Home Care Packages

Home care packages are government-funded programs designed to support older Australians in their own homes. They provide a range of services tailored to individual needs, including personal care, nursing, and domestic assistance. This ensures that seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the care they require.

Eligibility is determined through an assessment conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria). You may be eligible for a Home Care Package if you are aged 65 or older, or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, and if you require support to continue living safely and independently in your own home.

There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each designed to support different levels of care needs. Level 1 is for basic care needs and provides approximately $10,271 per year in government funding. Level 2 supports low-level care needs with around $18,064 per year. Level 3 is intended for individuals with intermediate care needs and offers about $39,311 per year. Level 4, the highest level, is for people with high-level and complex care needs and includes funding of approximately $59,594 per year. The specific amount you receive depends on your assessed needs, and the funding is used to tailor services that help you remain living safely and independently at home.

Home Care Packages can include a wide range of services such as personal care (like showering and dressing), nursing care and allied health services, domestic assistance including cleaning and laundry, meal preparation and support with nutrition, transport and social support to stay connected with the community, as well as mobility aids, equipment, and home modifications to improve safety and independence. The specific services you receive will depend on your assessed needs and personal goals.

To apply for a Home Care Package, the first step is to contact My Aged Care by phone on 1800 200 422 or online at www.myagedcare.gov.au to register. You will then undergo an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine your eligibility and the appropriate level of care. If approved, you will receive a confirmation letter and be placed on the national waiting list. Once a package becomes available based on your priority and care needs, you will be notified and can then choose a government-approved provider to manage your package. Together with your provider, you will design a personalised care plan to begin receiving services that support your goals and wellbeing at home.

While the Australian Government subsidises Home Care Packages, you may still be required to contribute to the cost of your care. This may include a basic daily fee, which is set at a capped maximum, and an income-tested care fee, which is determined by Services Australia based on your individual financial situation.

Yes, you have the right to choose a government-approved provider that best meets your needs and values. You can also switch providers if you’re not satisfied, and your package funding will follow you.

Wait times can vary depending on your needs and the availability of packages. It can take from several weeks to over a year for higher-level packages. It's important to stay in touch with My Aged Care and explore interim supports if needed.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is designed to provide entry-level support for older Australians who need occasional or short-term assistance to remain living independently at home. It typically offers specific services on a per-task basis, such as help with cleaning, transport, meals, or social activities, and is well suited for individuals with lower care needs.

In contrast, the Home Care Package (HCP) program is intended for people with more complex, ongoing, or progressively increasing care requirements. HCPs provide a higher level of funding and involve a coordinated, tailored approach to care, managed by an approved provider in consultation with the individual. While CHSP is often used as an interim or early support option, HCPs offer a more comprehensive solution with broader service flexibility and long-term care planning.

Support at Home is a new aged care program being introduced by the Australian Government to replace existing in-home care programs, including Home Care Packages (HCP), the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). It is designed to create a simpler, fairer, and more flexible system for older Australians who need support to live independently at home.

The start of the Support at Home program has been delayed and is now expected to commence on 1 November 2025, instead of the previously planned July 2025 launch. This delay allows more time for system development, consultation with stakeholders, and to ensure a smoother transition for individuals and providers.

If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, your services will continue as usual. You do not need to reapply, and there will be no immediate changes to your care arrangements. The government has committed to a gradual and well-managed transition to ensure continuity of care and to minimise disruption.