Support at Home in Central West & Western NSW
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s aged care program focused on in-home care, replacing Home Care Packages. It provides funding so older Australians can receive the support they need, right where they feel most comfortable - at home.
At a glance
Could Support at Home be right for you?
If you or your loved ones need some help to remain safe, happy, and healthy at home as an older Australian, Support at Home could be a good fit for you.
Need help in the meantime?
We can provide private aged care while you wait for Support at Home funding to be assessed.
How much does it cost?
Support at Home funding for older Australians is means tested similarly to the aged pension.
- Full pensioners will pay the lowest contribution.
- Part pensioners and those eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will pay contributions based on assessment.
- Self-funded retirees will pay the highest contribution.
How are you assessed?
The Department of Health and Aged Care weighs several factors when approving Support at Home funding.
Your age and circumstances
Generally available for those over 65, or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The help you need at home
Your required support with day-to-day living at home to live safely and independently.
Your goals for independence
Support at Home is about helping you maintain control and stay living at home.
How to get started with Support at Home
Call us before you apply for Support at Home funding. We can help you understand what’s required, prepare the right information and guide you through the process. With years of experience navigating government-funded support, we can help make the process simpler and less overwhelming.
We offer a free 60-minute consultation
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Visit the My Aged Care Government funding website. You can confirm eligibility based on age, needs and living situation.
Step 2: Discover your classification
You will find out your classification level and how much care you or your loved one may receive through a Support at Home budget.
Step 3: Receive your approval
Based on your assessment outcome, you will be advised whether you are approved for Support at Home funding and which services are included.
Step 4: DANS as your provider
Once your funding has been assigned, you can now work with DANS to set everything up using your Support at Home funding. We handle the setup for you.
How DANS can help with your Support at Home program
DANS provides Support at Home services in Dubbo and across the Central West and Western NSW. Our experienced team and allied health network work together to deliver a broad range of care tailored to your needs.
Support at Home services fall into three categories:
Clinical supports
Clinical supports provide professional health care at home to help manage conditions, support recovery and maintain independence.
How your support is delivered
The team members involved, how often they provide support and how much time they spend with you will depend on your assessed needs.
Clinical support is delivered by our trusted team
The DANS team can assist with:
Allied health professionals:
What is your contribution?
For Clinical supports, Support at Home requires no participant contribution.
This means if you have a Support at Home plan in place, the Australian Government will fund the full cost of these services.
Independence
Independence services provide practical support at home and in the community to help you stay active, confident and connected.
How your support is delivered
The team members involved, how often they provide support and how much time they spend with you will depend on your assessed needs.
Independence services are delivered by our trusted team
The DANS team can assist with:
Allied health professionals:
What is your contribution?
For Independence services, Support at Home requires 5–50% participant contribution.
This means if you are on a full pension, you will pay 5% of the listed price.
If you are a self-funded retiree you will pay up to 50% of the listed price.
Everyday living
Everyday Living services provide practical help with day-to-day tasks, making it easier to live safely and comfortably at home.
How your support is delivered
The team members involved, how often they provide support and how much time they spend with you will depend on your assessed needs.
Everyday living services are delivered by our trusted team
The DANS team can assist with:
Allied health professionals:
What is your contribution?
For everyday living services, Support at Home requires 17.5–80% participant contribution.
This means if you are on a full pension, you will pay 17.5% of the listed price.
If you are a self-funded retiree you will pay up to 80% of the listed price.
Getting started with Support at Home checklist
Interested in getting started with Support at Home? Make it easier by following our getting started checklist to stay organised.
- Medicare number
- GP / health professional contact details
- Current medications
- Current health conditions
- Any existing support you receive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions about in-home care, funding, and getting started? We've answered the ones we hear most.
What is the Support at Home program?
Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program. It replaced Home Care Packages in November 2025. Once you are assigned the Support at home funding you can select your provider and commence services.
Separate funding may also be available for assistive technology and home modifications, such as mobility aids, shower equipment, handrails or ramps, to help you live safely and independently at home. Support at Home also includes a short-term Restorative Care Pathway, which provides intensive allied health and/or nursing support for up to 16 weeks to help you maintain or regain function and independence.
Can DANS provide services under Support at Home?
Yes. DANS is an approved Support at Home provider. Once you have been assessed and assigned a classification, you can choose DANS to deliver your services, and we plan them against your quarterly budget and care goals.
Can DANS help me navigate Support at Home?
What can my Support at Home budget be spent on?
Your budget can be spent on approved services that help you live at home: personal care, nursing, domestic assistance, in-home respite, transport, restorative care and some equipment tied to your care plan. It cannot be spent on everyday living costs such as rent, groceries, utility bills, holidays or gifts. DANS plans services against your quarterly budget so funds go where they help most.
What happened to Home Care Packages?
Home Care Packages ended in November 2025, when the Support at Home program replaced them. Existing package funding (Levels 1 to 4) moved across to one of eight Support at Home classifications, with budgets now managed quarterly. The services are much the same - personal care, nursing, domestic help and transport. If you still think of your funding as a package, DANS can explain what your new classification covers.
What is the End-of-Life Pathway?
The End-of-Life Pathway provides additional Support at Home funding for eligible people who are nearing the end of life and wish to remain at home.
It can help cover increased in-home care needs during this time, including personal care, nursing and other support services. The pathway is designed to work alongside existing palliative care services and help people receive appropriate care and support at home.
Still have questions?
Get in touch. We're here to help.
Ready to get started?
We’d be happy to speak with you. Contact us for a free care assessment, or simply have a chat with our team to ask questions and understand your options.
