Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Support at Home Program?

A: The Support at Home Program is a new government initiative launched on 1 November 2025. It’s designed to improve how aged care is delivered at home by offering more personalised services, better access to resources, and greater flexibility for older Australians.

Q: Who is eligible for the Support at Home Program?

A: You may be eligible if you are:

Aged 65 or older
An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older
Aged 50 or older and homeless or at risk of homelessness

Q: How do I arrange an assessment to access aged care services?

A: There are a few ways to apply for an aged care assessment:

Apply online: You can complete the online application for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. You will need your Medicare card to hand. The application takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Apply on the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422: If you need assistance on the call, there are support options available.

Apply in person: If you would prefer to talk to someone face to face, you can make an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at a Services Australia centre by calling 1800 227 475.

You can also call us on 1800 868 511 and we can help you to apply for an assessment or link you with a service to provide support with navigating aged care.

Q: What to expect from an aged care assessment?

A: The assessor form the Single Assessment Service will come to your house and ask you some questions about your current situation and needs so they can recommend the support and services that might suit you.

The assessment is a simple process, but it’s good to be prepared and know what to expect, such as:

what information and documents you’ll need
what the assessor will ask you
what you should ask your assessor
who can be with you at the assessment.

Q: How much will I pay with Support at Home?

A: The good news is that essential care is funded by the government. Almost everyone however will contribute a little towards some non-clinical services, and the amount is calculated by Services Australia depending on your income.

You will not pay any contribution for clinical services – like nursing and allied health such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and speech therapy
You may pay a contribution for some other services – for example, having someone do your shopping, cleaning, meal preparation or supported showering.
All fees are published and capped – so there are no hidden extras or surprise charges.
We’ll explain everything clearly – you’ll always know what you’re paying before services start.

St Sergius Aged Care is a not-for-profit organisation, so your costs are always fair, transparent and easy to understand.

Q: Is there a lifetime cap on costs?

A: Yes! There’s a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs. This protects you from high out-of-pocket expenses over time.

Q: What are the funding levels available?

A: There are eight funding levels, with annual budgets ranging from $11,000 to $78,000, depending on your care needs.You can access further information, here: Funding classifications for Support at Home

Q: Can I use my quarterly budget flexibly?

A: Absolutely! Your quarterly budget can be used for a wide range of services; from clinical care to home modifications; giving you the freedom to choose what matters most to you.

Q: Can I access other supports in the Support at Home program?

A: To support you to remain living well at home, as well as ongoing care, Support at Home offers 3 short-term pathways:

Assistive technology and home modifications
Short term restorative care
End of life