Funding & Classifications
A complete breakdown of how Support at Home is funded — from ongoing care budgets to short-term pathways, supplements, and what you’ll contribute.
How Funding Works
Support at Home provides two types of funding: ongoing funding classifications for regular services, and short-term pathways for specific, time-limited needs such as equipment, home modifications, or intensive rehabilitation.
Your funding is determined by a trained aged care assessor through the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) at My Aged Care. Each participant receives a Notice of Decision detailing their classification, budget, and any AT-HM funding tiers approved.
- 8 ongoing funding classifications (Classes 1–8)
- 3 short-term pathways (AT-HM, Restorative Care, End-of-Life)
- AT-HM tiers: Low, Medium, High
- Budgets indexed annually
- HCP unspent funds are retained on transition
Ongoing Funding Classifications (Classes 1–8)
Every approved participant is assigned one of eight classifications based on their care needs assessment. This determines their quarterly and annual budget for regular services such as personal care, domestic help, and nursing.
| Class | Quarterly Budget (approx.) | Annual Budget (approx.) | Level of Need | Typical Supports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,682 – $2,746 | $10,697 – $10,986 | Low-level support | Occasional home help, social support |
| 2 | $3,995 – $4,829 | $15,981 – $19,319 | Low to moderate | Regular domestic assistance, meal prep |
| 3 | $5,479 – $10,513 | $21,919 – $42,055 | Moderate to high | Personal care, ADL assistance |
| 4 | $7,386 – $15,939 | $29,545 – $63,758 | Medium to very high | Complex needs, daily personal care |
| 5 | $9,883 – $13,009 | $39,535 – $52,036 | Higher-level care | Comprehensive care, daily support |
| 6 | $11,423 – $15,048 | $45,693 – $60,194 | High care needs | Intensive daily supports, clinical care |
| 7 | $14,029 – $16,942 | $56,116 – $67,768 | Very high care | Complex clinical and personal needs |
| 8 | $17,040 – $19,526 | $68,162 – $78,106 | Intensive care | Highest-level, comprehensive supports |
Short-Term Funding Pathways
In addition to ongoing classifications, Support at Home provides short-term, needs-based funding for specific situations. These are separate from regular care budgets and don’t affect your classification.
🔧 AT-HM Scheme
Separate, upfront funding for products on the official Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) List — also referred to as the ATHM list. Available in Low, Medium, and High tiers — allocated for a 12-month period (24 months for complex works).
🌟 Restorative Care Pathway
Up to 16 weeks of intensive allied health or nursing support to help regain function and independence. Can include AT (all tiers) and HM (low and medium tiers).
- Post-hospital recovery
- Falls prevention programs
- Strength and mobility rehab
💌 End-of-Life Pathway
12 weeks of palliative and end-of-life care at home. Can include AT (low and medium tiers) to support comfort and safety. Includes carer support and clinical coordination.
- Palliative nursing care
- Comfort and safety equipment
- Family and carer support
Supplements & Grants
Additional funding is available on top of your standard classification budget to help with specific circumstances:
If you live in a remote or very remote area (Modified Monash Model 6 or 7), you automatically receive a 50% supplement on your AT-HM funding to cover higher equipment and delivery costs. Remote area supplement applies to both AT and HM tiers.
Example: High-tier AT ($15,000) + 50% = $22,500 total.
Up to $2,000 per year is available for essential maintenance costs for an approved assistance dog, if your needs include using one for daily living.
Providers receive a care management supplement to cover the cost of coordinating your care plan, reviewing your budget, and managing your services. This is separate from your care budget — it doesn’t reduce your available funds. The rate is a percentage of your classification funding.
If your assessed AT needs exceed the High tier ($15,000), your provider can request additional funding through the My Aged Care portal. The Department aims to process requests within 14 days. Supporting evidence (prescription, quote) must be supplied. High-tier home modifications are capped at $15,000 per lifetime.
Participant Contributions
Most participants contribute to the cost of their independence and everyday living services. The amount depends on your income and assets, assessed by Services Australia.
| Service Category | Full Pensioner | Part Pensioner / CSHC | Self-Funded Retiree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Supports | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Independence (incl. AT-HM items) | 5% | 5–50% | 50% |
| Everyday Living | 17.5% | 17.5–80% | 80% |
Hardship provisions are available if you cannot afford your contributions. Contact Services Australia on 1800 200 422 or speak to AssistiveTeam for guidance.
Transitioning from a Home Care Package
If you were receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) before 1 November 2025, you automatically transitioned to Support at Home. Here’s what stays the same and what changes:
- Equivalent funding level to your previous HCP level
- Unspent HCP funds retained (use for AT-HM first)
- No contributions required on unspent HCP funds
- Grandfathered: if you paid no income-tested fee under HCP, you continue to pay none
- Access to dedicated AT-HM funding (separate from care budget)
- New priority system and funding allocation process
- Updated provider responsibilities and reporting
- Streamlined claims through Services Australia portal
AssistiveTeam can help you understand how your transition affects AT-HM access, update your care plan, and access new equipment or modification funding.
Official AT-HM List & Support at Home Resources
The following documents are published by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The AT-HM List (also called the ATHM List) is the definitive reference for which products and home modifications are covered under the Support at Home program.
The definitive AT-HM List (ATHM List) outlines all products, equipment and home modifications that Support at Home participants can access. Updated February 2026 — 38 pages.
View Publication → Download PDF →Full operational guidelines for the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme — eligibility, prescriber authority, claiming framework, and provider responsibilities.
View Publication → Download PDF →Official guide for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other prescribers working within the AT-HM scheme — prescription requirements, documentation, and tier access.
Download PDF →The official My Aged Care page on the AT-HM scheme — how to access funding, what the AT-HM List covers, and the steps to get approved assistive technology and home modifications.
Visit My Aged Care →Questions About Your Funding?
Our team can help you understand your classification, calculate contributions, and access AT-HM funding. Contact AssistiveTeam for a free consultation.
Contact Us AT-HM Scheme Details