Support at Home Levels 1-3: Basic Care (2026)
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If you or a family member has been assessed for basic aged care support, understanding the new Support at Home classification levels is essential. Levels 1 through 3 are designed for older Australians with lower-level care needs who want to stay living independently at home with some assistance.
This guide explains what each level means, how much funding you receive, what services are covered, and how these new classifications compare to the old Home Care Package system. For a broader overview of the entire program, see our complete guide to the Support at Home Program.
Individual Classification Guides
For detailed funding breakdowns, worked scenarios, and hourly rate estimates for each level:
- Classification 1: What You Get ($10,732/year)
- Classification 2: Funding and Services ($16,035/year)
- [Classification 3 is covered in detail on this page]
What are Support at Home classification levels?
The Support at Home Program uses a classification system with 8 levels to match funding to individual care needs. This replaces the old four-level Home Care Package (HCP) system and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Classification levels 1 through 3 cover basic care needs. These are for people who need some help around the home, occasional personal care, or low-level clinical support, but who are still largely independent in their daily lives.
Here is a quick summary of where levels 1 to 3 sit within the full classification structure:
| Classification level | Care needs | Approximate annual funding |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Very low | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Level 2 | Low | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Level 3 | Low to moderate | $12,000 - $16,000 |
| Levels 4-8 | Moderate to very high | $16,000 - $78,000+ |
Your classification level is determined by an independent assessment, not by you or your provider. The assessor evaluates your physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs to assign the appropriate level.
How the funding structure works: three streams
One of the biggest changes from the old Home Care Package system is how funding is structured. Instead of receiving a single annual budget to spend on any approved service, Support at Home funding is divided into three separate streams.
Each stream covers a different category of care, and your classification level determines how much funding you receive within each stream.
Stream 1: Independence
This stream funds services that help you maintain or improve your ability to live independently. It focuses on restorative and preventive care.
Services covered under the independence stream:
- Assistive technology and equipment (grab rails, shower chairs, mobility aids)
- Home modifications (ramp installation, bathroom modifications, improved lighting)
- Restorative care programs
- Allied health assessments related to independence goals
The independence stream has a one-off or periodic funding allocation. It is not an ongoing weekly or monthly payment like the other streams.
Stream 2: Everyday living
This is the stream most people at levels 1 to 3 will use most frequently. It funds the day-to-day support services that help you manage at home.
Services covered under the everyday living stream:
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, vacuuming, mopping)
- Laundry and ironing
- Meal preparation
- Gardening and home maintenance
- Social support and community access
- Transport to appointments or social activities
- Shopping assistance
- Basic personal care (help with showering, dressing, grooming)
Stream 3: Clinical and allied health
This stream covers health-related services delivered by qualified professionals. At levels 1 to 3, you will typically access basic allied health rather than intensive clinical care.
Services covered under the clinical/allied health stream:
- Nursing care (wound care, medication management)
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Podiatry
- Dietetics and nutrition advice
- Speech pathology
- Social work and counselling
The key difference from the old system is that you cannot move money between streams. Funding allocated to your everyday living stream cannot be used for clinical services, and vice versa. This is designed to ensure that essential health services are not traded off against domestic help, but it does reduce the flexibility that the old HCP system provided.
For detailed pricing information across these service categories, see our guide to Support at Home prices in 2026.
What services are covered at each level
While the three-stream structure applies to all classification levels, the amount of support you can access at each level varies. Here is a breakdown of what you can typically expect at levels 1 to 3.
Level 1: Very low care needs
Level 1 is for people who need minimal, occasional support. You are largely managing on your own but could benefit from a small amount of help to stay safe and independent at home.
Typical Level 1 services:
- 1 to 2 hours of domestic assistance per week (cleaning, laundry)
- Occasional transport to medical appointments
- Minor home maintenance (changing light bulbs, smoke alarm checks)
- One or two allied health visits per quarter (for example, podiatry)
- Basic assistive equipment if needed
Who Level 1 suits: Someone who is generally well and independent but might need help with heavier housework, occasional transport, or regular foot care. Perhaps you have recently had a fall and need some grab rails installed and a small amount of ongoing help while you regain confidence.
Level 2: Low care needs
Level 2 provides more regular support. You may need help with several activities on a weekly basis and might be beginning to need some personal care assistance.
