An 82-year-old is managing at home, but the shopping, the cleaning and getting to appointments are all getting harder. A neighbour mentions Support at Home. The first question is the one everyone asks: "Am I even eligible?"
This example is illustrative. Eligibility is determined by the Australian Government, not by Partner with Care.
Who Support at Home is for
Support at Home is the Australian Government program that replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. It helps older people keep living safely at home. As a general guide it's for people aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need help with everyday tasks, personal care or health-related support. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing sets the precise rules.
It comes down to an assessment
You don't decide this for yourself, and it isn't about a diagnosis. An aged care assessment arranged via My Aged Care looks at the help you need to stay safe at home, and sets your funding level at the same time.
If you're an older Australian finding daily life harder to manage alone, you're probably worth assessing. Being assessed through My Aged Care costs you nothing.
Signs it may be worth applying
People often qualify when everyday living has quietly become harder: cleaning or cooking, showering or dressing safely, getting to appointments, or family filling the gaps. Our guide on signs a parent needs more support may help.
What happens once you're eligible
If you're approved, you choose who delivers your care, and you can self-manage it with Partner with Care. Our how to apply guide walks through the steps, and what to do while you wait covers the gap before funding starts.