Level 3 home care package: $38,454 funding guide (2026)
Camila
Healthcare Expert
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Key points
- Level 3 home care packages provide approximately $38,454 per year in government funding
- The most searched-for package level, designed for intermediate care needs
- Covers nursing care, allied health, personal care, home modifications, and respite
- Around 10 to 15 hours of support per fortnight
- Under Support at Home, replaced by Classifications 4, 5, and 6
- Significant step up from Level 2 in both funding and service complexity
What is a Level 3 home care package?
Level 3 is where home care gets serious. It is designed for people with intermediate care needs who require a coordinated mix of services that go well beyond basic housework and personal care.
If you are on Level 2 and finding it is not enough, or if you have complex health conditions that need regular nursing attention, Level 3 is likely what you need. This is the most commonly searched home care package level in Australia, because it represents the point where many families realise that basic support is no longer cutting it.
Level 3 covers nursing visits, allied health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry), home modifications for safety, respite care for family carers, and significantly more hours of personal care than Level 2.
How much funding do you get?
Level 3 provides approximately $38,454 per year in government funding. That is $3,205 per month or $1,479 per fortnight.
This is more than double the Level 2 amount ($17,346), which means a real difference in the quality and quantity of care you can access.
As with all levels, provider fees eat into this amount. But at Level 3, even with fees, the remaining budget supports a meaningful care plan.
| Provider fee percentage | Amount for fees | Amount left for care |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | $5,768 | $32,686 |
| 20% | $7,691 | $30,763 |
| 25% | $9,614 | $28,841 |
| 35% | $13,459 | $24,995 |
At Level 3, the gap between a 15% and 35% fee provider is $7,691 per year. That is roughly 120 hours of support worker time or about 40 nursing visits. Provider choice still matters, but you have more budget to work with.
What services does Level 3 cover?
Level 3 covers everything Level 2 does, plus clinical and specialist services. Your care plan is tailored to your needs.
Nursing care
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Catheter and stoma management
- Medication administration and management
- Chronic disease monitoring (diabetes, heart conditions)
- Post-hospital recovery support
- Health assessments and care planning
Allied health
- Physiotherapy (strength, balance, mobility)
- Occupational therapy (home safety, adaptive equipment)
- Speech therapy
- Podiatry (foot care)
- Dietitian and nutrition support
- Social work and counselling
Personal care (increased hours)
- Daily shower and bathing assistance
- Dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Mobility support and transfers
- Skin care and pressure injury prevention
- Continence support
Domestic and daily living
- Regular house cleaning
- Laundry, ironing, and bed changes
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Garden and home maintenance
Home modifications
- Grab rails and handrails
- Ramp installation
- Bathroom modifications (shower seats, non-slip surfaces)
- Improved lighting
- Door widening for walker or wheelchair access
Assistive technology
- Personal alarms and monitoring
- Mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs)
- Shower chairs and bath boards
- Specialised equipment based on OT assessment
Respite care
- In-home respite for family carers
- Day respite at community centres
- Short-term residential respite
- Emergency respite when carers are unavailable
Transport and social support
- Transport to all appointments and activities
- Accompanied outings
- Social group participation
- Community engagement support
How many hours per fortnight?
With $38,454 per year, after provider fees, you can expect around 10 to 15 hours of support per fortnight.
The exact hours depend on the mix of services. Nursing care costs more per hour ($90 to $150) than personal care ($55 to $75) or domestic help ($50 to $65). Allied health sessions can cost $120 to $180 per visit.
A typical Level 3 fortnightly schedule:
| Day | Service | Hours | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Personal care (morning routine) | 1.5 hrs | $105 |
| Monday | Domestic help | 2 hrs | $120 |
| Tuesday | Nursing visit (wound care) | 1 hr | $120 |
| Wednesday | Personal care | 1 hr | $70 |
| Wednesday | Social outing | 2 hrs | $130 |
| Thursday | Physiotherapy session | 1 hr | $150 |
| Friday | Personal care | 1 hr | $70 |
| Friday | Meal prep and shopping | 1.5 hrs | $98 |
| Total | 11 hrs | $863 |
This schedule fits within the fortnightly budget of approximately $1,100 to $1,250 (after 15-20% fees). There is room to add more hours or substitute services depending on your needs.
Who is Level 3 for?
Level 3 suits people who:
- Have chronic health conditions requiring regular nursing attention
- Need help with personal care most days
- Are at significant risk of falls or hospitalisation
- Have moderate cognitive decline (early to mid-stage dementia)
- Are recovering from a major health event (stroke, surgery, fractures)
- Need allied health services regularly (not just occasionally)
- Have a family carer who needs respite support
The jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is significant. It is not just more hours. It is a different kind of care. Level 3 includes clinical services, coordination across multiple health professionals, and the infrastructure to manage complex needs safely at home.
