How to Apply for Support at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

To apply for Support at Home, you register with My Aged Care, complete an assessment of your care needs, receive an approved funding classification (Level 1 to 8), then choose a provider to start services. The whole process is free, but it can take time, so it helps to know what's coming at each stage.

Step 1: Register with My Aged Care

The starting point for every Support at Home application is My Aged Care. You, a family member, or your GP can make the initial contact by phone on 1800 200 422 or through the My Aged Care website. At this stage you'll answer some basic questions about your situation to begin the referral to an assessment.

Step 2: Complete an assessment

An assessor will visit (in person or sometimes by phone) to talk through your daily living needs, health conditions, mobility, and home environment. This is not a test to pass or fail; it's designed to understand what kind of support would genuinely help you stay safe and independent at home.

Step 3: Receive your funding classification

Based on the assessment, you'll be assigned one of eight Support at Home classifications (Levels 1 to 8), each with its own quarterly budget. Lower levels suit people who need occasional help; higher levels suit people with complex, high-intensity care needs. If your needs are lower level, you might instead be referred to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for basic entry-level support.

Step 4: Choose a provider

Once approved, you can choose your own provider rather than being assigned one. This is worth taking seriously, since providers set their own prices within government guidelines, and the quality and flexibility of support can vary. Ask about the specific services you need, such as personal care, nursing, domestic assistance, social support, or transport, and how quickly they can begin.

Step 5: Build your care plan and start services

Your provider will work with you to build a care plan tailored to your goals and routine, then begin delivering services within your quarterly budget. If you're waiting on full funding to be allocated, you may be offered interim funding at a reduced percentage of your full classification so you're not left without support in the meantime.

What if I'm not sure I need a full package?

If your needs are relatively light, such as occasional help with cleaning or transport, you may not need a full Support at Home classification and could instead be supported through the CHSP. A My Aged Care assessment will help clarify which pathway suits you.

Can someone apply on my behalf?

Yes. Family members, GPs, hospital discharge planners, and other health professionals can all initiate a referral or assessment request on behalf of someone who needs support. This is particularly common around hospital discharge, where timing matters and a smooth handover to home-based support can prevent unnecessary delays.

Getting help along the way

Applying for Support at Home can feel like a lot to manage, especially if you're doing it for a parent or loved one while juggling everything else. InCare Supports can help once you have an approved package, matching services like personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and allied health to your funding level.

If you're still waiting on an assessment or approval, our full range of aged care products is available to purchase privately in the meantime, so you're not left without support while the process plays out.

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