Home Care Packages in Australia: Levels, Costs, and Waiting Times

Struggling to keep your loved one safe and independent at home as they age? You're not alone—thousands of Aussies are navigating the shift from traditional Home Care Packages to the new Support at Home program, wondering about levels, costs, and those frustrating waiting times. With major changes rolling out by late 2025 and price caps hitting in 2026, understanding this system is crucial for making informed choices that fit your budget and needs.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Home Care Packages in Australia: Levels, Costs, and Waiting Times—including how the transition affects you, what funding looks like now, and practical steps to get started. Whether you're assessing options for yourself or a family member, we've got the latest 2026 details tailored for Australian families.

What Are Home Care Packages—and What's Changing?

Until recently, Home Care Packages (HCP) provided government-subsidised support for older Aussies to stay at home rather than moving into residential aged care. These came in four levels, from basic support to high-care needs, funded through My Aged Care assessments.

But big news: The Support at Home program fully replaced HCP and Short-Term Restorative Care from 1 November 2025. This shift moves from fixed 'packages' to a flexible, service-based model with quarterly budgets and eight funding levels. It's designed to better match your needs, with unused funds rolling over (up to 10% or $1,000 per quarter). If you were on an HCP before 12 September 2024, you're protected—no worse off, and your lifetime contribution cap transfers over at $84,572 (indexed annually).

Why the Change Matters for You

• More precise funding: Eight levels instead of four, so your budget aligns closer to real needs.
• Quarterly budgets: Plan services over three months, with flexibility for rollovers.
• Price transparency: Providers must publish price lists online, and from 1 July 2026, government price caps kick in for every service.
• No separate admin or travel fees: These are bundled into service prices, maximising your budget for care.

Home Care Package Levels: From 4 to 8 Funding Classifications

The old HCP system had four levels—Level 1 for basic needs up to Level 4 for intensive care resembling residential support. Now, Support at Home expands this to eight classifications, each with a quarterly and annual budget. Your level is set after a comprehensive ACAT assessment via My Aged Care (in-home or virtual for those 65+ , or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).

Budgets vary slightly across sources due to indexing, but here's a clear overview based on 2026 figures:

Classification	Quarterly Budget	Annual Budget (Approx.)	Typical Services
1	$2,674–$2,746	$10,696–$10,986	Cleaning, welfare checks, meal prep
2	$4,008–$4,830	$15,982–$19,319	Transport, light domestic help, medication prompts
3	$5,491–$10,514	$21,920–$42,055	Personal care, OT visits, meal support
4	$7,424–$15,940	$29,545–$63,758	Showering, mobility aids, allied health
5	$9,924–$39,535	$39,535–$39,697	Dementia care, continence, case coordination
6	$12,028–$47,957	$47,957–$48,113	Daily personal care, wound care
7	$14,536–$58,122	$58,122–$58,147	Complex nursing, respite, equipment
8	$19,427–$19,526	$77,709–$78,106	Overnight care, hoists, intensive support

Note: Exact amounts index annually; check My Aged Care for your personalised figure. Higher levels cover clinical services like nursing ($210/hr), physiotherapy, and wound care, plus domestic help and home mods.

Costs and Contributions: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026

Your quarterly budget covers approved services, but you'll contribute based on means testing via Services Australia. No one pays more than under the old system, and full-pensioners often pay nothing.

Key Fees and Caps

• Basic Daily Fee (Legacy HCP): Up to $13.14/day for admin—phased out but relevant for transitions.
• Income-Tested Contributions: Percentage of service costs; lifetime cap $84,572 (indexed).
• Service Prices: Vary by provider—e.g., personal care $120/hr weekdays, $195/hr Sundays, $227/hr public holidays. Nurses ~$210/hr. From July 2026, capped by government.
• AT-HM (Assistive Tech/Home Mods): Admin capped at 10% ($500 max) for tech, 15% ($1,500 max) for mods.

Providers must share transparent pricing upfront, including surcharges. Shop around—compare online price lists for value. For transitioned HCP users, budgets match or exceed old levels (e.g., old Level 4 gets ~$15,940/quarter).

Waiting Times: How Long Until You Get Support?

Waits vary by location, urgency, and need—rural areas often longer than cities. Urgent cases (e.g., hospital discharge risks) are prioritised. Post-2025 reforms aim to cut queues with the new model, but as of 2026, expect:

• Low needs (Level 1-2): 3-6 months in major cities; up to 12+ months regional.
• High needs (Level 7-8): 1-3 months, faster for crises.
• Tip: Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) weekly for updates; consider private options to bridge gaps.

Full transition by November 2025 has eased some pressures, but demand remains high per ABS aged care stats.

Practical Tips: Maximising Your Package

1. Get Assessed: Call My Aged Care for free ACAT—65+ or earlier for Indigenous Aussies.
2. Choose a Provider: Compare via My Aged Care finder; ask for tailored plans within budget.
3. Budget Smart: Prioritise rollover funds; negotiate no extras beyond caps.
4. Appeal if Needed: Dispute levels via Services Australia if mismatched.
5. Extra Help: Link with Centrelink for pension impacts; explore CHSP for pre-eligibility support.

Next Steps: Take Control Today

Don't let confusion delay care—start with a free My Aged Care assessment at myagedcare.gov.au or 1800 200 422. Compare providers, understand your budget level, and plan contributions via Services Australia. With Support at Home's flexibility, you can tailor support to keep independence at home longer. Reach out to Lifetimes Australia for personalised advice—we're here to help Aussie families navigate aged care.