Support at Home, explained in plain English
The government program that helps older Australians stay at home replaced Home Care Packages in November 2025 — and it changed almost everything. We explain how it works, what it costs, and how to find a provider you can trust.
Where are you up to?
I’m just getting started
How to apply, what the assessment asks, and realistic timeframes for the whole journey.
Start here →I’m on the waitlist
Current wait times, what genuinely moves you up, and the help you can get in the meantime.
See wait times →I already have a package
Reading statements, unspent funds, switching providers without exit fees.
Manage it well →Need a hand finding a provider?
Tell us your postcode and situation. We’ll show you who actually services your area — or talk it through with you.
What’s changed lately
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11 Aug 2026
Waitlist passes 106,000. Up 13% in six months; most people now wait 8–10 months. Wait times guide
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1 Jul 2026
Budgets indexed for 2026–27. New quarterly amounts apply to all eight classifications. New amounts
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26 May 2026
Personal care becomes free from 1 October 2026. Help with showering and dressing will cost nothing, for everyone. What it means for you
See all updates — including why the planned caps on hourly prices were deferred in May.
Guides by topic
Support at Home explained
The program, the 8 classifications, what’s covered and what isn’t.
Costs & contributions
What you’ll actually pay — worked examples for pensioners and self-funded retirees.
Getting started
The 6-step journey from first phone call to services starting.
Managing your package
Statements, budgets, self-management and switching providers.