How long are Support at Home wait times in 2026?

Wait times vary significantly based on your priority rating, classification level, and location. People rated as high priority may receive funding within weeks, while medium priority applicants at higher classification levels can wait 6 to 12 months or longer. As of December 2025, over 130,000 people were on the national waiting list.

Is the Support at Home waiting list a simple queue?

No. The Support at Home program uses a priority-based system, not a first-come-first-served queue. Your position depends on the urgency and complexity of your care needs, your risk of hospitalisation or residential care entry, and other clinical factors identified during your assessment.

What can I do while waiting for Support at Home funding?

You can access Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services if still available in your area, contact your local council for community-based support, explore short-term restorative care, ask your GP about chronic disease management programs, and look into DVA support if you are a veteran.

Can I escalate my Support at Home application if my needs become urgent?

Yes. If your health or care situation changes while waiting, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a reassessment. A significant decline in health, a hospital admission, or the loss of an informal carer can all trigger a priority upgrade.

Does my location affect Support at Home wait times?

Yes. Wait times vary between regions. Metropolitan areas with more providers may process applications faster, while rural and remote areas can experience longer waits due to limited provider availability and assessment workforce shortages.

Support at Home Wait Times: How Long Will You Wait? (2026)

Key points

The Support at Home program does not use a simple queue; it runs on a priority-based allocation system
As of December 2025, more than 130,000 people were waiting for aged care funding nationally
Your wait time depends on your priority rating, classification level, and geographic location
You can access interim supports like CHSP, council services, and GP chronic disease programs while waiting
If your situation becomes urgent, request a reassessment through My Aged Care to have your priority reviewed
MD Home Care connects you with providers who can help you prepare for when funding arrives

The waiting list is not a queue

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Support at Home program is that it works like a simple line at the post office. You apply, you wait your turn, and eventually your number comes up.

That is not how it works.

The Support at Home program uses a priority-based allocation system. When you are assessed and approved for a classification level, you are placed into the national pool of approved applicants. But your position in that pool is determined by how urgently you need support, not by when you applied.

This means someone who applied three months after you could receive their funding before you do, if their clinical situation is more urgent. It is a system designed to direct resources to the people who need them most, but it can feel deeply frustrating if you are waiting and watching others get funded first.

Understanding how this priority system works puts you in a better position to navigate it.

How the priority system works

When you complete your assessment (using the Independent Assessment Tool under the new system), the assessor does not just determine your classification level. They also assign a priority rating that reflects the urgency of your care needs.

Priority categories

High priority is assigned when there is an immediate risk to your health, safety, or ability to remain living at home. This includes situations where:

You have recently been discharged from hospital and need ongoing support to avoid readmission
Your informal carer (such as a spouse or family member) is no longer able to continue providing care
You are at imminent risk of needing residential aged care if home-based support is not provided
You have a rapidly progressing condition that requires timely intervention

Medium priority applies when you have significant care needs that are not immediately life-threatening but will worsen without support. Most approved applicants fall into this category.

Low priority is used when your needs are real but stable, and you have some existing supports (informal carers, community services, or self-funded arrangements) that can sustain you in the short term.

Your priority rating is not permanent. If your circumstances change, you can request a reassessment, and your priority can be upgraded.

Estimated wait times by priority and level

It is difficult to give exact figures because the government does not publish granular wait time data broken down by priority rating and classification level together. However, based on available reporting and sector analysis, here are general estimates as of early 2026:

High priority applicants

Classification levels 1 to 3: Typically funded within 2 to 8 weeks
Classification levels 4 to 6: Typically funded within 4 to 12 weeks
Classification levels 7 to 8: Can take 3 to 6 months even at high priority, because these levels carry the highest funding and have the most limited availability

Medium priority applicants

Classification levels 1 to 3: Approximately 3 to 6 months
Classification levels 4 to 6: Approximately 6 to 12 months
Classification levels 7 to 8: 12 months or longer in many cases

Low priority applicants

All levels: 12 months or longer, with some lower-level applicants waiting 18 months or more

These are estimates, not guarantees. Regional variation is significant. A medium priority applicant in a well-serviced metropolitan area may receive funding faster than a high priority applicant in a remote community with limited providers.

The 130,000+ waiting list figure

As of December 2025, more than 130,000 Australians were on the national waiting list for aged care funding. This figure includes people waiting under both the old Home Care Package system (for those who had not yet transitioned) and the new Support at Home program.

That number tells an important story about demand outstripping supply. The Support at Home program was designed to reduce wait times by streamlining the system and eliminating the old four-level package structure. But in the early months of the rollout, the waiting list has not shrunk as quickly as the government projected.

