Australia’s aged care system has changed significantly, with the Support at Home program replacing the former Home Care Packages system from 1 November 2025. However, many people still refer to the four original home care package funding levels when discussing their approved support. Existing recipients have transitioned to equivalent classifications, while new assessments generally use eight Support at Home classifications.
Level 1: Basic Support
Level 1 was designed for people with basic care needs who require limited assistance to remain independent at home. Typical support could include domestic assistance, meal preparation, shopping, transport and personal care.
The focus is generally on maintaining independence rather than providing intensive care. Under the current system, people who transitioned from HCP Level 1 retain an equivalent funding classification.
Level 2: Low-Level Care
Level 2 provided a larger budget for people requiring more regular assistance. Depending on individual needs, support could include personal care, cleaning, gardening, meal preparation, transport and some clinical services.
This level can help people manage everyday activities while continuing to live safely within their own homes and communities.
Level 3: Intermediate Care
Level 3 was intended for people with intermediate care requirements. Funding could support a broader combination of services, including nursing, allied health, personal care, mobility assistance and household support.
The greater funding allocation allows care to be structured around more complex or frequent needs, while still prioritising independence and quality of life.
Level 4: High-Level Care
Level 4 supported people with high care needs who required substantial assistance at home. Services could include regular personal care, nursing, allied health support, continence assistance, mobility support and help with everyday household activities.
Today, transitioned HCP Level 4 recipients retain an equivalent classification under Support at Home, with the funding amount indexed periodically.
What Can Funding Cover?
Support at Home can cover clinical supports such as nursing, occupational therapy and podiatry, alongside assistance with showering, medication, transport, respite, cleaning, gardening, shopping and meal preparation. Services must relate to assessed needs and the approved service list.
Importantly, funding is not simply a cash payment for unrestricted spending. It is allocated to help arrange approved care and services. Ongoing Support at Home classifications also include funding for care management, with 10 per cent of the quarterly budget allocated for this purpose.
Choosing the Right Level of Support
The appropriate funding classification depends on an individual’s assessed care needs, circumstances and functional abilities. Needs can change over time, so reassessment may be appropriate when an existing budget no longer provides adequate support.
It is also useful to understand that funding figures are indexed and can change. From 1 July 2026, transitioned HCP classifications have annual amounts ranging from $11,272.15 for Level 1 to $65,415.91 for Level 4.
Understanding Support with Plancare AU
Plancare AU can be considered as part of the process of understanding how home care arrangements work and what services may be relevant to an individual’s circumstances. A considered approach involves reviewing assessed needs, available funding, service costs and personal priorities before deciding how support should be structured.
Conclusion
Understanding home care package funding levels makes it easier to see how government-funded support is structured and why allocations differ according to care needs. As Australia’s aged care framework continues to evolve, staying informed about classifications, eligible services and funding rules can help individuals and families make clearer, more confident decisions about care at home.
