Level 1 Home Care Package: What You Get (2026)
Camila
Healthcare Expert
Looking for home care support?
Find aged care providers in your area through MD Home Care
Takes 30 seconds. Free, no obligation.
Key points
- Level 1 home care packages provide approximately $10,271 per year in government funding
- Designed for people who need basic help to stay independent at home
- Covers light housework, transport, social support, and basic personal care
- Around 2 to 4 hours of support per fortnight
- You need an ACAT assessment through My Aged Care to qualify
What is a Level 1 home care package?
A Level 1 home care package is the entry point into Australia’s home care system. It is designed for older Australians who are mostly independent but need a small amount of regular help to stay safely in their own home.
Think of it as a safety net. You can manage most of your daily life, but there are certain tasks that have become harder. Maybe keeping the house clean takes more energy than it used to. Maybe driving to the doctor is no longer safe. Maybe you just need someone to check in on you regularly.
Level 1 gives you funded access to basic services that address these gaps, without the cost of paying privately for everything.
How much funding do you get?
Level 1 provides approximately $10,271 per year in government funding. This amount goes to your chosen provider, who uses it to coordinate and deliver your services.
Here is the reality of that funding: it is not a lot. After your provider takes their administration and care management fees (which can range from 15% to 40% of the total, depending on the provider), you are left with somewhere between $6,000 and $8,700 for actual services.
This is why choosing a low-fee provider matters at Level 1 more than any other level. A provider charging 40% in fees leaves you with roughly $6,160 for care. A provider charging 20% leaves you with $8,217. That is a difference of over $2,000 in actual support.
| Provider fee percentage | Amount for fees | Amount left for care |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | $1,541 | $8,730 |
| 20% | $2,054 | $8,217 |
| 30% | $3,081 | $7,190 |
| 40% | $4,108 | $6,163 |
What services does Level 1 cover?
Level 1 covers a range of basic support services. You will not get everything on this list; your care plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Domestic assistance
- Light housework (vacuuming, mopping, dusting)
- Laundry and ironing
- Bed making and linen changes
- Basic cleaning of kitchen and bathroom
Transport
- Rides to medical and allied health appointments
- Transport to social activities
- Help getting to and from the shops
Social support
- Regular companionship visits
- Outings to community activities
- Phone check-ins
- Help staying connected with friends and family
Garden and home maintenance
- Basic garden upkeep (mowing, weeding)
- Minor home maintenance tasks
- Changing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries
Meal support
- Simple meal preparation
- Help with grocery shopping
- Meals on Wheels coordination
Basic personal care (limited)
- Medication reminders
- Light assistance with grooming
- Supervision with bathing if needed
What Level 1 does not typically cover:
- Nursing care or clinical services
- Allied health (physiotherapy, podiatry)
- Home modifications
- Assistive technology or equipment
- Overnight care
If you need these services, you likely require a Level 2 or Level 3 package.
How many hours per fortnight?
With approximately $10,271 per year, and after provider fees, you can expect around 2 to 4 hours of support per fortnight.
The exact number of hours depends on:
- Your provider’s hourly rates (typically $50 to $70 per hour for basic support)
- How much your provider charges in administration and care management fees
- The mix of services you use (some cost more than others)
A typical Level 1 fortnightly schedule might look like:
- 1.5 hours of domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)
- 1 hour of transport to a medical appointment
- 0.5 hours of social support
That adds up to 3 hours per fortnight, which is achievable within the budget if your provider charges reasonable fees.
Who is Level 1 for?
Level 1 suits people who:
- Are generally independent but slowing down
- Need help with one or two specific tasks (like housework or transport)
- Want regular check-ins for safety and peace of mind
- Are recovering from a minor health event and need temporary support
- Live alone and could use social connection
Level 1 is often the first step. Many people start here and move to higher levels as their needs change. It is common to be on Level 1 for a year or two before requesting reassessment for Level 2.
