In 2023-24, around 835,000 Australians aged 65 and over used home support services, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW 2025). That number has grown substantially since 2017, when roughly 69,500 people were on home care services nationally. Most Australians want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. The home care services system exists to make that possible, but understanding how it works, what it costs, and how to actually get started is not always straightforward. This guide covers every type of government-funded and private home care service available in Australia in 2026, who qualifies, what the two main programs are, and how to access the right level of support without losing time on the wrong pathway.
What Are Home Care Services in Australia?
Home care services are supports that help older Australians and people with disability live safely and independently in their own homes, rather than moving into residential aged care. They range from a few hours of domestic help per week at one end of the spectrum, through to daily nursing visits, allied health appointments, and complex care coordination at the other.
In Australia, the federal government subsidises the majority of home care costs for eligible older people. Funding is delivered through two main programs: the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which covers entry-level needs, and Support at Home, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025 and funds more complex, ongoing care. Both programs operate under the Aged Care Act 2024 and are accessed via My Aged Care.
For people under 65 with a disability, the NDIS provides the primary pathway to government-funded home support. The two systems do not overlap and cannot be accessed simultaneously.
Private home care is also available outside these programs for people who do not qualify for government funding, are waiting for a place, or want additional services beyond what their funded plan covers. Tenax Supports delivers both government-funded and private home care services across our service regions.
Types of Home Care Services: What Is Actually Covered
Under Support at Home, services are grouped into three funding categories. Understanding which category a service sits in also tells you whether you pay a contribution toward it.
Clinical Supports (No Participant Contribution)
Clinical supports are 100% government-funded for all Support at Home participants, regardless of income or assets. They include:
Community nursing: registered nurse home visits covering wound care, medication management, catheter care, continence assessments, chronic disease monitoring, and post-surgical support. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: both delivered in-home to improve mobility, strength, and safety. Podiatry, dietetics, speech pathology, social work, and other allied health. Continence assessment and management (clinical). Palliative care and end-of-life support. Restorative care programs designed to help people regain functional capacity after an illness or hospital stay.
Independence Supports (Income-Tested Contribution)
Independence supports help people stay active, connected, and safe at home. A contribution applies based on income and assets assessed by Services Australia. From 1 October 2026, personal care services move from this category into clinical supports, meaning they will be fully government-funded for eligible participants. Services currently in this category include:
Personal care: showering, bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance, and non-clinical continence management. Respite care: both in-home and centre-based, giving family carers a planned break. Social support: individual and group activities to reduce isolation. Transport: to medical appointments, social activities, and community programs. Home safety modifications assessment and minor assistive technology items.
Everyday Living Supports (Means-Tested Contribution)
Everyday living services attract the highest participant contribution of the three categories. Full Age Pensioners typically pay around 5% of the cost; self-funded retirees may pay up to 50%. Services include domestic assistance (house cleaning, laundry, ironing), meal preparation (not the food itself), shopping, light gardening, home maintenance, and community access programs.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (Separate Budget)
Assistive technology and home modifications (AT-HM) are funded from a separate stream outside the participant’s regular quarterly budget. This covers equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, walking frames, shower chairs, ramps, grab rails, and smart home devices. Because AT-HM has its own budget, purchasing these items no longer competes with your weekly service hours, which was a significant limitation of the old Home Care Package system.
CHSP vs Support at Home: Which Program Fits Your Situation
The choice between these two programs depends primarily on the complexity and frequency of support someone needs. Neither is “better” in an absolute sense. They serve different situations.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Who It Suits
The CHSP is Australia’s entry-level in-home aged care program. It is designed for older Australians who are generally independent but need a small amount of support with one or two specific tasks, such as help with house cleaning once a fortnight, transport to medical appointments, or occasional meals delivery. It operates on a “doing with you, not for you” philosophy, meaning the focus is on maintaining the person’s own capabilities rather than taking over tasks.
