What Can and Cannot Be Funded Under My Support at Home budget?

The $78,106 maximum annual funding in a Level 8 Support at Home package is a life-changing resource, but it only works if you know how to spend it. You’ve likely spent months wondering, "What can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package?" while trying to make sense of the transition from the old Home Care Packages. It’s frustrating to feel like you’re one wrong decision away from an out-of-pocket bill you didn’t plan for.

We understand that the new eight-level system feels more complex than the four levels we used to have. This guide simplifies the 2026 rules to ensure you access every service you’re entitled to while avoiding common financial traps. We’ll provide a clear ‘yes/no’ list for your spending, explain how the upcoming October 2026 changes to personal care funding will save you money, and show you how to use the Restorative Care Pathway to stay in your own home for longer.

Defining the Support at Home Package and How it Operates in 2026

The Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, represents a significant evolution in Aged care in Australia. Instead of the old four-tier system, the government now uses eight specific classification levels to match funding more accurately to your needs. This change aims to provide more transparency when you ask, "What can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package?" as each level has a set annual limit ranging from $11,795 at Level 1 to $78,106 at Level 8. Securing this funding starts with an ACAT assessment, which serves as the gateway to your personalised budget.

To better understand how these changes might affect your current services, watch this helpful video:

The Shift from Packages to Pathways

Care is now categorised into three streams: Ongoing Services, Restorative Care, and End-of-Life Pathways. Under restorative care, seniors often access dedicated allied health support—such as working with Active Foot Care to manage pain and maintain mobility—helping them remain independent at home. A major benefit for many seniors is the new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme. This separate pathway provides up to $15,000 for high-tier modifications, ensuring your daily care budget isn’t drained by the cost of a new ramp or specialised bed. On the downside, the new quarterly budget rules are stricter. You can only roll over $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, which reduces the flexibility some families enjoyed under the previous ‘unspent funds’ model.

Who Manages the Money?

Even though the budget is allocated to you, it is typically managed by a Support at Home provider. They act as the administrator, ensuring services meet safety standards and regulations. It’s essential to remember that 10% of your quarterly budget is automatically set aside for care management fees. While this ensures professional oversight of your care plan, it means you must be strategic with the remaining 90% to cover your actual service hours and support needs.

Approved Services: What You Can Organise with Your Funding

Understanding what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? is about more than just a list of services. It’s about how these supports connect to your specific care goals. Approved funding covers a broad spectrum of care including nursing, allied health like physiotherapy, and meals and nutrition services. A major win for seniors is that personal care is now fully funded, meaning support with showering and dressing won’t require a co-contribution from October 2026. This change significantly reduces the financial burden on those requiring daily physical assistance.

Clinical and Safety-First Funding

Clinical care is the backbone of the program and remains fully government-funded. This includes complex dementia support and medication management. Beyond nursing, the budget prioritises safety through assistive technology and home modifications. Whether you need a simple walking frame or a specialised sensor system to detect falls, these tools are essential for maintaining your safety. High-tier modifications like ramps or bathroom rails are also covered, provided they are recommended by an occupational therapist. If you’re unsure which providers offer these clinical specialties, you can search our home care directory to compare local options.

Independence and Daily Living Support

Daily living services help you manage the home while staying connected to your community. This includes domestic assistance like cleaning and laundry, alongside social support and transport. Navigating what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? becomes much easier when you view your Care Plan as a roadmap for these supports. These services are only approved if they directly address a specific goal, such as "maintaining social connections" or "living in a safe environment." Respite care also falls under this category. It’s a vital resource that provides temporary support, giving your primary carers a necessary break while ensuring your routine remains stable.

Budget Exclusions: Common Items That Cannot Be Funded

While your budget provides essential support, it is not a substitute for your personal income. Understanding what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? requires looking at the "Everyday Living" rule. The government expects you to cover basic costs like rent, mortgage repayments, and your weekly grocery bill from your own pocket. Similarly, lifestyle choices such as gym memberships, holiday bookings, or tickets to the theatre are excluded. These items aren’t directly related to your clinical or safety needs.

You also cannot use funds for medical procedures covered by Medicare or medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Regarding home maintenance, the "Major Renovation" rule is strict. You can fund a functional modification, like a walk-in shower for safety, but you cannot use the budget for an aesthetic kitchen upgrade or a new coat of paint. These rules ensure that taxpayer funds are directed strictly toward care rather than home equity improvements.

The ‘Double Dipping’ Rule

You can’t claim for services already funded by other government programmes. This is particularly relevant if you are transitioning from NDIS support. Once you’re over 65, the aged care system takes over. You cannot draw from both pools for the same service, even if your needs are complex. This boundary ensures there is no overlap in government spending.

