How much funding can I get for self-managed care?

Funding under Support at Home is based on an individual assessment of your needs rather than four fixed levels. Your assessed needs determine a flexible budget that covers personal care, allied health, domestic assistance, and other approved services.

Self-Managed Home Care and Support at Home Australia (2026)

The way Australia delivers aged care changed significantly in 2025. As of July 1, 2025, the new Support at Home program officially replaced the old Home Care Packages (HCP) system. For Australians wanting control over their care, understanding self-management in this new system is more important than ever.

Self-managing your government-funded aged care allows you to choose your own support workers and get more care hours from your budget by reducing high provider fees. This guide explains what self-management means in practice, who is eligible, how to set it up, and what financial and insurance responsibilities you need to understand.

Self-management works differently under Support at Home. The new program introduced standardised care management fees (10% of your quarterly budget), government-set price caps from July 2026, and three service categories with different co-contribution rates. These changes affect how self-management delivers value compared to the old HCP system. For a detailed comparison of self-managed vs provider-managed care under the new system, see our guide to self-managed vs provider-managed Support at Home.

For a full overview of how home care funding works, see our complete guide to Home Care Packages in Australia.

Estimate your care hours: Use our free Home Care Package Calculator to see how many hours of support you can get from your funding based on different provider fee structures.

What Does Self-Management Actually Mean?

Self-management means you take an active role in directing your own aged care services. Instead of a provider deciding who supports you, when they arrive, and what tasks they perform, you make those decisions yourself.

Under self-management, you are responsible for:

Choosing your support workers. You find, interview, and select the people who provide your care.
Scheduling services. You decide when workers come, how long they stay, and what tasks they complete during each visit.
Directing your budget. You decide how your funding is allocated across different service types, such as personal care, domestic help, transport, or allied health.

Your approved provider still handles the administrative side. They process payments to your workers, submit claims to the government, and ensure your spending meets program guidelines. Think of the relationship as a partnership: you direct the care, and your provider manages the paperwork and compliance.

This model is sometimes called “consumer-directed care” or a “partnership model.” The key distinction is that you remain in charge of your day-to-day care decisions.

Who Can Self-Manage Their Care?

Self-management is available to any person receiving aged care funding through the Support at Home program. There is no separate application or approval process for self-management. You simply choose this pathway when you select your provider and set up your care arrangement.

Self-management works well for people who:

Want to choose their own workers and build trusted relationships
Prefer flexibility in scheduling rather than fixed rosters
Are comfortable making decisions about their care or have a family member or representative who can help
Want to reduce provider fees and get more hours from their budget

Self-management may not suit everyone. If you prefer a provider to organise all aspects of your care, including finding workers and scheduling visits, full provider management may be a better fit. There is no right or wrong choice. The best approach depends on your circumstances and preferences.

Important: Even if you have cognitive decline or complex health needs, you can still self-manage with the support of a family member, carer, or representative who acts on your behalf. Self-management is about who makes the decisions, not about your health status.

Self-Management vs Full Provider Management

Understanding the differences between self-management and full provider management helps you decide which approach suits your situation.

Feature	Self-Management	Full Provider Management
Who chooses workers	You select your own workers	Provider assigns workers
Scheduling	You set times and frequency	Provider creates the roster
Budget control	You direct how funds are spent	Provider allocates your budget
Administration fees	Typically 13-20% of budget	Often 30-40% of budget
Care hours from budget	More hours (lower fees)	Fewer hours (higher fees)
Flexibility	High, change services as needed	Lower, tied to provider schedule
Admin responsibility	Shared with provider partner	Provider handles everything
Finding workers	Your responsibility	Provider’s responsibility
Government compliance	Provider handles	Provider handles

The biggest practical difference is cost. With traditional full-management providers charging 30-40% in administration and care management fees, a significant portion of your government funding goes to overhead rather than direct care. Self-management providers typically charge 13-20%, meaning hundreds or even thousands of dollars more per year goes toward actual support hours.

For detailed guidance on making the most of your budget, see our Home Care Package spending guide.

Support at Home 2026: What Has Changed?