Key features of CHSP in 2026: available to people aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), no comprehensive assessment required for entry-level services, small co-payments typically in the $5-$15 per visit range, services can often start much sooner than Support at Home (sometimes within days of referral), and the program has been extended to at least 1 July 2027 before it transitions to Support at Home. Around 835,000 Australians used CHSP services in 2023-24 (AIHW 2025), making it the most widely accessed aged care program in the country.
Support at Home: Who It Suits
Support at Home suits older Australians with more complex, ongoing care needs that span multiple service types. It replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025 and provides higher funding levels through a personal quarterly budget. It suits people who need regular personal care, weekly nursing visits, multiple allied health services, or complex care coordination. It is also the right program for people who started on CHSP and found their needs have increased.
Key differences from CHSP: requires a comprehensive aged care assessment through the Single Assessment System (introduced December 2024), funding is assigned as a personal budget across 8 classification levels, care management is included (capped at 10% of the quarterly budget), unspent funds roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of the budget, and from 1 July 2026 government price caps apply to all services.
Can I Use Both at the Same Time?
In limited circumstances, yes. Some CHSP services can run alongside Support at Home to cover services your Support at Home provider doesn’t deliver, provided there is no duplication of funding. Speak with your provider or My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 before arranging both, as the rules around co-access are specific.
Support at Home Classifications 1 to 8 Explained
The shift from four Home Care Package levels to eight Support at Home classifications was intended to align funding more precisely with individual care needs. The assessment determines your classification, not the other way around. Here is what each level means in practice.
Classifications 1 and 2 (Lower Complexity)
Annual funding: approximately $10,731 (Classification 1) and $16,279 (Classification 2). At this level, services might include fortnightly domestic assistance, occasional personal care, monthly allied health visits, and transport to appointments. Suitable for people who are largely independent but have some daily living limitations.
Classifications 3 and 4 (Moderate Needs)
Annual funding: approximately $22,001 (Classification 3) and $30,765 (Classification 4). This range covers more regular support: weekly personal care, nursing visits for chronic condition management, weekly domestic assistance, and regular physiotherapy. Typically suits people who live alone and need consistent daily or near-daily contact.
Classifications 5 and 6 (Higher Complexity)
Annual funding: approximately $40,570 (Classification 5) and $52,800 (Classification 6). At these levels, care plans may include daily personal care, twice-weekly nursing visits, multiple allied health services, complex care coordination, and assistive technology support. Commonly used by people with dementia, significant mobility limitations, or post-acute recovery needs.
Classifications 7 and 8 (Complex Ongoing Care)
Annual funding: approximately $64,900 (Classification 7) and $78,106 (Classification 8). The highest classifications fund comprehensive in-home support for people who would otherwise require residential aged care. This might include daily nursing care, allied health, full personal care assistance, and palliative or end-of-life support. All funding amounts are indexed annually on 1 July and should be confirmed with My Aged Care or your provider, as figures change each year.
The Three Short-Term Pathways
Alongside the eight ongoing classifications, Support at Home includes three short-term pathways: Restorative Care (up to 12 weeks of allied health support after illness or a fall, with a possible 4-week extension), End-of-Life Care (up to $25,000 additional funding for up to 16 weeks for people with a prognosis of three months or less), and Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (separate dedicated budget for equipment and home changes). These pathways are available to participants at any classification level.
What Happens if My Needs Increase?
You can request a reassessment at any time if your care needs increase, for example after a hospital admission, a falls incident, or a significant change in your health. You cannot be denied a reassessment because of when you were last assessed. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request one.
What Home Care Services Cost in Australia in 2026
One of the most common questions families have is how much they will actually pay. The answer depends on what type of service, which funding category it sits in, and the person’s assessed income and assets.
Clinical Supports: No Out-of-Pocket Cost
All clinical supports under Support at Home are 100% government-funded. There is no participant contribution for nursing visits, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, speech pathology, or any other clinical service. This applies regardless of your income, assets, or classification level. It is one of the clearest improvements over the old Home Care Package system, where clinical and non-clinical services competed for the same pooled budget.
