Applying for a home care package can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. SJH Support Services are here to guide you through the process step by step. This ensures you understand how to apply for a home care package in Australia.
Whether you’re helping a loved one or planning for your own needs, this guide will simplify everything. It makes it easy to access the support and services. These allow older Australians to live independently at home.
Understanding the Basics of the Home Care Packages Program
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is a set of services tailored for older Australians’ care needs. These packages come from approved providers and include various home care services. They cover personal care, nursing support, allied health interventions, and help with daily tasks.
Levels of Home Care Packages
There are four levels of home care packages, each for different care needs:
| Package Level | Care Needs | Annual Funding (as of 1 January 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic care needs | $10,687.20 |
| Level 2 | Low-level care needs | $18,793.85 |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care needs | $40,905.55 |
| Level 4 | High-level care needs | $62,013.50 |
The Australian Government funds each package level to provide the right care services. Your package level is based on your care needs assessment. This ensures you get the support you need.
How to Apply for a Home Care Package
Getting a home care package in Australia is easy. We’ll outline the steps to help you get started.
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422)
Start the process by reaching out to My Aged Care via phone.
Step 2: Complete an Initial Screening
After contact, you’ll undergo an initial screening to assess basic needs.
Step 3: Undergo an ACAT Assessment either in person or over the phone
A more detailed assessment (ACAT) is conducted in person to determine care needs.
Step 4: Receive Your Assessment Outcome
After the assessment, you’ll receive the results that indicate your eligibility and level of care.
Step 5: Choose SJH Support Services as Your Home Care Package Coordinator
Once approved, contact us with your referral code to activate your home care package funding. I will support you every step of the way.
Registering with My Aged Care
Register with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting their website. If you need help with translation, they offer services for that too.
| Home Care Package Level | Care Needs | Basic Daily Subsidy(as of Jan 1, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic care needs | $29.28 |
| Level 2 | Low-level care needs | $51.49 |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care needs | $112.07 |
| Level 4 | High-level care needs | $169.90 |
Your income and assets will affect how much you pay for your Home Care Package. For advice, talk to Home Care Package consultants at 1800 242 696.
Eligibility and Assessment Process
Figuring out if you’re eligible for home care means a detailed check of your care needs. This ensures you get the right support to stay independent and live well.
Who is Eligible for a Home Care Package?
If you’re 65 or older (or 50 or older if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), you might be eligible for a home care package. The Home Care Packages (HCP) Program is for those needing more help at home. It has four levels of support, each with its own funding to match your needs.
To start the application process, just contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422.
The ACAT Assessment
The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assesses to see how much care you need. They look at many things, like your health, how well you think, who supports you, and your living situation. They aim to make sure you get the support you need to stay independent.
ACAT Assessment & Results
After your ACAT assessment, you’ll get a letter with your results and care options. This includes the level of Home Care Package you’re eligible for. If you have questions or need help understanding your options, I’m here for you.
Contact me to talk about your assessment results. I’ll help you choose the right care services to keep your independence. As your dedicated home care package coordinator, I will guide you through the next steps. This ensures you get the most out of your Home Care Package.
You can also call the National Aged Care Advocacy Line (1800 700 600) for more guidance if you prefer.
Choosing the Right Home Care Provider
Once you get your assessment results, picking the right provider is key. I am here to offer personalized, supportive care. This helps you stay independent. Call me start your Home Care Package and get the care you need.
Costs and Subsidies
The Australian Government helps make aged care services more affordable with Home Care Packages. But, you might still have to pay a bit based on your income.
Income Tested Care Fee
If your income is above a certain level, you might have to pay an income-tested care fee. This fee is based on your financial situation and is extra to the basic daily fee. Full pensioners usually don’t pay this fee, but those with higher incomes might pay more.
The process to figure out how much you’ll pay looks at your income and financial assets. If you think you fall into this category you can use this calculator. It makes sure the fees are fair and easy to manage. Not sure how this might affect you? Contact us for personalized advice on managing your Home Care Package costs.
Government Subsidy Amounts
The government funding you get depends on the care package you’re eligible for. Here’s a quick look at the annual and fortnightly subsidy amounts:
| Package Level | Annual Funding | Fortnightly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $10,687.20 | $409.92 |
| Level 2 | $18,793.85 | $720.86 |
| Level 3 | $40,905.55 | $1,568.98 |
| Level 4 | $62,013.50 | $2,378.60 |
These subsidies help pay for the care services you need to stay independent at home.
Final Steps to Get a Home Care Package
Activating Your Home Care Package
After your ACAT assessment and approval letter, You will be placed on the National priority system waitlist for a homecare package to be assigned to you.
If you’re eligible for a higher level package, you can accept a lower level one when it’s available. You also have the option to use CHSP services. Choosing to accept or not accept these options won’t change your wait time. It just lets you get basic care services sooner.
Once your package is assigned it’s time to start your Home Care Package. Just contact us with your referral code to begin. We’ll create a care plan tailored to your needs. This plan will include personal care, transport, and home maintenance services.
Starting Your Care Services
After getting your My Aged Care approval, you have 56 days to choose a provider and start care. Call us with your referral code to start planning. We’ll help you make a care plan that suits you, showing what services you’ll get and how your funds will be used.
If you need more time, we can extend your decision by 28 days. Once your plan is ready, you can start receiving your care services without delay.