Support at Home Reforms: What They Mean for In‑Home Care Costs & Co‑Payments

In this blog, we:

• Explain why the Government funds My Aged Care
• Outline what’s changing under the Support at Home reforms
• Break down how funding and classifications work
• Clarify co-payments and who pays what
• Show what common services might cost you
• Share real-life case studies
• Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM): Where Personal Alarms Fit

The reforms are part of the Aged Care Act 2024, which aims to:

• Make in‑home care simpler and more consistent
• Ensure services are financially sustainable
• Deliver care that's fair, transparent and means-tested
• Provide better access to clinical and restorative support



• Clinical services will remain fully government-funded
• Co‑payments will apply mainly to domestic and personal support services
• Contributions will be based on your income and assets
• Full pensioners may see little or no additional costs
• New classifications will replace the current HCP levels
• Existing clients may be protected under the “no worse off” rule
• Assistive technologies and safety systems may help reduce reliance on paid visits



The Support at Home program replaces the old Home Care Package system (Levels 1–4) with eight new care classifications. These classifications are based on your assessed care needs the higher your needs, the higher your classification, and the more funding you receive.

Here’s the current indicative funding for each level:

Note: These figures are indicative and subject to change based on indexation or policy updates.



Each person entering the Support at Home program will receive a comprehensive aged care assessment to determine their care needs. This assessment helps the government assign them to one of the eight care classifications, which determines how much funding they will receive.

Here's how the assessment process works:

1. Initial Screening – My Aged Care Contact Centre

• You or your representative contacts My Aged Care (online or via phone).
• A short eligibility check is done to determine whether you need a more detailed assessment.



2. In-Person Assessment – Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria)

• A qualified assessor (often a nurse, social worker or allied health professional) visits you at home.
• They evaluate your:
  

• Daily living abilities (e.g. bathing, cooking, cleaning)
• Health conditions
  
• Cognitive function
  
• Mobility
  
• Social support needs
  
• Risk of falls or injury
  
• Social and emotional support
  
• Carer responsibilities (if any)
  

This holistic approach ensures your needs are properly understood.

3. Assignment to a Classification Level

• Based on the assessment results, you’re assigned a classification (1–8).
  
• Classification 1–3: Lower care needs — basic support with some daily tasks.
  
• Classification 4–6: Moderate care needs — a mix of personal and clinical care.
  
• Classification 7–8: High/complex needs — frequent personal and clinical care.
  
  

The classification will also determine the types of services and annual budget you are eligible for.



4. Review and Reassessment

• Your classification can change over time if your needs increase or decrease.
  
• You (or your provider) can request a reassessment if there’s a significant change in your condition.