Personal Care: Free From October 2026
From 1 October 2026, personal care services (showering, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance, and non-clinical continence management) will move from the Independence category to Clinical Supports. This means eligible participants with personal care approved in their support plan and available Support at Home funding will access those services at no out-of-pocket cost. If you currently pay a contribution toward personal care, confirm with your provider how this change applies to your specific plan from that date.
Independence and Everyday Living: Income-Tested
For services other than clinical and personal care, a contribution applies. The amount depends on an income and assets assessment by Services Australia. In general terms: full Age Pensioners pay the lowest contributions, typically around 5% of the cost of Independence services; partial pensioners pay a sliding-scale contribution; and self-funded retirees can pay up to 50% of Independence costs and up to 80% of Everyday Living service costs. These percentages represent the current framework and are subject to change. Confirm exact contribution rates with Services Australia or your provider.
July 2026 Price Caps
From 1 July 2026, government-set price caps apply to every service on the Support at Home list. Before that date, providers set their own rates but were required to publish a full price schedule publicly. From July, the maximum any provider can charge is capped by government regulation. This change significantly improves price transparency and protects participants from high provider margins. Ask your provider for their updated fee schedule after 1 July 2026.
CHSP Service Costs
CHSP services attract small, government-subsidised co-payments. In 2026, typical co-payments range from approximately $5 to $15 per service session, depending on the service type and the provider’s local pricing. The government subsidises the majority of the actual cost. CHSP providers cannot charge exit fees or charge for assessments.
Private Home Care Rates
Private home care, for people outside the government-funded system or who want additional hours, is priced by the provider. Rates typically range from $35 to $75+ per hour for support workers and $60 to $120+ per hour for registered nurse visits, varying by provider, service type, and geographic location. Contact Tenax Supports for a current private rate schedule.
Waitlists for Home Care in Australia: What the Numbers Look Like
Wait times are one of the most frustrating parts of the home care system for families trying to arrange care. The numbers are significant and worth understanding before you start planning.
The Scale of the Problem
As of late 2025, more than 130,000 people were waiting for a Support at Home place in Australia. This is an increase of approximately 25,000 in just two months following the program’s launch in November 2025. The Australian Government committed to releasing an additional 63,000 Support at Home places by 30 June 2026, but higher-classification places (5 through 8) remain particularly constrained. The median time from referral to assessment outcome is approximately 22 days (AIHW 2025), but the wait between assessment approval and an available place can be considerably longer at higher classification levels.
What to Do While You Wait
Waiting for a Support at Home place does not have to mean waiting for care. CHSP services can often begin within days of a referral. They do not require a comprehensive assessment, and basic domestic assistance, transport, and meals services can be arranged quickly through a local CHSP provider. Additionally, private home care from providers like Tenax Supports can bridge the gap until government-funded support starts, with no waiting list and flexible hours.
How to Track Your Position
Once you have been approved for Support at Home through My Aged Care, you will receive a written outcome letter with your classification level. You can track your position on the waiting list by logging into your My Aged Care online account or calling 1800 200 422. If your situation becomes urgent, such as following a hospital discharge or a sudden change in care needs, flag this with My Aged Care directly, as urgent cases can be prioritised.
Home Care Services If You Are Under 65
The aged care system is primarily designed for people aged 65 and over. For younger Australians with a disability, the pathway is different.
The NDIS Pathway
If you are under 65 and have a permanent or significant disability, the NDIS is the appropriate first pathway. Home support through the NDIS can include personal care (within Assistance with Daily Life, Category 01), domestic assistance, community nursing (also within Assistance with Daily Life), community access support, and disability-related clinical nursing under Improved Daily Living (Category 15). Eligibility is assessed by the NDIA and requires applying before age 65 with evidence of a permanent or significant disability.
The Age 65 Decision
Turning 65 does not automatically end NDIS participation. If you are already an NDIS participant at 65, you can choose to remain on the NDIS or transition to the aged care system. You cannot access both simultaneously. You are only required to leave the NDIS if you access government-funded residential aged care or Support at Home for the first time after turning 65. A support coordinator can help you evaluate which system better suits your long-term needs before making this decision, as it is not easily reversed.