The Support at Home program is designed to be more flexible and streamlined than the old HCP system.

End of the four HCP levels. The four levels of Home Care Packages are gone. Instead, you receive a flexible budget based on your individually assessed needs.
Capped fees. Care and package management fees are now capped by the government. This protects consumers from excessive charges, but it remains important to choose a provider with a transparent and low-fee structure.
Retention of unspent funds. You can keep unspent funds rather than losing them, giving you more control over how your budget is used over time.
Streamlined assessments. A single assessment process determines your needs and budget, replacing the previous multi-step system.

2026 implementation update: As of early 2026, the government continues to refine provider registration and pricing processes for the Support at Home program. If you are currently on a Home Care Package, your provider will contact you about the transition. No immediate action is required, but now is the right time to compare providers and consider whether self-management could give you more care hours.

For broader information about aged care options and pathways, visit our aged care resource hub.

How to Start Self-Managing Your Care

Setting up self-managed care involves five key steps. The process is straightforward, and your chosen provider will guide you through each stage.

Step 1: Get assessed through My Aged Care

Your journey starts with an assessment. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to begin. An assessment team will visit you at home to understand your care needs and determine your funding level.

Step 2: Choose the self-management pathway

During your assessment and care planning, let the assessor know that you want to self-manage your care. This is not a separate application. You simply express your preference, and it is noted in your care plan.

Step 3: Select an approved provider

This is your most important decision. Your approved provider becomes your administrative partner. They handle government funds, process worker payments, and ensure compliance. Look for providers that:

Charge low administration fees (ideally under 20%)
Offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges
Provide a user-friendly portal or app for tracking your budget
Have experience supporting self-managed clients
Respond quickly when you need help

Step 4: Build your care team

Start identifying support workers you trust. You can find workers through:

Online platforms such as Mable or Hireup
Local community networks and word of mouth
Allied health directories for specialist services
Your approved provider’s recommended worker networks

When selecting workers, check their qualifications, experience, references, and insurance coverage. A good worker relationship is the foundation of successful self-management.

Step 5: Create and activate your care plan

Work with your chosen provider to document your care plan. This plan outlines the services you need, the workers you have chosen, and how your budget will be allocated. Once your plan is active, your provider begins processing payments and you start receiving care.

Financial Responsibilities of Self-Management

Self-management gives you greater control over your budget, but it also comes with financial responsibilities you need to understand.

Budget tracking. You need to monitor your spending to ensure your funds last throughout your funding period. Most self-management providers offer online portals or apps that show your balance, recent payments, and spending by category in real time.

Approved expenditure. Not all expenses are covered by aged care funding. Your spending must align with your assessed care needs and the program guidelines. Common approved expenses include:

Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)
Transport to medical appointments and social activities
Allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy)
Assistive technology and home modifications
Social support and community access

Worker payment rates. When you hire workers directly, you negotiate the hourly rate. Independent contractors typically charge between $35 and $55 per hour depending on the service type and location. Agency workers may cost more due to the agency’s margin. Understanding these rates helps you plan how many hours of care your budget will cover.

Contributions and co-payments. Depending on your financial situation, you may need to make a contribution toward the cost of your care. The amount is determined by a means assessment conducted by Services Australia. If you have concerns about costs, call us on 1800 953 253 and we can help you understand your obligations.

Hiring Workers Directly: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest advantages of self-management is hiring your own workers. This section covers the practical details.

Independent contractors vs employees

Most self-managed clients engage workers as independent contractors. This means the worker runs their own business, sets their own rates, holds their own insurance, and manages their own tax obligations. You are their client, not their employer.

If you engage someone as an employee (for example, a regular worker on a fixed schedule who uses your equipment), different rules apply. You would need to meet employer obligations including superannuation, workers compensation insurance, and payroll tax. Most people avoid this complexity by working with independent contractors or using platforms that handle the employment relationship.

