Three ideas landed on Stefan in the same week. His gardener suggested pruning the big gum tree. His physio wanted a second weekly session. His granddaughter thought he should buy a tablet to video-call the family. Stefan, 78, a few months into his Support at Home budget, had no idea which his funding could pay for.

Stefan's story is an illustrative scenario, created to show how Support at Home works in practice. It is not a real client testimonial.

Since Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, a single government service list spells out what funding can and can't buy.

The service list: three categories

Every service must be on the Support at Home service list and in your care plan. There are three categories:

  • Clinical supports cover: nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and other allied health. Stefan's extra physio session sits here.
  • Independence supports cover: personal care like showering and dressing, transport to appointments, and social support.
  • Everyday living supports cover: domestic assistance like cleaning and laundry, meal preparation, and home maintenance such as gardening.

Stefan's gum tree? Routine gardening and minor pruning that keeps his home safe generally qualifies as home maintenance. Major tree removal is usually beyond everyday upkeep.

What your budget can't pay for

Your budget can't cover rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utility bills, holidays, entertainment, gifts, or anything already covered by another government program (Medicare-funded treatment, for example).

Stefan's tablet is a grey area. A device isn't a funded service in itself, but if his care plan identified a genuine care need it supported, his provider could advise whether an option exists.

Your care plan is the gatekeeper

The service list says what can be funded. Your care plan says what's funded for you, built from your aged care assessment. If your needs change (say Stefan has a fall), ask for your plan to be reviewed.

Before you book any new service, ask your provider "can my budget pay for this?"

Self-management makes this easier

Self-managing doesn't leave you alone with the rules. As a registered Support at Home provider, Partner with Care handles the claiming, compliance and government-facing work. Your budget is live on screen, so you can see what's available before you spend.