Typical Level 2 services:
- 2 to 4 hours of domestic assistance per week
- Regular transport to appointments and social activities
- Some personal care support (help with showering or dressing a few times a week)
- Social support and companionship visits
- Regular allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry)
- Meal preparation assistance
- Garden maintenance
Who Level 2 suits: Someone who needs consistent weekly support across several areas. You might be managing most things independently but finding it harder to keep up with housework, need help getting to appointments, and benefit from regular physiotherapy for mobility issues.
Level 3: Low to moderate care needs
Level 3 is the highest of the basic care classifications. It provides a meaningful level of regular support across multiple areas and may include daily personal care.
Typical Level 3 services:
- 4 to 6 hours of domestic and personal care per week
- Daily or near-daily personal care assistance
- Regular transport and social support
- Multiple allied health services
- Meal preparation several times per week
- Ongoing home maintenance
- Continence products and supplies
- Regular nursing visits (for example, medication management)
Who Level 3 suits: Someone who needs daily or near-daily help with personal care and has care needs across multiple areas. You might need help showering each morning, regular nursing visits for medication management, and ongoing domestic support to maintain your home.
Who qualifies for levels 1 to 3
To qualify for any Support at Home classification level, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria for the program.
Eligibility requirements:
- Aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a special category visa
- Not already receiving equivalent government-funded aged care services
- Assessed as having care needs that require support
What the assessment looks at
The assessment considers multiple domains of your health and functioning:
- Physical health: Mobility, balance, strength, chronic conditions, pain
- Cognitive function: Memory, decision-making, orientation, communication
- Daily activities: Ability to manage personal care, housework, cooking, shopping
- Psychosocial needs: Social isolation, emotional wellbeing, carer stress
- Home environment: Safety hazards, suitability of your home, accessibility
You do not need a GP referral to be assessed, although your doctor can make a referral on your behalf. You or a family member can contact My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422 to start the process.
The assessment process
The assessment process under the Support at Home Program is different from the old system. The previous two-tier assessment structure (RAS for lower-level needs and ACAT for higher-level needs) has been replaced by a single assessment workforce. You can read more about the old RAS and ACAT assessment comparison for historical context.
How assessment works now
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website to register and request an assessment. You can also ask a family member, carer, or GP to do this on your behalf. See our My Aged Care registration guide for step-by-step instructions.
Step 2: Screening and prioritisation
My Aged Care will conduct an initial screening over the phone to understand your situation. Based on this, your assessment will be prioritised according to urgency.
Step 3: Face-to-face assessment
An assessor from the single assessment workforce will visit you at home. They will use a standardised assessment tool to evaluate your needs across all the domains listed above. The assessment typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Step 4: Classification decision
Based on the assessment, you will be assigned a classification level. This determines the amount and type of funding you receive across the three streams.
Step 5: Support plan and provider selection
Once classified, you will receive a support plan outlining your funding. You can then choose an approved provider to deliver your services.
Important note about the assessment tool
There have been significant concerns about the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT) used in the new system. Reports from early 2026 indicate that the algorithm-based tool has, in some cases, underestimated people’s care needs. If you believe your assessment does not accurately reflect your needs, you have the right to request a reassessment or contact an aged care advocate for help.
Comparison with old Home Care Package levels
If you are familiar with the old Home Care Package system, this comparison table will help you understand where the new levels 1 to 3 sit in relation to what you might have received previously.
| Feature | Old HCP Level 1 | Old HCP Level 2 | Support at Home Level 1 | Support at Home Level 2 | Support at Home Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual funding | $9,271 | $16,335 | $5,000 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $16,000 |
| Funding structure | Single budget | Single budget | Three streams | Three streams | Three streams |
| Flexibility | Spend on any approved service | Spend on any approved service | Must spend within each stream | Must spend within each stream | Must spend within each stream |
| Care management fees | Up to 20-35% of budget | Up to 20-35% of budget | Included in service pricing | Included in service pricing | Included in service pricing |
| Assessment type | RAS or ACAT | ACAT | Single assessment workforce | Single assessment workforce | Single assessment workforce |
| Waiting time | Months to years | Months to years | Varies (system still bedding in) | Varies (system still bedding in) | Varies (system still bedding in) |
| Package management | Provider-managed or self-managed | Provider-managed or self-managed | Provider-managed with more transparency | Provider-managed with more transparency | Provider-managed with more transparency |
Key differences explained
Funding amounts: The headline funding amounts at the lower levels may appear smaller under Support at Home, but this is partly because the old HCP system included care management and administration fees within the package budget. Under Support at Home, these costs are handled differently, meaning more of your funding goes directly to service delivery.
