Help at home, made simple
A plain-English guide to the government’s Support at Home program. For older Australians and their families.
Independent guide · Not a government website · Every fact linked to its source
What is Support at Home?
It is a government program. It pays for help so you can stay in your own home.
It started on 1 November 2025. It replaced the Home Care Packages Program.
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (checked 25 Oct 2026)
What help can I get?
There are 3 kinds of help.
Health care
Nursing, therapy, foot care, and help to shower or get dressed.
Staying independent
Transport, respite care, massage, and help to get to appointments.
Everyday living
Cleaning, gardening, shopping and making meals.
Source: My Aged Care (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Short-term help
There is also help for a short time:
- Getting stronger after an illness or fall (Restorative Care).
- Equipment and home changes to make your home safer.
- Extra care in the last 3 months of life (End-of-Life Pathway).
Source: My Aged Care (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Already get help from CHSP?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) gives a little help at home. It is still running. It will not move into Support at Home before 1 July 2027.
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (checked 25 Oct 2026)
How do I start?
Apply for an assessment
Online, by phone or in person. It is free.
Have your assessment
Usually at home. Someone can be with you.
Choose a provider
When your funding is ready, pick who will help you.
Will I have to pay?
Most people pay part of the cost. How much depends on the help you get and your income and assets.
Choosing a provider
Got your funding? Our step-by-step guide covers what to compare, questions to ask, the service agreement, and how to change provider.
Need help with your own situation?
My Aged Care (Australian Government)
Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm. Sat 10am to 2pm.
OPAN free, independent advocates
Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm. Sat 10am to 4pm.
In an emergency, call 000. Worried about abuse? See urgent help.
Where this information comes from
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: About Support at Home
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/about
Last checked 25 Oct 2026. - My Aged Care: Support at Home program
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-at-home
Last checked 25 Oct 2026. - My Aged Care: How to contact My Aged Care
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/how-to-contact-my-aged-care
Last checked 25 Oct 2026. - Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): Contact us
https://opan.org.au/contact-us/
Last checked 25 Oct 2026.