Support at Home
Understanding the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program is designed to help you maintain your independence, health and social connections while living in your own home. Replacing the former Home Care Package program, Support at Home provides streamlined access to essential services, equipment and home modifications tailored to your specific needs.
Getting Started: Assessment and Eligibility
To access support, you must first be assessed by an aged care assessment organisation. Anyone can initiate a referral; including yourself, a family member or your GP by visiting myagedcare.gov.au or calling 1800 200 422.
Once approved, you will receive a Support Plan and a Notice of Decision. This notice outlines your classification level (one of eight levels for ongoing care) and your quarterly budget allocation.
Managing Your Care and Budget
Under this program, a single provider oversees your services to ensure consistency. Your support is powered by a quarterly budget based on your classification.
To give you flexibility, unspent funds can accrue up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is higher) to be used in the following quarter. Participants who were receiving a Home Care Package and had unspent funds, retain those funds for use under the Support at Home program.
Additionally, every participant receives professional Care Management. This ensures your plan is regularly reviewed, your safety is monitored, and your care is expertly coordinated. This service is essential for your wellbeing and is funded by 10% of your total budget.
Services Available at Boandik
At Boandik Community Care, we work closely with you to tailor services to your unique lifestyle.
While services must align with your Notice of Decision, options include:
Fees and Contributions
To ensure the sustainability of the program, participants contribute toward the cost of their services.
Your specific contribution is determined by Services Australia through an assessment of your income and assets. Because everyone’s financial situation is different, your fees will depend on your pension status and the types of services you receive.
It is important to note that Clinical Supports (such as nursing and physiotherapy) are provided at no cost (0%) to all participants, regardless of their financial standing.
Contributions for other services are tiered as follows:
| Age Pension Status | Independence Supports | Everyday Living |
| Full Pensioner | 5% contribution | 17.5% contribution |
| Part Pensioner / Health Card Holder |
5% – 50% | 17.5% – 80% |
| Self-Funded Retiree | 50% contribution | 80% contribution |
Protections and Financial Support
We understand that transitioning to a new system can be a concern. Under the "No Worse Off" principle, if you were already receiving or approved for a Home Care Package as of September 12, 2024, your contributions will remain the same as or lower than what you were previously charged.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, a Fee Reduction Supplement is available.
To apply, you or your representative can submit a financial hardship claim (Form SA462) to Services Australia. If eligible, the government may cover some or all of your contributions, ensuring you continue to receive the care you need without undue stress.
