Want the number for your own hours? The contribution estimator works out your weekly contribution by pension status, classification and the services you use, and shows it before and after free personal care starts on 1 October 2026.
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
-
11 Aug 2026
Waitlist passes 106,000. Up 13% in six months; most people now wait 8-10 months. Wait times guide
-
1 Jul 2026
Budgets indexed for 2026-27. New quarterly amounts apply to all eight classifications. New amounts
-
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.