Home Care Packages Explained: Levels, Funding & Finding Support
Reviewed by the My Care Link Australia Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Looking for help at home for yourself or a family member? This guide explains the former Home Care Package levels, what Level 3 meant, and how to find suitable support. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, so we also explain where to start under the current program.
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package was government-subsidised funding for older Australians who needed coordinated support to live at home. Depending on assessed needs, it could help pay for personal care, cleaning, nursing, allied health and other services.
Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages Program on 1 November 2025. Existing recipients and people already approved and waiting for a package transitioned to the new program. If your paperwork refers to a Home Care Package level, ask your provider or My Aged Care how your funding and services now work under Support at Home.
For current program details, visit Support at Home on My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.
The four package levels
The former Home Care Packages Program had four levels. Each reflected a different level of assessed care need and funding. These are useful for understanding older approval letters; new Support at Home assessments use eight ongoing care classifications instead.
- Level 1: basic care needs
- Level 2: low-level care needs
- Level 3: intermediate care needs
- Level 4: high-level care needs
| Package level | Intended for | Commonly discussed supports |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic care needs | Occasional help at home, such as cleaning or shopping |
| Level 2 | Low-level care needs | Regular help at home, personal care and transport |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care needs | More frequent personal care, nursing and allied health |
| Level 4 | High-level care needs | Complex, frequent support at home, often daily |
Do not use old package figures to estimate your current budget. Check your approval letter and confirm funding, contributions and waiting times with My Aged Care or your provider.
Level 3 Home Care Package: Intermediate Care Support
A Level 3 Home Care Package was designed for people who required an intermediate level of daily care to remain living safely and independently at home. It sat between Level 2, for low-level needs, and Level 4, for high-level needs.
If you previously had Level 3 funding, your current services are delivered under Support at Home. Your assessment, care plan and available budget determine which supports you can receive — the former level alone does not guarantee particular services or hours.
What Level 3 Typically Covers
People with intermediate care needs commonly discuss the following supports. Your provider should confirm what is approved, what it costs and how often it can be delivered.
- Personal care assistance, including showering, dressing and mobility
- Nursing and clinical care management
- Allied health support, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry
- Domestic assistance, meal preparation and shopping
- Transport for medical appointments and community access
- Assistive technology and minor home modifications, subject to assessment and the relevant funding arrangements
Under Support at Home, assistive technology and home modifications have their own funding scheme. Ask how this applies to your needs rather than assuming these costs come from your ongoing care budget.
Key Questions to Ask When Selecting a Provider
When comparing support for intermediate care needs, ask:
- What are the care management costs, service prices and any contributions I need to pay? If my older paperwork mentions package management fees, how have these changed under Support at Home?
- How quickly can support workers be assigned to my schedule?
- Can you accommodate my cultural or language preferences?
- How will you support a transition or reassessment if my care needs increase?
Need help finding local care? Use the enquiry form below or talk to Sarah on (02) 5950 6064. My Care Link Australia offers free, independent help connecting you with providers; we do not approve government funding or decide your eligibility.
Eligibility and how to apply for support now
New applications are for Support at Home, not a new Home Care Package level. An aged care assessment considers how you manage everyday tasks and what support you need to remain safely at home.
You may be eligible for an assessment if you are 65 or older, or 50 or older if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and have eligible care needs. My Aged Care can confirm the requirements for your situation.
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply for an assessment online. You can also ask your GP or another health professional to refer you. If you were already receiving or approved for a Home Care Package when the program changed, you did not need a new assessment just to transition.
If you have an NDIS plan, this is a separate funding system. Ask your support coordinator or the NDIA about NDIS-funded supports rather than applying for a Home Care Package.
How My Care Link Australia can help
We offer free, independent help finding in-home care across Australia for older people, families and carers. Tell us your suburb, the support you need and any preferences, and we can help you connect with suitable local providers.
Use the enquiry form on this page or call Sarah on (02) 5950 6064. We help you find support; My Aged Care handles assessment and government funding decisions. There is no charge to you for our matching service.
About this guide. Written and reviewed by the My Care Link Australia team as general information for NDIS and aged care participants, families and support coordinators. Read our editorial guidelines and provider review process.
This guide is general educational information only. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your individual situation, please speak with the appropriate qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
How many Home Care Package levels were there?
The former program had four levels: Level 1 for basic care needs, Level 2 for low-level needs, Level 3 for intermediate needs and Level 4 for high-level needs. Support at Home replaced it on 1 November 2025 and uses eight ongoing care classifications for new assessments.
What does a Level 3 Home Care Package cover?
Level 3 described intermediate care needs. Typical supports included personal care, domestic help, nursing, allied health and transport. If you transitioned from Level 3, confirm your current approved services, budget and contributions under Support at Home with your provider.
How was Level 3 different from Level 2?
Level 3 was for intermediate care needs and had more funding than Level 2, which was for low-level needs. The amount of care available depended on assessed needs and service prices, not a fixed number of hours.
Can I apply for a Level 3 package now?
New applicants are assessed for Support at Home rather than a Home Care Package level. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss eligibility, assessments and current waiting times.
Can I switch my care provider?
You can change Support at Home providers. Confirm the notice period, your service agreement and arrangements for ongoing care before switching. My Care Link Australia can help you find alternatives at no cost.
Related services
NDIS Personal Care
Help with showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and daily personal hygiene.
NDIS Domestic Assistance
Help with housework, laundry, meal prep and everyday household tasks.
NDIS Nursing Supports
Clinical care at home including wound care, medication and health monitoring.
NDIS Occupational Therapy
OTs help build skills for daily living, work, study and play.
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Sources and further reading
Rules, funding amounts and wait times change. We check these primary sources when we update this page, and you should confirm current details directly with them.
- My Aged Care(opens in a new tab) — Australian Government. Assessments, subsidies and current wait times for aged care.
- Apply for an aged care assessment(opens in a new tab) — Australian Government. How ACAT and support-at-home assessments work.
- Home Care Packages(opens in a new tab) — Australian Government. Package levels, subsidy amounts and contributions.
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission(opens in a new tab) — Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Aged care standards, ratings and complaints.
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing(opens in a new tab) — Australian Government. Policy, funding and program changes.