Are there different eligibility criteria for the different levels of Home Care Packages?

There are different eligibility criteria for the various levels of Home Care Packages. However, rather than having separate qualification requirements for each level, the level of package you're eligible for is determined by the complexity and intensity of your care needs as assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria.

Currently, Home Care Packages come in four levels, each designed to provide increasing amounts of support based on your individual circumstances:

1. Level 1 packages are for those with basic care needs, who are generally managing well but could use a helping hand with occasional house cleaning, shopping, or transport to appointments. The government subsidy for this level is around $10,698 per year, providing modest support for these lighter-touch services.
2. If you need more regular assistance with daily activities like personal care, meal preparation, or basic health maintenance, you might be assessed as eligible for a Level 2 package. With an approximate annual subsidy of $18,812, this level provides more substantial support for those with low-level but consistent care needs.
3. Level 3 packages increase the support considerably, with an annual government subsidy of approximately $40,945. This level is typically for those with intermediate care needs who require more frequent help throughout the week, possibly including some nursing care or specialised allied health services. This may be suited to those who need daily assistance with personal care, mobility support, or more complex medication management.
4. For those with high-level or complex care needs requiring substantial daily support, Level 4 packages offer the highest level of in-home care before residential aged care might need to be considered. With an annual government subsidy of approximately $62,075, these packages provide comprehensive support for people with significant care requirements who wish to remain in their own homes.

What changes are coming in November 2025?

Things will change with the introduction of the Support at Home Program on 1 November 2025. The current four-level system will expand to eight classification levels, providing more nuanced funding that better matches individual needs. The funding for these new classifications will range from approximately $11,000 to $78,000 annually.

In addition to these ongoing service classifications, the new program will also introduce specific pathways for short-term intensive support: a Restorative Care Pathway for those recovering from illness or injury and aiming to regain independence and an End-of-Life Pathway providing compassionate support for those in their final stages of life.

Your eligibility for any level is based on a holistic assessment of your needs. There's no specific checklist of conditions or disabilities that automatically qualify you for a particular level. The assessment team looks at your overall situation, including your physical and cognitive health, your existing support network, your home environment, and how these factors combine to affect your ability to live independently.