Several factors contribute to this:

Assessment bottlenecks. The rollout of the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT) has been slower than planned, with workforce shortages in assessment teams, particularly in regional areas.
Provider readiness. Not all providers were fully prepared for the transition to the new system, creating delays in onboarding new participants.
Population growth. Australia’s ageing population continues to grow. More people are becoming eligible for support each year than are exiting the system.
Funding allocation. The government releases funding in batches. Even if you are approved and prioritised, funding must be available in the system for it to be assigned to you.

What affects your individual wait time

Beyond your priority rating, several specific factors influence how long you personally will wait.

Your classification level

Higher classification levels (7 and 8) carry larger quarterly budgets. Because these cost the government more, fewer places are released at these levels in each funding round. If you are approved at level 7 or 8, expect a longer wait than someone at level 2 or 3, even with the same priority rating.

Your geographic location

Provider availability varies enormously across Australia. In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, there are hundreds of registered Support at Home providers. In rural and remote areas, there may be only a handful. Limited provider options can delay the practical start of your services even after funding is assigned.

Assessment timing

When you complete your assessment matters. Funding is released in cycles. If your assessment is completed just after a major funding release, you may wait until the next cycle before your application is considered.

Whether you have existing supports

If you are already receiving CHSP services or have a strong informal care network, assessors may assign a lower priority on the basis that your immediate needs are being met. This is clinically sound but can feel unfair if your existing supports are stretched thin.

What to do while you are waiting

Waiting months for funding while you need support right now is one of the most stressful parts of the aged care system. Here are practical steps you can take.

Access CHSP services

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) still operates alongside the Support at Home program during the transition period. CHSP provides entry-level support like domestic assistance, personal care, transport, and meals. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to ask about CHSP services in your area. These services are typically available with minimal wait times and low fees.

Contact your local council

Many local councils offer community-based services for older residents, including social groups, transport assistance, home maintenance, and wellbeing checks. These operate independently of the federal aged care system and are often free or low-cost.

Talk to your GP about chronic disease management

If you have one or more chronic health conditions, your GP can set up a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care). This gives you access to Medicare-funded allied health appointments (up to 5 per calendar year), which can help bridge the gap while you wait for your Support at Home funding.

Explore short-term restorative care

Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) is a time-limited program (up to 8 weeks) designed to improve your function and independence. It is available while you wait for longer-term support and includes a mix of allied health, nursing, and personal care services.

Look into DVA support

If you are a veteran or the dependant of a veteran, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) may fund home care services independently of the Support at Home program. DVA support can operate alongside or instead of aged care funding.

Get help from an aged care advocate

Free advocacy services exist across every state and territory. Advocates can help you understand your rights, navigate the system, and escalate your case if needed. The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) can be reached on 1800 700 600.

How to escalate if your situation becomes urgent

If your health or circumstances change while you are on the waiting list, do not just keep waiting. You have the right to request a priority review.

When to escalate

Contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment or priority review if:

You have been admitted to hospital
Your informal carer can no longer provide support (due to illness, burnout, or death)
You have had a significant fall or series of falls
Your cognitive function has noticeably declined
You are at risk of homelessness or unsafe living conditions
A health professional has identified that you are at risk of needing residential care without additional home support

How to escalate

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and explain that your situation has changed. Ask specifically for a priority review or reassessment.
Get supporting documentation. A letter from your GP, specialist, or hospital discharge planner that outlines why your needs are now more urgent carries significant weight.
Contact an advocate. If you feel your request is not being taken seriously, an OPAN advocate can intervene on your behalf and communicate directly with My Aged Care.
Involve your local MP. If all other avenues have been exhausted, contacting your federal member of parliament can sometimes prompt action. MPs have constituent liaison officers who can make enquiries on your behalf.

What a priority upgrade means

If your priority is upgraded from medium to high, your application moves up in the allocation order. It does not guarantee immediate funding, but it significantly reduces your expected wait time. At high priority, most people receive funding within weeks to a few months rather than the 6 to 12 month timeframes common at medium priority.

Wait time stages

The journey from first contact to receiving services involves several distinct stages. This table summarises typical timeframes at each step.

Stage	Description	Typical Timeframe
1. Referral to assessment	After registering with My Aged Care, an assessor contacts you	2-6 weeks
2. Assessment to decision	Your classification and support plan are confirmed	Up to 8 weeks
3. Priority wait for funding	Based on urgency, you are placed in a priority queue	Urgent: weeks. Standard: months
4. Funding to service start	Provider chosen, care plan finalised, services begin	1-4 weeks (plus up to 56 days to choose provider)

These are general estimates. Your experience may be faster or slower depending on your location, priority rating, and classification level.