No more single budget: Under the old HCP system, you had one budget and could allocate it across any approved services. The new three-stream model is more structured. While this ensures funding for clinical care is protected, it reduces your ability to redirect money to areas where you need it most.
Eliminated waiting lists: One of the primary goals of the Support at Home Program is to reduce the extreme waiting times that plagued the old HCP system, where people often waited 12 months or more for a Level 2 package. The new system aims to provide support more quickly after assessment.
For a comprehensive comparison with the old system, see our complete guide to Home Care Packages in Australia.
Co-contributions at levels 1 to 3
Under the Support at Home Program, you may be required to make a co-contribution toward the cost of certain services. This is the amount you pay out of your own pocket.
How co-contributions work
Co-contributions depend on two factors:
-
The type of service: Clinical and allied health services have no co-contribution for anyone. Everyday living services have co-contributions based on your financial situation.
-
Your means assessment: Services Australia will assess your income and assets to determine what you can afford to contribute. For more on how this works, see our means-tested care fee guide.
Co-contribution categories
| Service type | Co-contribution |
|---|---|
| Clinical care (nursing, allied health) | No co-contribution |
| Everyday living (domestic help, personal care) | Based on means assessment |
| Independence (equipment, home modifications) | Based on means assessment |
What this means at levels 1 to 3
Because levels 1 to 3 involve lower funding amounts, co-contributions at these levels are generally modest. If you are on a full Age Pension with limited assets, your co-contribution may be very small or nil for everyday living services.
If you have higher income or assets, you will be expected to contribute more. The government has indicated that no one will be denied essential care because they cannot afford the co-contribution.
Important: The basic daily fee that applied under the old Home Care Package system (approximately $12.51 per day) has been restructured under Support at Home. Read our guide on the basic daily fee in aged care to understand how this has changed.
How to choose a provider at levels 1 to 3
Choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you will make. At the lower classification levels, the amount of funding is smaller, which makes it even more important to ensure your money is spent effectively.
What to look for in a provider
Transparent pricing: Under the Support at Home Program, providers must publish their prices. Compare what different providers charge for the same services. Even small differences in hourly rates add up over a year, especially at levels 1 to 3 where your total budget is more limited. Use our Support at Home prices guide as a benchmark.
Low administrative overheads: Some providers are more efficient than others. Ask what percentage of your funding goes to direct service delivery versus administration. Under the new system, care management fees should no longer consume a large portion of your budget as they did under HCPs.
Service availability: Make sure the provider offers all the services you need in your area. Some providers specialise in certain types of care or only operate in specific regions.
Quality ratings: Check the provider’s star ratings on the My Aged Care website. Look at their compliance history and any sanctions or notices.
Flexibility: Can the provider adjust your services as your needs change? At levels 1 to 3, your needs may increase over time, and you want a provider who can scale up support or help you apply for a higher classification when needed.
Cultural and language considerations: If English is not your first language, or you have specific cultural needs, look for a provider with experience supporting people from your background.
Questions to ask potential providers
- What are your hourly rates for domestic assistance, personal care, and allied health services?
- How do you handle unused funding within each stream?
- What happens if I need more support than my classification allows?
- Can you help me request a reassessment if my needs increase?
- Do you charge any additional fees beyond the published service prices?
- How quickly can you start delivering services after I choose you?
If you need help finding and comparing providers in your area, call MD Home Care on 1800 953 253. We connect older Australians with quality aged care providers and can help you navigate the process.
What to expect when services begin
Once you have been assessed, classified, and chosen a provider, here is what the process of starting services typically looks like.
Your service agreement
Your provider will prepare a service agreement that outlines:
- The services you will receive
- The price for each service
- Your co-contribution amounts
- How your funding is allocated across the three streams
- How to change or cancel services
- The complaints process
Read this carefully before signing. Make sure the services and prices match what you discussed. If anything is unclear, ask your provider to explain before you agree.
Your care plan
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan based on your assessment and support plan. This should reflect your goals and preferences, not just a list of services.
