For most Aussies looking for assistance to live independently at home for the longest time possible, a Home Care Package can cover the costs of accessing a wide range of support services to keep you comfortable, healthy, and happy.
The Australian Government offers access to Home Care Packages at diverse funding levels. The funding level you receive will depend on the amount of support you are able to access through My Aged Care. This is why it is important to understand the different levels of the Home Care Package.
Home Care Packages provide a balanced mix of aged care and services, including:
The Home Care Packages program makes use of a consumer-centric care approach to ensure that the given level of support meets the assessed needs & goals of the individual. There are four levels Home Care Packages – from level 1 (basic) to level 4 (high) care needs.
The amount of funding you receive under a Home Care Package program will depend on the level of support you have been assigned.
Level 1: Basic Care Needs
For Level 1, the annual funding is around $10,588.65. This equates to 2-3 hours of care and assistance per week. This will ultimately depend on the provider fees and service costs. This level is meant for individuals requiring minimal assistance with day-to-day activities.
Level 2: Low-Level Care Needs
The annual funding for this level is $18,622.30. This level offers 3-5 hours of care per week. This level caters to individuals who might need more regular support, like assistance with basic health services, domestic tasks, and personal care.
Level 3: Intermediate Care Needs
The annual funding for this level is $40,529.60. This equates to 8-10 hours of care every week, and it is subject to service costs and provider fees. Level 3 is meant for individuals requiring ample support, like frequent personal care, assistance with mobility, and nursing services.
Level 4: High-level Care Needs
The annual funding in this case is $61,440.45. The level offers 14-15 hours of care every week. The highest level of the Home Care Package is for those having complex care requirements, like comprehensive nursing, intensive personal care, and specialised health services.
Package Level | Annual Funding (Approx.) | Services Included |
Level 1 (Basic Care Needs) | ~$11,000 | Personal care, domestic assistance, transport, meal preparation, social support |
Level 2 (Low Care Needs) | ~$16,000 | Additional support such as allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry), home modifications, nursing care |
Level 3 (Intermediate Care Needs) | ~$35,000 | More frequent personal care, medication management, assistive technology, mobility aids, meal delivery |
Level 4 (High Care Needs) | ~$53,000 | Complex nursing care, dementia support, in-home respite care, 24/7 personal care, palliative care |
If you can afford it, you’re expected to contribute to your care costs through three types of fees:
Basic Daily Fee (Up to $13.08 from 20 Sept 2024)
Charged by your provider based on your Home Care Package level.
Income-Tested Care Fee (Up to $37.55 from 20 Sept 2024)
Assessed by Services Australia based on your income. Annual and lifetime caps apply.
Additional Fees
For extra services not covered by your package, as agreed with your provider.
Eligibility for the Home Care Package program is determined through an in-depth My Aged Care assessment. Usually, senior citizens who need support with day-to-day tasks, have been diagnosed with some medical condition, have been hospitalised recently, or have experienced a change in family giving conditions might qualify for the Home Care Package.
Usually, access to a Home Care Package program is given to an older adult requiring coordinated services to continue to living safely at home. This implies being 65 years or older, or 50 yeas or older if you are Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal. Individuals less than 65 years of age might also qualify in case they are living with dementia, any disability, or other care needs that are not fully addressed by any other specialist services.
To access the Home Care Package program, you have to undergo MyAgedCare Assessment implemented by the ACAS (Aged Care Assessment Service) or ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team).
Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Reach Out to MyAgedCare
Visit the website https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ or give a call at 1800 200 422. The personnel here will collect information about your current condition and care needs.
Step 2: Assessment Referral
Depending on the initial assessment, MyAgedCare might refer you for a comprehensive assessment conducted by the ACAT. This assessment will determine your eligibility for the right level of Home Care Package.
Step 3: Ensure ACAT Assessment
An ACAT assessor will arrange a meeting to evaluate your health, specific care requirements, and daily activities. The assessor will also discuss the respective goals and preferences to customize the support to your needs.
Step 4: Receive Assessment Results
After the assessment, the team will inform you about the result in writing. You will be informed about your eligibility along with the approved level of the Home Care Package program. Once you receive the approval, you will be placed in the National Priority System to wait for package assignment.
Step 5: Choose the Right Service Provider
Once you have been assigned a Home Care Package, you are expected to provide an approved Home Care Package provider, like MyGuardian, to coordinate and deliver your desired services. From the date of your assignment letter, you have 56 days to enter into a Home Care Agreement with the selected provider.
At My Guardian, we understand that choosing the right Home Care Package provider can feel like a big decision, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. As a trusted and registered My Aged Care approved provider, we’ve supported over 8,000 families on their care journeys, and we’re here to support you too.
Whether you’re just getting started with your first Home Care Package or you’re looking to switch providers, our team is here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and compassion. From understanding your package level to creating a personalised care plan, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’re based in Sydney and proudly offer services across New South Wales.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information, we’re just a phone call away at 02 9336 7555, or you can contact us here. We’re ready to help make your care journey smoother and more comfortable.
Your Home Care Package covers personal care, home assistance, healthcare services, social activities, and eligible home modifications for independent living. However, it cannot be used for general living costs, non-care-related modifications, or medical expenses covered by other programs.
Yes, you may need to pay a Basic Daily Fee and an Income-Tested Care Fee, depending on your provider and income level.
Excluded services from a Home Care Package include rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, general medical expenses, and services covered by other government programs like Medicare.
Our My Guardian support team are here to help.
Whether you’re ready to start experiencing quality care or just want to learn more about our services, we’re here to chat. Send us a message by filling in the form, or call us anytime on.
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*By providing your details you consent to being contacted by our friendly My Guardian support team. We’ll touch base with you to help answer any initial questions you might have. Read our privacy policy for details.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
© 2025 My Guardian Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge
their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures
and the elders past, present and emerging.