Checking qualifications

For personal care and allied health services, workers should hold relevant qualifications. At minimum, check for:

A current police check (also called a National Criminal History Check)
Relevant training or certification (Certificate III in Individual Support for personal care workers, AHPRA registration for allied health professionals)
First aid certification
COVID-19 vaccination status (check current requirements)
References from previous clients

Setting expectations

Before a worker starts, agree on:

The specific tasks they will perform
Their hourly rate and payment terms
The schedule and duration of visits
Communication preferences (how you will contact each other)
Cancellation policies for both parties

Clear expectations from the start prevent misunderstandings and help build a positive working relationship.

Insurance Requirements for Self-Managed Care

Insurance is a critical part of self-management that many people overlook. Understanding your coverage protects both you and your workers.

Public liability insurance. Independent contractors should hold their own public liability insurance. This covers damage or injury that occurs while they are providing services in your home. Ask to see a copy of their certificate of currency before they start.

Professional indemnity insurance. Allied health professionals and specialist workers should also carry professional indemnity insurance, which covers claims arising from their professional advice or treatment.

Workers compensation. If you directly employ a worker (rather than engaging them as an independent contractor), you must hold workers compensation insurance in your state or territory. This is a legal requirement.

Your home insurance. Check your home and contents insurance policy to ensure it covers third parties (such as care workers) who enter your home regularly. Some policies exclude or limit coverage for paid workers.

Your approved provider can help you understand these requirements and check that your workers have appropriate coverage.

Support at Home Transition: What Current HCP Holders Need to Know

If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package, the transition to Support at Home affects you directly.

Your care continues. Your existing services continue without interruption during the transition. You do not need to reapply for care or undergo a new assessment unless your needs change.

Budget changes. Your funding level may change under the new system, as budgets are calculated differently. The government has committed to ensuring no one receives less care during the transition period.

Provider choice. The transition is a good time to review your provider arrangement. If you are with a high-fee provider and want to explore self-management, you can switch providers at any time. Your new provider will manage the transfer of your unspent funds.

Timeline. The Support at Home program commenced on July 1, 2025. The government continues to refine the system throughout 2026 as providers and consumers adjust to the new arrangements.

If you are unsure about how the transition affects your specific situation, call us on 1800 953 253 for guidance.

Budget Management Guide for Self-Managed Care

Self-management gives you control over your budget, but it also requires planning and tracking to ensure your funds last and are used effectively.

Create a monthly budget template

Break down your Support at Home funding into monthly allocations:

Service type	Monthly allocation	Typical hours/units	Remaining budget
Personal care	$______	____ hours	$______
Domestic assistance	$______	____ hours	$______
Allied health (physio, OT)	$______	____ sessions	$______
Transport	$______	____ hours	$______
Social support	$______	____ hours	$______
Equipment/modifications	$______	As needed	$______
Total monthly budget	$______

Tip: Allocate 60 to 70 percent of your budget to core services (personal care, domestic assistance) and reserve 20 to 30 percent for allied health and flexible needs. Keep 10 percent as a buffer for unexpected costs or service increases.

Track spending weekly

Create a simple spreadsheet or use a notebook to track:

Date of service
Worker name
Service type (personal care, cleaning, etc.)
Hours worked
Rate per hour
Total cost
Running budget balance

Example weekly log:

Date	Worker	Service	Hours	Rate	Cost	Balance
Mon 10 Mar	Sarah	Personal care	2	$55	$110	$1,335
Wed 12 Mar	Sarah	Cleaning	2.5	$50	$125	$1,210
Thu 13 Mar	James	Transport	1.5	$48	$72	$1,138
Fri 14 Mar	Sarah	Personal care	2	$55	$110	$1,028

This tracking helps you see where your money goes and adjust services if you are overspending or underspending.

Strategies to maximize your budget

1. Negotiate hourly rates with workers

Independent contractors set their own rates. When engaging workers, negotiate fair but sustainable rates. In 2026, typical self-managed rates are:

Personal care: $45 to $65/hour
Domestic assistance: $40 to $55/hour
Transport and social support: $40 to $50/hour

Compare this to agency rates ($65 to $85/hour) and you can see why self-management provides more hours.

2. Bundle tasks efficiently

Instead of scheduling separate visits for cleaning and personal care, have the same worker complete multiple tasks in one visit. This reduces travel time and maximizes productive hours.