Prohibited Financial Uses

The rules are also clear on financial conduct. Funds must never be used for illegal activities, gambling, or high-risk investments. Additionally, you generally cannot use your package to pay family members for informal care. The program is designed to fund professional, regulated services. To avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs, check our physical guide for a complete list of prohibited items before you book a new service.

Maximising Your Value: Finding the Right Support at Home Provider

Selecting the right partner is just as critical as the funding itself. Many seniors focus solely on hourly service rates, but this can be a narrow view. A provider with a lower hourly fee might have higher administration costs or less flexibility when you need to change your routine. When choosing a home care provider, look for those who prioritise transparency and offer clear communication about how they manage your quarterly allocation.

Understanding what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? often comes down to how you frame your needs. You can often turn a "grey area" item into an approved service by linking it directly to a health or safety outcome. For instance, while a general gym membership is excluded, a specific exercise programme designed by a physiotherapist to prevent falls is usually covered. Use our Aged Care Made Easy directory to find providers known for their advocacy and ability to help you navigate these nuances.

Questions to Ask Potential Providers

• How do you handle the transition between Support at Home levels if my ACAT assessment changes?
• What is your internal process for approving Assistive Technology purchases like sensor systems or walking frames?
• Can you provide a clear, itemised breakdown of all administrative charges and the 10% care management fee?

The Importance of Advocacy

You aren’t stuck with a provider that doesn’t meet your needs. If your current agency is too restrictive or fails to help you understand what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package?, you have the right to switch. We also recommend seeking financial advice for aged care to understand the long-term impact of means-tested contributions. Regular budget reviews ensure your funds are working hard for you, rather than being wasted on services that no longer serve your goals.

Securing Your Future with the Right Home Care Support

Navigating the complexities of What can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? is the first step toward maintaining your independence. By focusing on clinical care, safety-first modifications, and linking your goals directly to your Care Plan, you can ensure your funding stretches further. While the system has changed, your right to high-quality, transparent support remains the same. Choosing a provider that advocates for your needs is essential to avoiding out-of-pocket traps and maximising your quarterly allocation.

As you move forward, accessing reliable information is your greatest advantage. Trusted by thousands of Australian families since 2019, Aged Care Made Easy provides a bridge to the services you need. We empower seniors with transparent provider information through Australia’s most comprehensive aged care directory. Don’t leave your care to chance. Find and compare Support at Home providers in your area today to secure the support you deserve. You have the tools to manage this transition with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Support at Home budget to pay for a cleaner if I am still physically able to clean?

You generally cannot use your budget for domestic assistance if your ACAT assessment shows you are still physically capable of cleaning. The program supports needs you can’t manage alone. If you hire a cleaner for convenience, it’s an out-of-pocket lifestyle expense. If your mobility declines, you must update your Care Plan to reflect that cleaning has become a safety concern or a functional barrier for your independence.

Does the budget cover the full cost of a mobility scooter or just a subsidy?

The budget usually provides a subsidy rather than covering the entire cost of a high-end mobility scooter. Under the 2026 Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, you can access up to $15,000 for essential equipment. You’ll need an occupational therapist’s recommendation to prove the scooter is necessary for your safety. If the model you want exceeds the approved subsidy amount, you’ll need to pay the difference yourself.

What happens to my leftover Support at Home funds at the end of the month?

Leftover funds don’t disappear instantly, but the 2026 rules are quite specific. You can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is higher, into the next quarter. Any unspent money beyond this limit is returned to the government. This makes it vital to understand what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? so you can plan your care effectively.

Can I use my funding to pay for a private gardener or handyman?

You can use funding for gardening or a handyman only if the work is essential for your safety and performed by a registered provider. Tasks like clearing overgrown paths to prevent trips are covered, but decorative pruning is not. Most providers won’t allow "cash-in-hand" workers because every person entering your home must have the correct insurance, police checks, and safety certifications required under the new 2026 programme standards. For general maintenance jobs that must be paid out of pocket, online marketplaces like Giggy can help you find vetted handymen with verified background checks.

Is there a limit on how much of my budget can be spent on home modifications?

Yes, there are specific limits depending on the modification’s complexity. For high-tier changes like installing a ramp or modifying a bathroom for wheelchair access, the AT-HM scheme provides up to $15,000. These modifications must be functional and recommended by a professional. This is a crucial element of what can and cannot be funded under my Support at Home package? when you are looking to make your home safer for the long term.