable. Simply pay privately, agree on a rate with your support worker, and choose the services and schedule that work for you.
Learn more about finding support on Mable if you're not eligible for Support at Home funding.
This article, and any of our linked documents or articles, provides our summary of Support at Home terms and is intended for general purposes only. Please contact My Aged Care for information specific to your circumstances.