When your needs change while waiting

Your health can change significantly during a long wait, and the system does allow for reassessment while you are in the queue.

Scenario: Maria, 82, was initially assessed at Classification 3. After a fall and hospital stay, she developed continence issues and her daughter reported carer fatigue. Her provider supported a reassessment request, and Maria was upgraded to Classification 5, which provided daily personal care, continence products, and weekly allied health visits.

If your situation changes while waiting, do not assume your original assessment still applies. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a reassessment, and gather supporting documentation from your GP or hospital discharge team.

Understanding the assessment-to-funding pipeline

Many people assume that once they complete their assessment, funding is just around the corner. In reality, there are several stages between assessment and receiving your first dollar of Support at Home funding, and understanding these stages helps set realistic expectations.

Stage 1: Assessment completion

Your assessment is completed using the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT). The assessor submits their findings, including your recommended classification level and priority rating. This submission goes into the My Aged Care system for processing.

Stage 2: Approval and classification

My Aged Care reviews the assessment and formally approves your classification level. This can take 1 to 3 weeks after the assessment is completed. You receive a letter confirming your approved level.

Stage 3: Entering the priority pool

Once approved, you enter the national priority pool. You are not in a sequential queue. Your position depends on your priority rating relative to everyone else at your classification level.

Stage 4: Funding assignment

When funding becomes available at your classification level and your priority rating puts you at or near the top, you are assigned a quarterly budget. You receive a funding assignment letter with the details.

Stage 5: Choosing a provider

You have 56 days to choose a registered provider and sign a service agreement. During this time, you receive 60% of your quarterly budget as interim funding. The remaining 40% is released once you formalise your provider choice.

Stage 6: Services begin

Your provider starts delivering services. You are now an active Support at Home participant.

The total time from assessment to active services can range from a few weeks (for high priority, lower classification levels) to well over a year (for low priority, higher classification levels). Each stage adds time, and delays at any stage compound.

State and territory differences

While the Support at Home program is a federal initiative, there are practical differences in how it operates across states and territories.

Assessment workforce availability

Some states have larger and better-resourced assessment workforces than others. Victoria, for example, historically had its own assessment system (ACAS rather than ACAT) and has a relatively well-established network. Smaller states and territories may have fewer assessors, leading to longer waits just to get an assessment completed.

Provider density

The number of registered Support at Home providers varies significantly. New South Wales and Victoria have the largest markets, with hundreds of registered providers. Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and regional Western Australia have far fewer options, which can delay the practical start of services even after funding is assigned.

Regional and remote considerations

In remote areas, the challenges go beyond provider numbers. Travel distances, workforce shortages, and limited infrastructure all contribute to longer wait times. The government has acknowledged this disparity and has committed to targeted funding for rural and remote aged care, but progress has been slow.

If you live in a regional or remote area and are concerned about wait times, contact your local Regional Assessment Service or My Aged Care to discuss options specific to your location.

How MD Home Care can help

Waiting for Support at Home funding does not mean you have to navigate the system alone. MD Home Care connects you with aged care providers across Australia who can help you:

Understand your assessment results and classification level
Access interim supports while you wait for funding
Choose the right provider when your funding arrives
Set up your services quickly once you are assigned a budget

You can start comparing providers and preparing for your transition now, so that when your funding does come through, you are ready to begin receiving services without further delay.

Visit our Support at Home program guide for a full overview of how the new system works, or explore Support at Home services to see what is available in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Will the waiting list get shorter over time?

The government has committed to reducing wait times as the Support at Home program matures. Additional funding was announced in the 2025-26 budget, and assessment workforce expansion is underway. However, with Australia’s ageing population growing each year, demand will continue to increase. Realistic expectations are important.

Can I choose my provider while I am still waiting?

Yes. You do not need to wait until funding is assigned to research and compare providers. In fact, doing this research early means you can begin services faster once funding arrives. MD Home Care connects you with registered providers so you can compare options before your budget is active.

What happens if I am offered a lower classification level than I need?

If you believe your assessment does not reflect your actual care needs, you can request a review. Gather evidence from your GP, specialists, or allied health professionals that documents the level of support you require. An aged care advocate can help you through the review process.

Is there a way to pay for services privately while waiting?

Yes. Many aged care providers offer private-pay options for people waiting for government funding. The cost varies by service type and provider. Once your Support at Home funding arrives, you can transition to government-funded services with the same or a different provider.

Does accepting CHSP services affect my Support at Home wait time?

No. Receiving CHSP services does not delay or affect your position on the Support at Home waiting list. However, assessors may take your existing supports into account when assigning your initial priority rating.