What If You Are Under 65 and Not on the NDIS?
People under 65 who do not qualify for the NDIS and who face age-related decline or specific health conditions may be able to access aged care services in limited circumstances. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your specific situation and what assessment pathway is appropriate.
Respite Care: Support for Family Carers
Around 2.65 million Australians provide unpaid care to a family member or friend, according to Carers Australia estimates. Carer burnout is one of the primary reasons older Australians end up in residential aged care earlier than necessary. Respite care exists specifically to give carers a break, planned or otherwise, without disrupting the care recipient’s routine at home.
Types of Respite Care Available
In-home respite is where a support worker or nurse comes to the home so the regular carer can take time off, whether that is a few hours for a medical appointment or a full week away. The care recipient stays home in a familiar environment. Centre-based respite involves the person attending a day program at a community centre or facility, with transport often provided. Residential respite is where the person stays in an aged care facility for a short period, typically up to 63 days per financial year under government-subsidised arrangements, to give the carer a longer break. Emergency respite is available through the Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) when a carer has an unexpected crisis, illness, or situation that prevents them from caring.
How Respite Is Funded
Under Support at Home, respite is included in the Independence support category. Under CHSP, respite is also available and can often start quickly. The Carer Gateway, funded by the Australian Government, also coordinates free emergency respite for carers in urgent situations. Contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for emergency arrangements.
Why Respite Matters
Research from Palliative Care ACT (2026) found that carer uptake of respite reduces burnout, enhances carer resilience, and increases the likelihood that people can die at home if that is their wish. Most people (58-90% across studies) prefer to die at home. Getting regular respite in place before burnout occurs is consistently more effective than reactive crisis support after it does.
How to Apply for Home Care Services in Australia: Step by Step
The application process is the same regardless of which program you end up on. Everything starts at My Aged Care.
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday, 10am-2pm) or go online at myagedcare.gov.au. You can also apply in person at a Services Australia office by calling 1800 227 475 to book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer. All three methods lead to the same outcome. The initial application takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and requires your Medicare card.
Step 2: Get Assessed
After your application, an assessor from the Single Assessment System will contact you to arrange an assessment, typically conducted in your home. Assessments are free and are usually arranged within 2 to 6 weeks of your application. The assessor uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to evaluate your health, mobility, cognitive status, living situation, and current supports, then determines your eligibility and Support at Home classification level if applicable.
Step 3: Receive Your Outcome Letter
My Aged Care will send you a written outcome letter confirming your eligibility, the program you are approved for, and your Support at Home classification if relevant. This letter includes your annual funding amount and outlines the service types approved in your support plan.
Step 4: Choose a Provider
Use the Find a Provider tool at myagedcare.gov.au to search for registered providers in your area by location, service type, and availability. You have the right to choose your own provider. You can switch providers at any time with 28 days written notice to your current provider. Contact your shortlisted providers before committing, confirm they are accepting new clients, and ask the questions from our guide to choosing a home nursing and aged care agency.
Step 5: Set Up Your Care Plan and Start Services
Once you have selected a provider, you will complete a Home Care Agreement. Under the Aged Care Act 2024, you have the right to be actively involved in developing your care plan. Your plan should reflect your goals, preferences, and assessed needs, not just a generic list of services. Review your care plan at any time if your situation changes.
How to Choose a Home Care Provider in Australia
With thousands of registered providers operating nationally, the choice can feel overwhelming. These are the factors that reliably separate quality providers from average ones.
Verify Registration First
Any provider delivering government-funded Support at Home or CHSP services must be registered with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and audited against the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (7 standards from 1 November 2025). You can verify a provider’s registration and view their audit history at myagedcare.gov.au using the Find a Provider tool. Ask whether they have been audited under the Strengthened Standards since November 2025 and what the results were.
Ask About Staff Continuity
Consistent carers make a measurable difference to outcomes. Ask whether you will be assigned a named care coordinator and a consistent primary carer, or whether you will see a different face at each visit. Providers who rotate staff regularly without clinical justification are operationally cutting costs at the expense of care quality.