If you are already struggling with personal care (showering, dressing, toileting), managing medications, or dealing with a chronic health condition, Level 1 probably will not be enough. Talk to your assessor about your real needs.
How to apply for Level 1
The process is the same for all home care package levels:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au
- Complete the screening (15 to 20 minutes on the phone)
- Have your ACAT assessment at home (about 1 hour)
- Receive your approval letter confirming Level 1
- Choose a provider when your package becomes available
- Start services after signing your Home Care Agreement
Level 1 packages typically have the shortest wait times of all levels, often just a few months. While waiting, you may be eligible for services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
For a detailed walkthrough of the assessment process, read our home care package eligibility guide.
Level 1 vs other levels
| Feature | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual funding | $10,271 | $17,346 | $38,454 | $62,589 |
| Hours per fortnight | 2-4 | 6-8 | 10-15 | 20-28 |
| Personal care | Limited | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Nursing care | No | Basic | Yes | Complex |
| Allied health | No | Basic | Yes | Yes |
| Home modifications | No | Minor | Yes | Extensive |
If Level 1 is not enough for your needs, read about Level 2 or see our complete home care packages guide for a full comparison.
Support at Home changes
Since November 2025, the Support at Home program has been replacing home care packages. Under the new system, what was Level 1 now falls under Support at Home Classifications 1 and 2, which cover basic and low-level care needs.
If you are applying now, you will enter the Support at Home system rather than the old HCP system. The services and general approach remain similar, but the assessment process uses the new Independent Assessment Tool (IAT) and the fee structure has changed.
Existing Level 1 recipients are being transitioned gradually and should not experience disruption to their services.
For more on what changed, read our Support at Home program guide.
Making the most of Level 1
With limited funding, getting the most value from your Level 1 package matters. Here are practical tips:
Choose a low-fee provider. This is the single biggest thing you can do. The difference between a 20% and 40% fee provider is over $2,000 per year in actual care hours at Level 1.
Combine funded and unfunded support. Use your package for tasks you cannot do yourself, and lean on community programs, volunteer services, or family help for other things.
Be specific in your care plan. Do not spread your hours too thin. Focus your limited funding on the one or two things that make the biggest difference to your safety and quality of life.
Request reassessment when you need it. If your needs increase, do not wait. Contact My Aged Care to request a new assessment. You can continue receiving Level 1 services while waiting for a higher level.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Level 1 provide?
Approximately $10,271 per year. After provider administration and care management fees, you will have between $6,000 and $8,700 available for actual care services, depending on your provider’s fee structure.
How many hours of care do you get?
Around 2 to 4 hours per fortnight, depending on the types of services used and your provider’s rates. Basic support services like cleaning and transport cost around $50 to $70 per hour.
Can I upgrade to a higher level?
Yes. Contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. If your needs have increased, you may be approved for Level 2, 3, or 4. You continue receiving Level 1 services while waiting for the higher level to become available.
Do I have to pay anything?
The government covers most of the cost. You may pay a basic daily fee of up to about $12.50 per day. Full pensioners do not pay income-tested fees. If your income is above the pension threshold, you may pay an additional income-tested fee.
How long is the wait?
Level 1 has the shortest wait times, typically a few months. While waiting, you can access basic support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
What is the difference between Level 1 and CHSP?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides individual, entry-level services (like 2 hours of cleaning per week). A Level 1 home care package provides a coordinated, funded package of multiple services managed by a single provider. CHSP services are simpler and less flexible.
Resources
- My Aged Care - register and apply for home care
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission - check provider quality
- Department of Health: Home Care Packages - official program information
- Services Australia: aged care fees - income testing and fee information
Find a Level 1 provider
Getting the right provider at Level 1 can mean the difference between 2 hours and 4 hours of support per fortnight. MD Home Care connects you with aged care providers so you can compare fees and services side by side.
Browse home care providers on MD Home Care or call 1800 953 253 to find the right support in your area.
Need support at home?
Find the right provider for you or your loved ones through MD Home Care.