Example:

Old approach: 1 hour personal care + 1 hour cleaning (2 separate visits) = 2 hours billed
Bundled approach: 3-hour visit covering personal care + cleaning + meal prep = 3 hours billed, more value

3. Use unspent funds strategically

Under Support at Home, you can retain unspent funds for future needs. Use this to:

Save for expensive allied health equipment
Build a buffer for emergencies
Plan for home modifications (grab rails, ramps, etc.)

4. Review and adjust monthly

Every month, review your spending against your budget. Ask:

Am I using all allocated services, or is money sitting unused?
Are my current services meeting my needs?
Do I need to reallocate funds from one category to another?

Adjust your care plan as needed. Self-management gives you this flexibility.

Sample budget: Level 2 equivalent under Support at Home

Annual funding: $18,000 (approx Level 2 equivalent)
Provider admin fee (15%): $2,700
Available for care: $15,300/year = $1,275/month

Monthly allocation:

Personal care (2 showers/week): 8 hours x $55 = $440
Domestic cleaning (fortnightly): 4 hours x $50 = $200
Meal prep (weekly): 4 hours x $50 = $200
Transport (monthly): 3 hours x $48 = $144
Allied health (quarterly, monthly average): $100
Buffer: $191

Total: $1,275/month

This budget provides approximately 19 hours of support per month. Compare this to a full-management provider charging 35% fees (only 13 hours/month), and the value of self-management is clear.

Switching Providers: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are unhappy with your current provider (high fees, poor service, lack of flexibility), switching to a self-management provider is straightforward.

Step 1: Research self-management providers

Use the comparison table in this guide or contact MD Home Care to find providers specializing in self-managed care. Key criteria:

Admin fee percentage (aim for 15% or less)
Technology platform (online budget tracking, invoicing)
Customer service responsiveness
Worker payment processing speed

Step 2: Contact your chosen new provider

Call or email the provider and explain:

You want to switch to self-management
Your current Support at Home classification level or HCP level
When you want the transition to occur

The new provider will guide you through their onboarding process.

Step 3: Give notice to your current provider

Check your service agreement for the required notice period (usually 14 to 28 days). Provide written notice that you are switching providers.

Sample notice letter:

[Date]

[Current Provider Name and Address]

Dear [Provider],

I am writing to provide formal notice that I will be terminating my service agreement effective [date 14 or 28 days from now].

I have chosen to transfer to a new provider who better meets my needs. Please provide a final statement of my unspent funds and transfer these funds to my new provider, [Provider Name], within 14 days as required under the Aged Care Act.

Thank you for your services.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Step 4: Notify My Aged Care

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and inform them of your provider change. Provide:

Your Aged Care ID
Current provider name
New provider name
Effective date of transfer

Step 5: Confirm fund transfer

Your old provider must transfer your unspent funds to your new provider within 14 days. Request a final statement from your old provider showing:

Total funding received
Total fees charged
Total care costs paid
Unspent balance transferred

Check this statement against your records. If there are discrepancies, raise them immediately with the old provider and My Aged Care.

Step 6: Start services with new provider

Your new provider will:

Set up your budget and care plan
Process worker registrations and payments
Provide access to their online portal (if applicable)
Schedule regular check-ins to review your budget

There should be no gap in services. Coordinate with your workers to ensure they continue providing care during the transition.

Common switching issues and solutions

Issue: Old provider delays fund transfer

Solution: Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and lodge a complaint. The 14-day transfer requirement is legally binding.

Issue: Workers refuse to work with the new provider

Solution: Independent contractors can choose which provider they invoice through. If workers refuse, you may need to find new workers. Build relationships with multiple workers to avoid this.

Issue: Fees on final statement are higher than expected

Solution: Review your service agreement and question specific charges. If unresolved, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822.

When to switch providers

Consider switching if:

Your provider charges more than 20% in admin fees
They are unresponsive to questions or concerns
They restrict your choice of workers
Budget statements are unclear or delayed
You want more control and flexibility

You can switch providers as many times as needed. Your funding and approval stay with you.

