Support at Home Levels (1-8) Explained

Posted 5th November 2025 | 3 minute read

Written by Jesse Gramenz  

Understanding aged care funding shouldn't feel like solving a riddle. But when the names change, the rules shift, and the paperwork piles up, it often does.

That’s why it helps to break it down. This article walks you through how Support at Home levels work, how they replaced the old "package levels," and what to do if your needs change.

What are Support at Home levels?

Support at Home levels are the levels of funding (ranging from level 1-level 8) that help determine how much budget you’ll have for government supported in-home services.

Your level is a reflection of much assistance the government thinks you’ll need to be supported to stay in your home as you age. This is worked out through an aged care assessment.

What Support at Home funding isn't

Support at Home funding is flexible, but it's not a blank cheque. There are clear rules about what this money can and can't be used for.

It doesn't cover:

• Everyday living expenses like rent, groceries, or utility bills

• Purely social activities unless they support a care goal (e.g. mental health or preventing isolation)

• Entertainment or lifestyle extras like club memberships or holidays

• Major home renovations that aren't directly linked to your care and safety (e.g. kitchen upgrades)

• Medical procedures or medications covered under Medicare or the PBS

Why these limits matter

Every dollar of Support at Home funding is meant to help older Australians (yourself or your loved one) live safely and independently at home. If a purchase or service doesn't directly support that, it likely won't be approved.

Your provider has a responsibility to ensure your care plan and spending match the guidelines set out by the Department of Health.

How funding levels replaced the old system

The old Home Care Packages model had four levels:

• Level 1: Basic care
• Level 2: Low care
• Level 3: Intermediate
• Level 4: High care

Support at Home expands this into eight levels, offering more flexibility and closer tailoring to individual situations. The more complex your needs, the higher your level and the more care hours and services you can access.

Think of these levels as rungs on a ladder. As your needs grow, you climb to a higher level that gives you more support.

Support at Home Levels 1–8: What each tier means

Here’s a simplified guide to the current funding bands. These amounts are annual and may adjust over time with indexation.

Note: These levels are not set in stone. They’re designed to match the needs listed in your care plan.

How your level is assessed

Your level is determined through an aged care assessment, arranged through My Aged Care.

An assessor looks at:

• What daily tasks you struggle with
• Your medical and mobility needs
• Whether you live alone or have carer support
• Any safety risks in your home

The result is a Support Plan, which outlines what services you’re eligible for and the level of funding allocated.

You don’t choose your level — it’s based entirely on what the assessment shows.

Can you change or upgrade your level?

Yes. If your needs increase, you can be reassessed and potentially move to a higher funding level.

Signs it might be time to upgrade

• You’re going without support you now need (e.g. continence, complex wounds)
• A family member is doing more than before and burning out
• You’re using all your current funding but still not getting enough care

How to request a review

1. Call My Aged Care (1800 200 422) and request a reassessment
2. Have your care provider support the request with updated clinical notes
3. Highlight any functional changes — falls, new diagnoses, carer stress
4. If approved, your funding level will be increased and your care plan updated

Tip: Keep a journal of changes over time. Noticing what’s becoming harder helps you advocate clearly.

An example of how a change in level might happen

Maria, 82, was initially approved for Level 3 funding. She had help twice a week for showering, cleaning, and meals.

After a fall and hospital stay, Maria developed continence issues and now needed assistance every morning. Her daughter also reported carer fatigue.

With support from her provider, Maria applied for reassessment. The assessor noted her increased needs and carer strain. She was upgraded to Level 5, allowing for:

• Daily personal care
• Continence products
• Weekly case management
• Allied health visits

The upgrade made a noticeable difference in both Maria’s comfort and her daughter’s ability to continue caring.

Tips to get the most from your level

• Know what’s in your plan: Your funding covers services tied to your goals. Keep your plan updated.
• Use your full budget: If you’re underspending, consider what else could help.
• Track changes: Small declines over time can justify a level change.
• Don’t wait for crisis: Ask for a review early if you sense your care needs have shifted.

Parting thoughts

Support at Home is built to change with you. The level you're assigned is not permanent, it’s just a starting point.

If things get harder, speak up. You're allowed to ask for more. And you're not alone in doing so.

Care is not just about what gets done, it's about how well you can keep living your life. With the right funding level, that becomes a lot more possible.