Level 3 Home Care Package and all package levels explained
This plain-English guide explains the four Home Care Package levels, including the Level 3 Home Care Package, and outlines how to apply and find a provider.
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is government-subsidised funding administered by an approved aged-care provider. You choose what supports to use within your package — cleaning, personal care, nursing, allied health and more.
The four package levels
There are four Home Care Package levels. Each level reflects a different level of assessed care need, and each carries a different amount of government subsidy. You are approved for one level at a time, and you can ask for a reassessment if your needs change.
- 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 |
Subsidy amounts, fees and wait times for every level are set by the Australian Government and change over time. Check the current figures on myagedcare.gov.au or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
What is a Level 3 Home Care Package?
A Level 3 Home Care Package is one of the four package levels outlined above, and sits in the intermediate care range. If Level 3 is relevant to you, review the outcome of your assessment and identify the support priorities you want to discuss with a provider.
At this level, people commonly discuss supports such as personal care, domestic assistance and cleaning, nursing, allied health, and transport to appointments. What you can actually use your package for depends on your assessed needs and the provider you choose.
Subsidy amounts, contributions and wait times for each level are set by the Australian Government and change over time. Check the current figures on myagedcare.gov.au or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 rather than relying on numbers published elsewhere.
When comparing providers, ask:
- Which of your assessed supports they can deliver
- How they explain fees and package management
- How changes to your needs are handled
- What the next steps are before services begin
The details that apply to you depend on your assessment and the provider you choose. Confirm your approved supports, costs and service arrangements directly before making a decision. My Care Link Australia can help you make an enquiry about finding a provider — use the enquiry form on this page and we will match you with providers in your area at no cost.
How to apply
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to start an assessment. An ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) will visit and recommend the level you're eligible for.
How My Care Link Australia can help
Once you have a Home Care Package approved, we match you with reliable in-home care providers in your area — at no cost.
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 are there?
There are four levels. Level 1 is for basic care needs, Level 2 for low-level needs, Level 3 for intermediate needs and Level 4 for high-level needs. Your ACAT assessment determines which level you are approved for.
What does a Level 3 Home Care Package cover?
It covers the supports identified in your assessment, which at this level often include personal care, cleaning and domestic help, nursing, allied health and transport. Your provider confirms what can be funded within your package.
How is Level 3 different from Level 2?
Level 3 is intended for intermediate care needs and Level 2 for low-level needs, so a Level 3 package carries a higher subsidy and generally supports more hours or a wider mix of services. Your assessment determines which level you're approved for.
How long does a Level 3 package take to be assigned?
Wait times vary and are set nationally, not by providers. Check current wait time estimates on myagedcare.gov.au or with My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
How long does an HCP take to be assigned?
Wait times vary by level. Level 1 and 2 are usually faster; Levels 3 and 4 can take several months.
Can I switch HCP providers?
Yes. If your provider isn't meeting your needs, you can switch — your package follows you.
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.