At levels 1 to 3, common goals include:
- Maintaining independence at home for as long as possible
- Staying connected with the community and reducing isolation
- Managing chronic health conditions
- Preventing falls and maintaining mobility
- Supporting carers and reducing carer stress
Regular reviews
Your care plan should be reviewed regularly, at least every 12 months, and more often if your needs change. If you feel your needs have increased beyond what your current classification provides, talk to your provider about requesting a reassessment for a higher level.
Transitioning from existing packages
If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package (Level 1 or 2) or CHSP services, you will be transitioned to the Support at Home Program. The government has committed to ensuring that nobody receives less support during the transition.
What happens to your current package
- Your existing services continue during the transition period
- Your provider should contact you to explain the changes and provide a new service agreement
- Your funding will be mapped to the new classification system based on your current level of support
- You do not need to be reassessed unless you want to request a different classification level
Potential impacts of transition
If you had an HCP Level 1: You will likely be mapped to Support at Home Level 1 or 2. Your funding may look different because it is now split across three streams, but the government has indicated your total support level should not decrease.
If you had an HCP Level 2: You may be mapped to Support at Home Level 2 or 3. Again, the stream-based funding structure will change how your budget works, but the total value of services should be maintained or improved.
If you were receiving CHSP services: You will transition to the Support at Home Program at a classification level that matches your current services. CHSP recipients typically had lower-level support and may be classified at Level 1 or 2.
If you are unhappy with your transition
If you believe your new classification does not reflect your needs, you can:
- Speak with your provider about your concerns
- Request a reassessment through My Aged Care (1800 200 422)
- Contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600 for independent advice
- Lodge a complaint with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission if needed
Tips for making the most of levels 1 to 3
With a smaller funding allocation, it pays to be strategic about how you use your Support at Home services.
Prioritise what matters most: Think about which services have the biggest impact on your safety, health, and quality of life. At Level 1, you might focus on domestic help and fall prevention. At Level 3, you might prioritise daily personal care and regular allied health.
Use the independence stream wisely: Equipment and home modifications can make a lasting difference. A well-placed grab rail or a shower chair can prevent falls and reduce your need for personal care support over time.
Stay active and engaged: Social isolation is one of the biggest risks for older Australians living at home. Use your everyday living funding for social support and community access, not just housework.
Review your services regularly: Your needs will change over time. Do not wait for an annual review if you feel your services are not working well. Talk to your provider about adjusting your care plan.
Keep records: Track how your funding is being spent across the three streams. This helps you identify where you might be under-spending or over-spending and gives you evidence if you need to request a reassessment.
Know your rights: You have the right to choose your provider, change providers, understand your fees, and have a say in your care plan. If something is not working, speak up.
When you might need a higher level
Levels 1 to 3 are designed for basic care needs. Over time, your needs may increase, and you may require a higher classification. Signs that you might need to move to Level 4 or above include:
- You need daily personal care assistance for extended periods
- You require regular nursing care for complex health conditions
- Your cognitive function has declined significantly
- You are at high risk of falls or hospitalisation
- Your current level of support is not enough to keep you safe at home
- Your carer is experiencing burnout and needs more respite
If you recognise these signs, talk to your provider and contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. Do not wait until a crisis occurs. Early reassessment ensures continuity of care and avoids gaps in support.
Getting started with Support at Home
Whether you are new to aged care or transitioning from an existing package, the first step is the same: contact My Aged Care.
To get started:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website
- Complete the registration and screening process
- Have your assessment completed by the single assessment workforce
- Receive your classification level and support plan
- Choose an approved provider
- Start receiving services
Need help navigating the process? Call MD Home Care on 1800 953 253. We help older Australians and their families find the right aged care providers and understand the Support at Home system. Whether you need help understanding your classification, comparing providers, or getting started with services, we are here to help.
For more information on aged care options, visit our aged care hub.
All Support at Home Classifications
| Classification | Annual Funding | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $10,732 | Very low needs, occasional help |
| Level 2 | $16,035 | Low needs, regular weekly help |
| Level 3 | $21,966 | Low-moderate, several visits per week |
| Level 4 | $29,696 | Moderate, daily assistance |
| Level 5 | $39,697 | Moderate-high, multiple daily services |
| Level 6 | $48,113 | High needs, complex care coordination |
| Level 7 | $58,147 | Very high, extensive daily support |
| Level 8 | $78,106 | Highest/complex, alternative to residential |
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