Support at Home Program: Eligibility and Assessment

New to aged care or planning ahead?
Discover who can access the Australian Government’s Support at Home (SAH) program, how the assessment process works, and what your personalised Support Plan and official Notice of Decision will include.

You’ll also learn how a registered provider like Lumia Care can support you — from understanding your options to delivering the services that matter most.

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New to Support at Home? Here's How to Get Started

If you’re not currently receiving government-funded aged care services, the Support at Home program might be your next step — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Here’s how the process works if you’re new to aged care:

Check your eligibility

Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 to see if you’re eligible for Support at Home funding. You can also speak to your GP or give our team a call on 1300 796 876 for guidance.

Book your assessment

If you're eligible, the government will organise a free assessment — either in person or over the phone — to understand your needs and goals.

Receive a Support Plan and Notice of Decision

After your assessment, you’ll receive a personalised Support Plan outlining what services you're eligible for, and a formal Notice of Decision.

Choose your provider — like Lumia Care

You can now select a registered provider to deliver your services. We’d love to be your partner in care, and we’ll help you understand your options, rights, and the next steps.

Support at Home vs Home Care Packages: What’s Changed?

FEATURE	HOME CARE PACKAGES	SUPPORT AT HOME
PROGRAM STATUS	Ended 31 October 2025	Active since 1 November 2025
STRUCTURE	4 fixed package levels (Level 1–4)	8 flexible funding levels plus targeted short-term options
SERVICE FLEXIBILITY	Limited ability to tailor services once approved	Easy to adjust services with your provider as your needs change
BUDGETING APPROACH	Annualised funding allocation	Quarterly funding to better match changing care needs
EXTRA CARE PATHWAYS	Not available under HCP	Includes additional options like Restorative Care and End-of-Life support
PRICING & TRANSPARENCY	Often confusing fees and variable provider costs	Standardised national pricing and clearer client contributions

Already on a Home Care Package?

There’s no need to worry. If you were receiving care through a Home Care Package, your services have continued seamlessly under the new Support at Home program.

There’s no reassessment needed, no changes to your current support, and no interruption to the care you rely on.

Here’s what that means for you:

Support at Home: What Applies to You Now

FEATURE	IF YOU WERE ON A HOME CARE PACKAGE (HCP)	IF YOU'RE NEW OR WAITING FOR A PACKAGE
YOUR STATUS	You’ve automatically transitioned to Support at Home.	Your application or waitlist status has carried over — no need to reapply.
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS	Your contribution amounts remain the same under the “No Worse Off” guarantee.	You may be asked to contribute toward their services, depending on your income, pension status, and the types of services you receive.
UNSPENT FUNDS	Any unspent HCP funds have been carried over to your new SAH budget.	Funds will be allocated once your services begin under SAH.
FUNDING MODEL	You’ve been placed into one of the transition levels (1–4) based on your previous HCP level.	You'll be assessed and assigned to one of the new 8 funding classification levels based on your current needs.
SPEED OF ACCESS	Your services continue without disruption under the new system.	The new system is designed to streamline assessments and improve service speed.

Why Trust Lumia Care with Your Support at Home Journey?

At Lumia Care, we’ve been enabling Australians to live independently for over 66 years. With deep experience across aged care, health, and community support, we’re here to make navigating Support at Home simple, personal, and stress-free.

We know that understanding a new system can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’ve just transitioned from a Home Care Package or are starting services for the first time, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s our promise to you:

✔ We’ll provide clear, personalised advice based on your unique needs

✔ We’ll help you make the most of your Support at Home funding

✔ We’ll ensure your services remain consistent and uninterrupted

✔ We’ll advocate for the support that helps you live life your way

Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help.

Whether you’re an existing client or new to aged care services, contact us and we’ll help you understand your options.

Alternatively, you can visit the Government website for more information: health.gov.au

Support at Home. Same Care, Just Smarter.

While the names may be changing, our commitment to you isn’t.

At Lumia Care, your independence is our mission. Whether it's help with meals, getting to appointments, keeping the garden tidy, or staying connected to your community — our goal is simple: to support you, your way.

How Can We Help?

We make it simple to get started, with an easy onboarding process and personalised care from day one.

Reach out to learn how we can help you and your family live well, with the right support in place — right when you need it.