Support at Home (SAH) is the Australian government's funded care program for older people who need help to stay living at home. If you're a pensioner, you may be eligible for a SAH package to cover services like personal care, domestic help, and support with daily activities. The system replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, but the core idea remains: government funding goes directly to your chosen provider to deliver the care you need.
Who qualifies for Support at Home?
You don't need to be a pensioner to access SAH, eligibility is based on your care needs and functional ability, assessed through an aged care assessment. However, many pensioners do qualify because they have higher support needs. Age Pension recipients often find SAH affordable because the government funds the service. If you're over 65 (or 50 if you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), you can request an assessment to find out if you're eligible.
How much does it cost?
SAH is government-funded, so there's no upfront cost for the care itself. You may pay a means-tested contribution based on your income and assets, but this is typically modest for pensioners on the Age Pension. The government sets your package level, ranging from basic support to high-level care, and funds it accordingly. You then choose a provider to deliver that care within your budget.
Self-managed vs. coordinated care
Once you're approved for SAH, you choose how your package is managed. With self-managed care, you hire and manage your own carers, giving you maximum flexibility and control, and often delivering more care hours for the same funding. With fully coordinated care, your provider handles recruitment, rostering, and administration, which costs more but requires less effort from you. Self-managed is the primary model and typically offers better value.
Clinical care is separate
Nursing, allied health, and other clinical services under SAH are 100% government-funded and don't come out of your package budget. This means you can access physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or wound care without reducing your personal care hours. It's an important distinction that many pensioners don't realise.
Getting started
Start by contacting your local aged care assessment team or My Aged Care (1800 200 422) to request an assessment. They'll evaluate your needs and, if you're eligible, assign you a SAH package level. You'll then receive a list of approved providers in your area. Take time to compare, different providers offer different service models, costs, and flexibility. Some specialise in self-managed support; others focus on fully coordinated care.
Comparing providers matters
Not all SAH providers are the same. Some charge higher fees for administration, reducing the care hours you receive; others offer transparent pricing and maximum flexibility. If you're a pensioner on a tight budget, choosing a provider that maximises your funding can make a real difference to your quality of life. Use comparison tools to see what's available locally and ask providers directly about their fees and service model.