2026 Self-Management Updates

Provider fee caps

The Support at Home program caps provider fees, but transparency remains essential. Always request a detailed breakdown of:

Package management fee (admin)
Care management fee (coordination)
Any other surcharges

Total fees should not exceed 20% for self-managed arrangements.

Technology platforms improving

Many self-management providers now offer online portals where you can:

View real-time budget balances
Approve worker timesheets
Upload invoices for equipment purchases
Track spending by service type

Ask potential providers whether they offer digital budget management tools.

Worker shortage challenges

The aged care workforce shortage continues in 2026, particularly in regional areas. Self-management helps by allowing you to:

Offer competitive hourly rates directly to workers
Build long-term relationships that reduce turnover
Hire workers your existing network may recommend

However, finding reliable workers may still take time. Start building your care team early.

Best Self-Managed Aged Care Providers in Australia

Choosing the right provider to partner with is the most important decision you will make. A good provider acts as your administrative partner, handling the government funds efficiently while you manage your care.

Here is a comparison of leading providers in the Support at Home landscape:

Provider	Key Feature	Best For	Website
HomeMade	Technology Platform	Tech-savvy users who want a portal to manage care	`homemadesupport.com.au`
Trilogy Care	National Network	Broad access to a network of carers across Australia	`trilogycare.com.au`
My Plan Manager	Focus on NDIS and Aged Care	People navigating both the NDIS and aged care systems	`myplanmanager.com.au`
Blended Care	Low Fee Structure	Maximising care hours with low admin fees	`blendedcare.com.au`

How MD Home Care connects you with self-management providers: MD Home Care is a connection platform that helps you find aged care providers who specialise in self-management support. These providers focus on partnership models, providing essential administrative support to help you remain compliant, often with low-fee structures designed to maximise the funds available for your care. The best providers understand that you know your needs best and focus on empowering you to meet them. Find self-management providers through MD Home Care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really manage my own aged care package?

Yes. Under the Support at Home program, self-management is a core feature. You maintain control over your care decisions, but you must partner with an approved provider who handles government funds and compliance on your behalf.

How much funding can I get?

Funding is no longer based on four rigid levels. It is based on an individual assessment of your needs. The goal is to provide a flexible budget that you can use for the services you require, including personal care, domestic help, allied health, and transport.

Can I choose my own support worker?

Yes. This is the main benefit of self-management. You can hire independent workers, use agency staff, or combine both. You are responsible for checking qualifications and insurance.

What happens to my unspent funds?

With the Support at Home program, you can retain your unspent funds. This allows you to save for larger items such as assistive technology or build a reserve for future needs.

Is it hard to switch to a self-managed provider?

No. The process is straightforward. Your new provider manages the transition, including transferring any unspent funds from your previous provider. You can switch at any time without penalty.

Do I need insurance if I hire workers directly?

If you engage independent contractors, confirm they hold their own public liability and professional indemnity insurance. If you employ workers directly, you must hold workers compensation insurance. Your approved provider can advise on these requirements.

What is the difference between self-management and full provider management?

With full provider management, the provider selects workers, schedules services, and makes most care decisions. With self-management, you make these decisions yourself while the provider handles financial administration, government reporting, and compliance. Self-management typically results in lower fees and more care hours from your budget.

Take Control of Your Aged Care Today

Self-managing your aged care under the Support at Home program is one of the most effective ways to get more support hours from your government funding. By choosing your own workers, setting your own schedule, and partnering with a low-fee provider, you keep more of your budget working for you rather than going to administration costs.

MD Home Care is a connection platform that helps you find the right self-management provider for your situation. Whether you are new to aged care or looking to switch from a high-fee provider, we can help you explore your options.

Call us on 1800 953 253 to discuss your self-management options, or find providers through MD Home Care today.

MD Home Care (mdhomecare.com.au) is a connection platform. We do not directly provide aged care services. Information in this guide is current as of March 2026 and is for general guidance only. Always confirm details with My Aged Care (1800 200 422) or a qualified aged care adviser for advice specific to your situation.