Understand the Full Cost Before Signing
From 1 July 2026, all Support at Home providers are required to publish their full price lists publicly. Ask for a written schedule of fees before agreeing to anything. Ask specifically which of your services attract contributions, which are fully funded, and how the October 2026 personal care change will affect your costs. Providers cannot charge separate admin, entry, or exit fees under the post-November 2025 rules.
Check Local Availability, Not Just Coverage Maps
Coverage maps and postcode lists are not the same as available capacity. Ask directly: “How long is your current wait time for someone at my postcode with my classification level?” A provider who can’t give a specific answer may not have real capacity in your area yet.
For a detailed breakdown of what to ask and what red flags to watch for, see our full guide on choosing Australian home nursing and aged care agencies.
Why Families Choose Tenax Supports for Home Care in Australia
Tenax Supports is a registered home care and community nursing provider delivering Support at Home services and NDIS support across [insert service regions]. Our team includes AHPRA-registered nurses, qualified support workers, and experienced care coordinators who work with clients across the full range of care needs, from entry-level domestic assistance to complex clinical and palliative care.
We work across both Support at Home and the NDIS, meaning families don’t need to change providers as someone’s situation evolves. We prioritise consistent carer assignment, transparent fees, and honest conversations about what we can and cannot deliver. Where a client’s needs fall outside our service scope, we will say so and help connect them with the right service rather than overpromising.
If you are ready to explore your options, we offer a no-obligation care consultation. Contact our team and we will be in touch to discuss your situation and whether Tenax Supports is the right fit.
Getting Started With Home Care in Australia
The home care system in Australia is more navigable than it may appear from the outside. The two key programs (CHSP for entry-level needs, Support at Home for more complex ongoing care) serve genuinely different situations, and most families will find one fits better than the other. The process starts with a single phone call to My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or a visit to myagedcare.gov.au. From there, assessments are free, funded services are substantial, and the right provider can make staying at home not just possible but sustainable. If you’d like help thinking through the right path for your family, reach out to Tenax Supports for a conversation with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are home care services in Australia?
Home care services are government-subsidised and private supports that help older Australians and people with disability live independently at home. They cover personal care, domestic assistance, community nursing, allied health, social support, transport, and home modifications. Government-funded services are delivered through the CHSP for entry-level needs and Support at Home for more complex care.
Who is eligible for home care services in Australia?
Government-funded aged care home services are available to Australians aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) with assessed care needs. Eligibility is based on care needs, not finances. Income and assets only affect your contribution level toward certain service types. Under 65 with a disability? The NDIS is the primary pathway.
What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?
CHSP is entry-level support for one or two specific tasks, with small co-payments and fast access. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025 and provides a personal quarterly budget across 8 classification levels for more complex ongoing care. CHSP is expected to transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
How much do home care services cost in Australia in 2026?
Clinical services under Support at Home are 100% government-funded. From October 2026, personal care is also fully funded for eligible participants. Independence and everyday living services attract income-tested contributions ranging from around 5% for full pensioners to up to 50-80% for self-funded retirees. CHSP co-payments are typically $5-$15 per session. From 1 July 2026, government price caps apply to all Support at Home services.
How long is the waiting list for home care services in Australia?
As of late 2025, over 130,000 people were on the Support at Home waiting list. While waiting, CHSP services can often start quickly without a comprehensive assessment. Private home care from providers like Tenax Supports is also available without a waiting list. Once approved, you can track your position via My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422.
Can I get home care services in Australia if I am under 65?
If you are under 65 with a permanent or significant disability, the NDIS is the primary pathway. Home care supports can include personal care, community nursing, domestic assistance, and community access within your NDIS plan. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 if you are under 65 and unsure which pathway applies to your situation.
What is respite care and how does it work in Australia?
Respite care gives family carers a planned or emergency break from caring. Options include in-home respite (a support worker visits so the carer can take time off), centre-based respite (day programs), and residential respite (up to 63 government-subsidised days per year in an aged care facility). Emergency respite is available through the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. Respite is funded under Support at Home’s Independence category and through CHSP.