Got Your Funding? Here's What's Next Under Support At Home

After you're approved | Choosing a provider

Posted 11th February 2026   |  4 minute read

Written by Jesse Gramenz

You’ve made it through the paperwork, the waiting, and the assessments and now your Support at Home funding has been approved. So, what happens next?

This is the point where your care becomes real. You can start shaping what your support looks like, from the types of services you’ll use, to who will provide them, and how often.

Let’s break it down, step by step.

After You’re Approved

Once you've completed your aged care assessment, you’ll receive a letter outlining what types of care and services you're approved for.

Here’s what happens next:

• You might be placed in a national queue, depending on your priority level.
• You may receive interim services while waiting for full allocation.
• You can start researching or contacting approved providers to prepare.
• A Care Partner (family, friend etc.) can help coordinate your next steps and make sense of the system.

Bonus Tip: You don’t need to wait for everything to be finalised to start planning. Entry-level support can often start sooner. 

Understanding Your Support at Home Approval

When you're approved for Support at Home, your letter will usually include a classification level—such as “Support at Home – Level 4.”

⚠️ This level reflects the amount of care you’re eligible for, not a set bundle of services. 

Your approval (in a support plan) outlines the types of support you can access, including:

• Everyday tasks — like cleaning, cooking, and transport
• Personal care — such as help with bathing, dressing, or grooming
• Clinical services — including nursing care, physiotherapy, and medication help
• Equipment and home modifications — for safety and independence
• Respite care or short-term restorative support — to help you recover or give carers a break

You might also see notes about:

• Immediate or interim supports you can start using now
• Special considerations — such as language needs, culturally appropriate care, or home-based palliative care

What to do next

1. Start reaching out to providers
  You don’t need to rush. Look for a provider that feels like a good fit. Ask about availability, values, and whether they’ve supported people with similar needs.

2. Connect with a provider or care partner

They can walk you through your approval letter, explain what it means, and help you plan what comes next.

Bonus tip: You can change providers later if things aren’t working out. 

Read on:

• What Happens After You Pick a Provider?
• What Happens When Home Care Starts
• What Happens When You Need More Funding?

Choosing a Provider

Choosing a provider isn’t just ticking a box. It’s about finding someone who shows up  with skill, respect, and reliability. Someone who understands that good care is about relationships, not just rosters.

Imagine: Providers are like the conductors of an orchestra. You want a great conductor for your services to make sure every complicated detail is working as it should (without you having to stress about it).

What to ask (and why it matters)

When you're speaking with providers, these questions can help you get past the brochure:

• Do they offer the services you actually need?
    Be specific. If your dad needs wound care and transport to appointments, ask directly: “Can you provide both, starting next week?”
• Are their staff clinically qualified and respectful of your background?
    This includes language, religion, food preferences and cultural values. You want someone who understands the whole person — not just the task list. You can also request interpreters if you need it.
• How soon can they start?
    A long waitlist can be a red flag if you need help now. Ask, “If I sign up today, how soon could care begin?”
• Will they keep you in the loop?
    Good providers are clear, responsive, and don’t leave you guessing. Ask, “How will we stay in touch about changes or issues?”
• Do they support carers too?
    The best care teams wrap support around the whole family — not just the person receiving services.

Tip: Ask for provider recommendations from someone you trust like your GP. They've likely helped dozens of people in your exact situation before.

Red flags to watch for

Some warning signs can save you heartache later:

• They dodge your questions or give vague answers.
• They don’t return your calls or emails.
• Every conversation feels rushed or confusing.
• You’re always talking to someone new.

Trust your instincts. If the start is messy, the service might be too.

Compare your options — but go deeper

Use the My Aged Care Find a Provider tool to compare services, pricing, and accreditation. But don’t stop there.

• Check reviews online.
• Ask your GP or community nurse for recommendations.
• Talk to others in your area — community groups, neighbours, even the local chemist often know who’s good and who’s not.

Real-world tip: small things speak volumes

You might call three providers and only one gets back to you — clearly, kindly, and with a plan. That tells you something. If they care on a call, they’re more likely to care in person too.

Bonus Tips for a Smoother Journey

• Gather documents early: Medicare card, income details, GP info
• Be honest about your needs: It helps get the right level of support
• Loop in your GP or family: They can offer context or act on your behalf
• Apply before a crisis: The system takes time, so it's smart to plan ahead

Parting Thoughts

Support at Home isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s flexible, respectful, and grounded in keeping you where you want to be — your home.

Whether you’re navigating this for yourself or someone you love, the key is starting early. Make the call, ask the questions, and take one step at a time. You don’t have to figure it out alone.