Support at Home Services | Aged Care Queensland

Getting older doesn't mean giving up the life you love. Support at Home is a government-funded program designed to help you stay independent, safe, and comfortable in your own home.

Whether you need a hand with the housework, help getting to appointments, or clinical care from a nurse, we're here to make the day-to-day feel a little easier.

At Suncare, we take the time to understand what matters to you and work with you to build a support plan that fits your life, not the other way around.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is the Australian Government's program for older Australians who need help to live independently. It replaced the Home Care Packages program on November 1st, 2025, with improvements designed to give you more choice, more flexibility, and clearer information about costs.

How to get started

We know navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming. That's why we're here to guide you through the steps, so you can get the support you need without the stress.

Step 1: Register with My Aged Care

Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register. They'll ask a few questions to understand your situation and arrange an assessment.

Step 2: Complete your assessment

An assessor will visit you at home to understand your health, lifestyle, and goals. They'll help work out what support you're eligible for. The assessment usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

What to have ready: your Medicare card, a list of your medications, and any relevant referrals from your GP or specialist.

Step 3: Receive your funding allocation

After your assessment, My Aged Care will send you a letter confirming your funding level and the services you've been approved for.

Step 4: Choose Suncare as your provider

Once you have received your funding approval letter, give us a call. We'll sit down with you to understand what you need and create a personalised support plan that works for your life.
Need help getting started? Our team can guide you through the process. Call us on 1800 786 227 or drop into one of our Community Hubs.

What's different about Support at Home?

Quarterly budgets instead of daily funding, giving you more flexibility to plan
Eight funding levels (up from four) so your support better matches your needs
Clearer pricing with all-inclusive hourly rates and no hidden fees
Upfront funding for home modifications and assistive technology
Shorter wait times with the goal of three months by 2027

Services available

Support at Home covers a wide range of services, organised into three categories. Your funding can be used across all three, depending on what you need.

Clinical care

Health and medical support delivered by qualified professionals in your home.

Nursing care, wound management, and medication support
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry
Dietitian and speech pathology services
Continence assessment and management
Chronic disease management

Independence support

Help with personal care and staying connected to your community.

Showering, dressing, and grooming assistance
Mobility support and transfers
Social support and companionship
Transport to appointments and outings
In-home respite for carers

Everyday living support

Practical help around the house so you can focus on what matters.

Cleaning, laundry, and general housekeeping
Meal preparation and grocery shopping
Light gardening and home maintenance
Help with paperwork and bills

Funding levels

Support at Home has eight funding levels, from basic support through to intensive care.
Your level is determined by your assessment with My Aged Care and reflects the amount of help you need.

Level	Annual funding	What it typically covers
Level 1	$10,693	Basic support. Occasional help with tasks like housework or meal preparation.
Level 2	$18,823	Low-level support. Regular help including personal care and transport.
Level 3	$27,691	Moderate support. More frequent care including equipment and personal assistance.
Level 4	$38,893	Mid-level support. Regular personal and household support.
Level 5	$48,913	High support. Daily assistance and clinical coordination.
Level 6	$56,605	Very high support. Comprehensive medical and personal care.
Level 7	$65,478	Intensive support. Complex daily care across multiple needs.
Level 8	$77,709	Highest support. Daily care including comprehensive clinical services.

Your funding level can be reviewed if your needs change. We can help you request a reassessment if you feel your current level no longer reflects your situation.

What you'll pay

The government covers most of the cost of your care. Depending on your financial situation, you may contribute a portion towards some services. Your contribution is calculated by Services Australia based on your income and assets.

Contribution rates by service type

Your situation	Clinical care	Independence	Everyday living
Full pensioner	0%	5%	17.5%
Part pensioner	0%	5% to 50%	17.5% to 80%
Self-funded retiree	0%	50%	80%

Good news: Clinical care services have no contribution, regardless of your financial situation. This includes nursing, allied health, and other clinical services.

There's also a lifetime cap on contributions, so you'll never pay more than a set amount over your lifetime.

Estimate Your Costs

Our pricing

At Suncare, we use simple, all-inclusive hourly rates. This means the price you see includes everything: no separate charges for travel, administration, or care management.
A flat 10% of your quarterly funding goes towards care management. This covers your dedicated Care Partner, who helps you plan your services and make the most of your funding.

Download our pricing schedule

Already receiving care?

If you're a Suncare client

If you were already receiving a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you're covered by "grandfathering" protections. This means you'll pay the same or less under Support at Home, even if your support level increases.

You don't need to do anything right now. We'll be in touch to walk you through your updated agreement and answer any questions.

Thinking about switching providers?

If you already have a Support at Home package with another provider and you're not feeling supported, switching is straightforward. Your funding stays with you, not your provider.

Give us a call on 1800 786 227 and we'll explain how the process works. We can have you set up in no time.

Support at home services: FAQs

Am I eligible for Support at Home?

You may be eligible if you're 65 or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and need some help to live independently at home. The best way to find out is to register with My Aged Care for an assessment.

How long does it take to get funding?

Once you've registered with My Aged Care, an assessment is usually scheduled within 2 to 6 weeks. After your assessment, funding allocation times vary, but the government is working towards a maximum wait of three months by 2027.

Can I choose which services I receive?

Yes. You will be approved for certain service types and your Care Partner will work with you to create a support plan that reflects you needs and preferences

Your plan can include any mix of services from the three categories (clinical care, independence support, and everyday living).

What if I need help urgently?

If your circumstances suddenly change and you need immediate help, call Suncare on 1800 786 227. You can also give My Aged Care a call on 1800 200 422. They can arrange priority access.

For medical emergencies, call 000.

What happens to unspent funding?

Under Support at Home, some of your unspent funds can be rolled over to the next quarter (up to a certain limit), allowing you to save for additional support and services if needed.

Can I get help while waiting for funding?

Yes. Suncare offers fee-for-service options if you're waiting for government funding or just need a one-off hand. Call us on 1800 786 227 to discuss your options.

Helpful tools and resources

Not sure what the changes mean for you? These tools can help you understand your options, estimate your costs, and feel more confident about what’s ahead.

Fee estimator

Estimate what you may be asked to contribute for different types of care.

Support at home estimator

Support at Home booklet

Download a copy of the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Support at Home program booklet.

Download

Your Aged Care rights

This video explains how the new Aged Care Act puts you at the centre of your aged care. It will make aged care safer, fairer and more respectful.

Click to watch

Customer Welcome Book

Includes everything you’ll need to feel confident, comfortable, and supported as a new customer.