Support at Home explained: how in-home aged care works

Published 12 October 2026 · Aged care · Source checked 12 October 2026

Support at Home is the program that helps older people stay in their own homes. Here is how it works, from approval to choosing a provider.

What it is

Support at Home is the Australian Government program that helps older people keep living at home with services and equipment. It began in November 2025 and replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-term Restorative Care Programme. It is aimed at people who need a coordinated mix of help, for example because they need support with many everyday tasks or their needs are more complex.

What it can include

Services fall into three broad groups: clinical supports such as nursing care, occupational therapy, podiatry and help with showering or dressing; supports for independence such as transport, respite and help to attend appointments and social events; and everyday living help such as cleaning, gardening, shopping and meals. It also covers services that support culturally safe care.

Alongside ongoing care there are short-term pathways: a Restorative Care Pathway to help regain function, funding for assistive technology and home modifications, and an End-of-Life Pathway to help someone stay at home in the last months of life.

How it works for you

You first have an aged care assessment. If you are approved, you receive a letter that explains the services and funding you are approved for. When funding is available you choose a provider, agree a service agreement and decide with them the mix of services that fits your needs and budget. You can ask to change that mix at any time, and you can ask for a reassessment if your needs change.

Funding is allocated for each approved service separately, so you may be able to start one service while you wait for another.

Costs, and a recent change

You usually contribute towards the cost of services, based on the type of service and your income and assets, and you do not contribute to clinical supports. From 1 October 2026, personal care services that are approved in your support plan, and funded within your budget, no longer need a contribution. Other services such as domestic help and gardening may still involve one.

This is general information, not advice. Check the linked official pages and speak to your provider about your own situation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Support at Home?

It is the Australian Government program that helps older people keep living at home with services and equipment. It began in November 2025 and replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-term Restorative Care Programme.

What services can Support at Home include?

Services fall into three broad groups: clinical supports such as nursing care, occupational therapy and podiatry; supports for independence such as transport, respite and help to attend appointments; and everyday living help such as cleaning, gardening, shopping and meals. There are also short-term pathways, including restorative care, assistive technology and home modifications, and an end-of-life pathway.

How do I get Support at Home?

Do I have to pay towards Support at Home services?

You usually contribute towards the cost of services, based on the type of service and your income and assets, and you do not contribute to clinical supports. From 1 October 2026, personal care services that are approved in your support plan, and funded within your budget, no longer need a contribution; other services such as domestic help and gardening may still involve one. Check the linked official pages for your own situation.

Keep learning

Personal care and daily living supports: what to ask a provider: Help with showering, dressing, meals and the household is personal. These are the questions that help you set routines, protect your dignity and keep control.
Hiring an independent support worker: what to ask and check: Some people choose to work directly with an independent worker rather than a larger provider. Here is what to look at first, and what to put in writing.
NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
Aged care costs: what you may be asked to contribute: What you pay depends on the type of care, the provider, your finances and the services you receive. Here is how to make sense of it and what to ask.

More in our aged care support guide, our step-by-step guides, or the aged care providers listed on the My Aged Care register.

Official sources

Source checked 12 October 2026. Rules and guidance can change; verify current details with the responsible agency. How we write and check our guides.