Support at Home Classification 7
Introduction
Support at Home has eight ongoing funding classifications. Each classification reflects the level of care a person is assessed as needing to continue living safely and independently at home.
This guide explains Support at Home Classification 7, which is designed for older Australians who need a very high level of regular clinical, personal and everyday support at home.
We’ll cover what the classification means, including who it may suit, what funding is available and what types of care you may be able to arrange.
What is SAH Classification 7?
Support at Home Classification 7 is one of the highest ongoing funding levels available under the Support at Home program.
Classification 7 is for those who need a very high level of support at home. This may include frequent personal care, nursing care, allied health support, mobility assistance and help with everyday tasks. Support is usually needed multiple times during the day and evening, often to manage multiple chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, dementia or advanced heart disease.
Who is eligible for Support at Home Classification 7?
To access Support at Home funding, you need to complete an aged care assessment. During this assessment, an aged care assessor will ask about your health, mobility, personal care needs, cognitive function, home environment and current support network. They will then consider which classification suits your support needs.
You may be eligible for Support at Home Classification 7 if your care needs are high enough that you require a full care team, but not continuous day and night monitoring (this may be more relevant for those assessed as needing Classification 8 funding). Instead, you may require frequent daily support with personal care tasks, as well as close clinical supervision and coordinated input from multiple health professionals.
If you’re still unsure, Classification 7 may be suitable if you answer “Yes” to many of the following questions:
To start the Support at Home assessment process, you can register online with My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.
If you already receive funding but think Classification 7 may be a better fit, you can speak to your care provider or request a reassessment and care plan review through My Aged Care.
What is the Support at Home Classification 7 budget?
For Support at Home Classification 7, care recipients receive $59,660 per year. This is divided into quarterly budgets of $14,915.
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 (current as of 1 November 2025), 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.
After your aged care assessment, you may also be approved for short-term funding pathways, in addition to your ongoing Classification 7 funding.
For example, the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme may help fund equipment or changes to your home. This may be useful if you need mobility aids, bathroom modifications, transfer equipment or other supports to move around safely.
The Restorative Care Pathway may also apply to your situation if you require short-term allied health or nursing support to maintain or regain function.
How many hours of care does Support at Home Classification 7 provide?
If you’re approved for Classification 7, your annual budget is $59,660. The number of hours of support this provides will depend on the services you use and the prices charged by your provider. Your total hours may be affected by:
- 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
What out-of-pocket costs might I have with Classification 7?
You may need to contribute toward some services with Support at Home Classification 7 funding. The amount you pay out-of-pocket 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’ll need to pay out-of-pocket. My Aged Care’s Fee Estimator tool can help you estimate your likely contributions and plan your Support at Home budget.
What types of support can I access with Classification 7?
With a Classification 7 budget, you may be able to access a wide range of in-home aged care services. The services you choose must match your assessed needs and support plan.
Your care plan may include:
Daily help with domestic assistance, including:
- cleaning or laundry
- meal preparation
- shopping and errands
- transport to appointments
- support to maintain daily routines
- social support and community outings
Daily or more frequent help with:
- dressing
- personal hygiene (showering, etc.)
- eating and drinking support
- continence support
- safe transfers (like getting in and out of bed, a chair or the shower)
- mobility support around your home
- medication reminders
Daily or more frequent care such as:
- continence management
- wound care and dressing changes
- medication support and review
- clinical care and health monitoring, such as blood pressure, glucose levels, pain, etc.
- allied health and other support for managing complex and changing health conditions
- post-hospital recovery care
Additionally, your Support at Home Level 7 funding could include:
Overnight home care is useful if you need reassurance, supervision or practical support during the night. This could include active support when you wake and need help, or inactive overnight care where a care worker is available nearby.
This type of care is suitable if you require more consistent support across the day and night, while continuing to live at home. It can help provide continuity, companionship and practical support when care needs are more frequent or harder to manage with short visits alone.
Respite care is helpful when a usual carer needs a short break, is going away or is temporarily unable to provide care. It can help you continue to stay supported at home while giving family members or carers time to rest, recover or manage other responsibilities.
Additional Help
If you’d like more information about Support at Home Classification 7, or want to find out more about in-home care options, The CareSide team can help. You can reach us on 1300 854 080 or fill out a quick enquiry form to get in touch.
General Support at Home FAQs
How do I apply for Support at Home Classification 7?
To be considered for Classification 7 funding, you’ll first need to register with My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422. If you’re eligible for an assessment, an aged care assessor will arrange an assessment in your home to better understand your health, daily routine and support needs.
If you’re approved for Support at Home, you’ll be assigned a classification based on your assessed needs. You may then need to wait in the Support at Home Priority System until funding becomes available. Once your funding is allocated, you can choose a provider and set up your services.
How is my Support at Home classification decided?
Your classification is based on your aged care assessment. The assessor will consider your health, mobility, personal care needs, home environment, safety risks, daily routine and the support you already receive. This helps determine which Support at Home classification best matches the level of care you need at home to keep living independently and safely.
How is my Support at Home budget managed?
Your care provider helps you plan services that fit your budget and approved support plan. They can also explain service costs, care management fees and how much funding is available each quarter.
You’ll also receive monthly statements, so you track what has been spent and how much funding remains.
What if I have unused Support at Home funding?
If you don’t use your full quarterly budget, you can carry over some unspent funds into the next quarter. The carry-over limit is up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever amount is higher.
What if my support needs change?
If you feel you need a different level of support, you can speak with your care provider about reviewing your care plan. You can also request a reassessment through My Aged Care. A reassessment can help determine whether a different Support at Home classification may better suit your current needs.
What happens if I moved from a Home Care Package?
If you previously received a Home Care Package (HCP), your funding has moved to an equivalent Support at Home classification. Your budget matches your previous package level, and unspent funds move with you into Support at Home.
What happens if Classification 7 funding isn’t enough?
If Classification 7 doesn’t cover the level of care you need, you can speak with your provider or contact My Aged Care about a reassessment.
Depending on your needs, you may also be assessed for separate short-term care funding. This may include the short-term care pathways – Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, the Restorative Care Pathway or the End-of-Life Pathway. These are separate from ongoing Support at Home classification funding.
- By Eddie Carroll
- By Renee Lunder
- By Eddie Carroll