Support at Home Classification 1
Introduction
Among the many important changes under the Support at Home program (SAH), there are now eight funding classifications compared to the four that existed with Home Care Packages.
These new classifications aim to match support services with care recipient needs more effectively, ensuring older Australians receive the right types of help at home and remain independent for as long as possible.
This guide focuses on Support at Home Classification 1, which is designed for those who require minimal support.
What does Support at Home Classification 1 mean?
Support at Home Classification 1 is the lowest of the eight ongoing funding levels. It’s designed for older Australians who are still independent, but may need a small amount of ongoing support with everyday living tasks.
It differs from the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which generally provides entry-level help with one or two specific services. Support at Home provides an individual budget for a mix of approved services based on assessed needs.
With a Classification 1 budget, you can receive basic support a few times each week including personal care, light domestic tasks, meal preparation, transport and help to stay socially connected.
How do I know if Support at Home Classification 1 funding is right for me?
Your Support at Home classification level is decided by an assessor after you have an aged care assessment. During this assessment, they will ask you questions about your physical, cognitive, psychological, social and medical needs, and review the safety of your home environment. Your answers help them determine the right level of support for your needs.
If you’re not sure whether Support at Home Classification 1 funding is right for you, you can ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered “Yes” to several of these questions, then Classification 1 may be the right level of support for you. Your aged care assessment outcome will determine the level of support that best matches your needs, abilities, circumstances and goals.
How much funding do I get for Classification 1?
With Support at Home Classification 1 funding, you’ll receive an annual budget of $11,010 divided into $2,752 quarterly payments.
Key funding points:
- Your total care budget consists of government funding, your contributions and any eligible supplements.
- You may be asked to pay a share of costs based on your income and assets. There’s a $137,319 lifetime cap on care costs (current as of 20 March 2026), so you’ll never pay more than this over time.
- Your care provider can deduct up to 10% of your quarterly budget for care management.
- When wait times for ongoing funding in the Support at Home Priority System are longer than expected, you may receive 60% of your approved funding upfront to access essential services. The rest of your budget will be assigned as soon as funding is available.
- Budgets are indexed each year on 1 July.
How many hours of support can I get with Support at Home Classification 1?
There’s no fixed number of care hours included in an annual Classification 1 funding budget of $11,010. The exact number of hours of care you receive depends on numerous factors, including:
- The type of services you choose (for example, clinical support services cost more than personal care or transport)
- Your service provider’s prices (hourly costs)
- Whether you’re required to contribute based on your income and assets
- Provider care management fees
Do I have to pay a fee with Classification 1?
You may need to contribute to your service costs with Support at Home Classification 1 funding, but the amount depends on:
1. Your Income and Assets
- Full Age Pensioner: Minimum contribution
- Part Pensioner / Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder: Moderate contribution
- Self-Funded Retiree: Higher contribution
As a Support at Home program participant, you will be asked to submit an income and assets assessment (typically through Services Australia) to determine how much you contribute toward your care. While this assessment isn’t required to access services, if you choose not to complete one, you may be asked to pay the highest contribution rate.
2. The Service Category
The Australian government groups aged care services into three categories:
When you put these together, you get an idea of how much you may need to contribute. My Aged Care’s Fee Estimator tool can also help you start planning your Support at Home budget.
What types of support can I get with my Support at Home Classification 1 funding?
With a Classification 1 budget, you can arrange a small amount of ongoing or occasional help at home. The specific services available depend on your approved support plan. You may be able to choose:
Occasional or weekly help with:
- domestic assistance, like cleaning, laundry or meal preparation
- shopping
- transport
- social support for wellbeing, such as community outings
Occasional light and safety-focused maintenance such as:
- lawn mowing
- weeding garden beds
- pruning small shrubs
- sweeping paths and driveways
- basic watering
- trimming low branches for safety
Additional Help
If you need further support with understanding the Support at Home classification levels or general in-home care, please get in touch with The CareSide team on 1300 85 40 80. You can also fill out a quick enquiry form and one of our Care Consultants will be in touch soon.
SAH FAQs
How do I access Support at Home Classification 1 funding?
To apply for Support at Home, register with My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. If you’re referred for an aged care assessment, an assessor will discuss your health, mobility, daily routines and support needs. Assessments usually take place at home, but they may also happen at another location, by telehealth or over the phone.
Based on this assessment, you’ll be assigned a classification level and placed in the Support at Home Priority System for funding. Once your funding is allocated, you can choose a care provider to help plan and deliver your services.
How is my Support at Home level decided?
Your classification level will be set after an aged care assessment. An assessor will visit your home or call you to assess your eligibility. They’ll review your daily life, health and mobility and use that information to determine which classification best matches your support needs to help you keep living at home safely and independently.
How is my Support at Home budget managed?
Once your funding is available, you and your care provider will plan your home care services using a government-approved list. You’ll receive monthly statements to keep you on track, so you know how your funding is being used.
Can funds roll over between quarters?
Yes. If you don’t use your full quarterly budget, up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater, can automatically carry over into the next quarter.
What happens if my care needs change?
Speak with your care provider if your health, circumstances or support needs change. They can help you review your care plan and adjust the mix or frequency of your approved services where possible.
If Classification 1 no longer provides enough support, you or your provider can request a plan review or reassessment. You can also contact My Aged Care directly.
Will my Home Care Package become Support at Home Classification 1?
Not automatically. People who were receiving a Home Care Package when Support at Home began moved to a separate transitioned funding level equivalent to their previous package. Any Home Care Package funds also carried over into Support at Home.
Is Classification 1 the same as a Home Care Package Level 1?
No. Support at Home introduced eight ongoing classifications, while the former Home Care Packages Program had four levels.
Classification 1 is the lowest ongoing Support at Home funding level for new participants. Transitioned HCP Level 1 is a separate funding category for people who previously held a Home Care Package Level 1. Although both provide lower-level ongoing support, they aren’t interchangeable classifications.
What happens if Classification 1 funding isn’t enough?
If your Classification 1 budget no longer meets your needs, you can ask for your support plan to be reviewed. If your needs have increased, a reassessment may result in approval for a higher ongoing classification, ensuring you continue receiving safe, practical care at home.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be assessed for additional support through the short-term care pathways. Approval for these options is based on your individual needs and eligibility.
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