If your needs are mainly personal care and domestic help with occasional medical appointments, Level 2 might still be sufficient. If you need daily nursing care, overnight monitoring, or are at real risk of needing residential care, Level 4 may be more appropriate.
How to apply
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au
- Complete the initial screening (15 to 20 minutes)
- Have your ACAT assessment at home (about 1 hour)
- Receive your approval letter confirming Level 3
- Choose a provider when your package becomes available
- Start services after signing your Home Care Agreement
Assessment tips for Level 3:
- Make sure the assessor sees your worst days, not your best
- If you have a carer, have them describe the support they provide (this helps justify the level)
- Bring documentation from your GP or specialist about your conditions
- List everything you struggle with, even things that feel embarrassing to mention
Wait times for Level 3 are typically 6 to 12 months. While waiting, you may receive a lower-level package (Level 1 or 2) as interim support, or access the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Estimate your level: Take our free ACAT Assessment Level Quiz to see which level might suit your needs.
For a detailed guide to the assessment process, read our home care package eligibility guide.
Costs and fees
Basic daily fee
Providers may charge up to 17.5% of the single basic Age Pension (approximately $12.50 per day or $4,560 per year). Not all providers charge this, and some charge less.
Income-tested care fee
If your income exceeds the full Age Pension threshold, you may pay an additional income-tested fee calculated by Services Australia. This fee is capped annually and over your lifetime. Your home value is not included.
What you actually pay
At Level 3, the government subsidy is $38,454. If you are a full pensioner paying the basic daily fee, your total annual contribution would be around $4,560, with the government covering the rest. If you are a self-funded retiree, you may pay more through the income-tested fee, but it is still a fraction of paying privately for equivalent care (which could cost $30,000+ per year out of pocket).
For current thresholds, visit Services Australia.
Support at Home changes
Since November 2025, the Support at Home program has been replacing home care packages. What was Level 3 now falls under Support at Home Classifications 4, 5, and 6, covering intermediate care needs with funding ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
The main changes:
- Three classifications replace the single Level 3, allowing more precise funding
- The Independent Assessment Tool (IAT) replaces the old ACAT assessment
- Fee structures have changed, including new co-contribution arrangements
- Services are categorised into clinical care, independence, and everyday living
If you are currently on a Level 3 package, your services continue during the transition. You do not need to reapply.
For full details on the changes, read our Support at Home program guide.
Level 3 vs other levels
| Feature | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual funding | $17,346 | $38,454 | $62,589 |
| Hours per fortnight | 6-8 | 10-15 | 20-28 |
| Personal care | Yes | Daily | Extensive |
| Nursing care | Basic | Regular | Complex daily |
| Allied health | Occasional | Regular | Intensive |
| Home modifications | Minor | Yes | Extensive |
| Respite care | Limited | Yes | Regular |
| Equipment | No | Yes | Yes |
For a full comparison of all four levels, read our home care packages complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Level 3 home care package?
Approximately $38,454 per year in government funding. Under the new Support at Home program, intermediate care classifications (4 to 6) provide $30,000 to $50,000 per year depending on assessed needs. After provider fees, you will have $25,000 to $33,000 available for actual care.
How many hours per fortnight?
Around 10 to 15 hours, depending on your service mix. Nursing visits and allied health cost more per hour than personal care and domestic help, so a care plan heavy on clinical services will have fewer total hours.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3?
Level 2 ($17,346/year) covers basic personal care and domestic help for 6 to 8 hours per fortnight. Level 3 ($38,454/year) adds nursing care, regular allied health, home modifications, respite, and more personal care hours for 10 to 15 hours per fortnight.
Does Level 3 cover nursing care?
Yes. Level 3 covers regular nursing services including wound care, catheter management, chronic disease monitoring, medication administration, and post-hospital recovery support.
Can I get home modifications?
Yes. Level 3 funding can cover grab rails, ramps, bathroom modifications, improved lighting, and other safety-related changes to your home. These must be included in your care plan and usually follow an occupational therapy assessment.
How long is the wait?
Typically 6 to 12 months, though it varies by location. While waiting, you can receive a lower-level package or CHSP services as interim support.
What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4?
Level 3 ($38,454/year) is for intermediate needs with 10 to 15 hours per fortnight. Level 4 ($62,589/year) is for high-level needs with 20 to 28 hours per fortnight, including daily nursing, complex care coordination, and overnight support. Level 4 is designed for people who would otherwise need residential care.
Resources
- My Aged Care - register and apply for home care
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission - check provider quality
- Services Australia: aged care fees - fee information
- Department of Health: Home Care Packages - official information
Find a Level 3 provider
Level 3 care requires a provider with clinical capability and experience coordinating complex care plans. Not every provider handles Level 3 well. MD Home Care connects you with aged care providers who specialise in intermediate and high-level care, so you can compare services and fees before making a decision.
Browse home care providers on MD Home Care or call 1800 953 253 for help finding the right provider for your needs.
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