Support at Home Classification 3
Introduction
The Support at Home program (SAH) has reshaped aged care in Australia. Among the many important changes, there are now eight funding classifications compared to the four that existed under Home Care Packages (HCP). The new classifications aim to match support services with care recipient needs more effectively, ensuring seniors receive the proper types of help at home.
This article focuses on Support at Home Classification 3, which is designed for older Australians who require moderate, regular support.
What is Support at Home Classification 3?
Support at Home Classification 3 provides moderate support multiple times per week, covering personal care, essential home tasks and mobility. It can also include occasional nursing or allied health support, such as wound care, medication management, or physiotherapy.
Classification 3 is intended for older people who manage most tasks independently, but find cleaning, cooking, dressing or moving around safely increasingly difficult.
Is SAH Classification 3 right for me?
To better understand if Support at Home Classification 3 is the best funding level for your needs, ask yourself:
If you answered “Yes” to several of these questions, then Classification 3 may be the right level of support for you.
If you’re not currently receiving funding at this level and think you might need it, you can speak to your care provider at any time, or request a reassessment and care plan review via My Aged Care.
How much funding do I get for Classification 3?
Care recipients with Support at Home Classification 3 funding receive an annual budget of $21,966 divided into $5,491 quarterly payments.
If you’ve moved from a Home Care Package, your funding enters a transitioned HCP level. Under the government’s “no worse off” rule, this means you will receive the same level of funding under SAH as you did with your Home Care Package.
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 $135,318 lifetime cap on care costs, 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 3?
With Classification 3 funding ($21,966 annually), the number of care hours you receive isn’t fixed. As a general guide, you could typically receive around five to eight hours of support per week.
The exact number of hours 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)
- Provider care management fees
- Whether you’re required to contribute based on your income and assets
Do I have to pay a contribution with Classification 3?
You may need to pay a contribution with Support at Home Classification 3 funding. The amount depends on two things:
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 means assessment (typically through Services Australia) to determine how much you contribute toward your care. While this assessment isn’t technically required to access services, if you choose not to complete one, you may be asked to pay the maximum contribution rate.
When you put these together, you get an idea of how much you’ll need to contribute. My Aged Care’s Fee Estimator tool can also help you start planning your budget.
What services are included with Support at Home Classification 3?
A Classification 3 budget gives you flexibility to arrange moderate, regular support at home with dedicated carers. Services are tailored to your needs and preferences and can include:
- cleaning
- laundry
- meal preparation
- shopping
- transport
- social visits and community outings
- dressing
- personal hygiene (showering etc.)
- mobility support around your home
- medication reminders
- lawn mowing
- weeding garden beds
- pruning small shrubs
- sweeping paths and driveways
- basic watering
- trimming low branches for safety
Scheduled or occasional care such as:
- wound care and dressing changes
- medication support and review
- clinical monitoring (blood pressure, glucose levels, pain etc.)
- post-hospital recovery care
- helping with bladder/bowel care
Additional Help
If you need further support with understanding the Support at Home classification levels or general in-home care, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 1300 85 40 80 or fill out a quick enquiry form and our team will be in touch.
Support at Home FAQs
How do I access Support at Home Classification level 3?
To access Classification 3, you will first register with My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. If you’re eligible, an assessor will visit your home to review your health, mobility and daily living needs. 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 becomes available, you can choose a care provider to help plan and deliver your services.
How is your Support at Home level decided?
Your classification level will be set after an aged care assessment. An assessor will visit your home to assess your eligibility. They’ll review your daily life, health and mobility, and will use that information to determine which classification matches your support needs and goals.
How are Support at Home budgets managed?
After your classification is set, your care provider will help you plan home services from 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. Up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) can carry over to the next quarter.
What happens if my care needs change?
If your needs change, you can request a review through your care provider or My Aged Care.
How do I transfer from a Home Care Package to Support at Home Classification 3?
Your Home Care Package funding first moves into a transitioned Support at Home level. Your annual budget stays unchanged, and any unspent funds move with you into Support at Home.
Is Classification 3 the same as a Home Care Package Level 3?
Not exactly. The new SAH Classification 3 is a smaller funding tier as it’s designed for lower-intensity support. The previous Home Care Package Level 3 was designed for higher-intensity needs, so it had a higher budget.
What happens if Classification 3 funding isn’t enough?
If your support needs exceed your budget, you can request a reassessment. The outcome of this reassessment may result in a change in your classification level, and/or extra support through short-term care pathways, ensuring you continue receiving safe, practical care at home.
- By Eddie Carroll
- By Eddie Carroll
- By Eddie Carroll