How to Apply for Support at Home

Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with Support at Home

If you’re ready to apply, here’s everything you need to know from checking your eligibility to getting your first care plan approved.

Step 1: Understand what the Support at Home Program is

Support at Home brings together in-home aged care services into one simpler program, making it easier for older people to access the right support, equipment and home modifications to stay healthy, active and connected to their community.

Under the Support at Home program, you can receive help with:

Check Your Eligibility for Support at Home-min

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be eligible for the Support at Home program if you are:

Eligibility is based on your care needs, not just your age.

📌 Important tip Even if you’re unsure, it’s best to apply. The assessment process will help determine the right level of support for you.

Step 3: Register with My Aged Care

Getting assessed is the first and most important step to accessing the services and help available through Support at Home.

All applications for government-funded aged care programs, including Support at Home start with My Aged Care.

To get started, you can:

After registering, you’ll receive a My Aged Care client ID, which you’ll use for all future communication and assessments.

Step 4: Complete your aged care assessment

The next step is a formal aged care assessment, usually done at your home.

The assessor (often a nurse or allied health worker) will:

This is not a test or an exam. It’s a conversation to help the assessor understand how to support you best. You can have a family member or carer present during this assessment.

Step 5: Receive your assessment outcomes

After your assessment, you’ll receive a letter containing Notice of Decision and a Support Plan from My Aged Care explaining:

Step 6: Wait for funding allocation

If you’re approved for the Support at Home program, your details will be added to the My Aged Care National Priority System (waitlist).

Wait times can vary. Your place in the queue depends on factors such as:

When your funding becomes available, My Aged Care will send you a letter to let you know.

Step 7: Choose a Support at Home Provider

Once approved, you can compare and choose from accredited Support at Home providers in your area.

Finding the right fit matters. Your provider will become your partner in maintaining independence and comfort at home.

When selecting a provider, consider:

If you’d like friendly, personalised guidance, the Absolute team is happy to help.

We can walk you through your options, explain what to expect under the Support at Home model, and answer any questions about getting started.

Step 8: Create your care plan

Your chosen provider will work with you to develop a personalised care plan. This plan will outline:

You’ll have full visibility and control over your care plan, with the ability to adjust it as your needs change.

Step 9: Start receiving support services

Once your care plan is finalised and approved, your Support at Home services will begin.

Life changes and so do your care needs. You can request a review of your Support at Home plan at any time.

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