Government Funding for Daily Check-In Calls: What's Available in 2026
Daily check-in calls don't have to come out of your pocket. Several Australian Government programs can help cover the cost. Here's a plain-English guide to what's available and how to apply.
Key number: 1800 200 422 (My Aged Care)
Funding Programs at a Glance
Support at Home Program
Launched November 2025 — replaces Home Care Packages
The new Support at Home program is Australia's primary aged care funding pathway. It has 8 support levels (replacing the previous 4 Home Care Package levels) and is designed to be more responsive and flexible.
How it covers check-in calls
Communication and monitoring services can be funded under the “wellbeing and reablement” category. This includes technology-based check-in services, welfare call subscriptions, and companion call programs. Your care plan coordinator will work with you to include this in your package.
AT-HM Scheme (Assistive Technology)
Needs-based funding for assistive technology and home modifications
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme funds assistive technology, equipment and home modifications for Support at Home participants, based on assessed need. Whether a particular service is covered depends on your aged care assessment and the official AT-HM product list — it is not automatic for any specific product or subscription.
For lower-cost assistive technology. Funding tier is set by your aged care assessment.
For more comprehensive equipment. Allocated through assessment.
For complex needs, including major home modifications and specialised equipment.
Assessment is required. AT-HM funding is allocated through your aged care assessment via My Aged Care (1800 200 422) — there is no “no-assessment” tier. Your assessment determines which tier (if any) you qualify for.
Important: AT-HM primarily funds equipment, technology and home modifications. We can’t guarantee a phone check-in subscription is eligible — confirm with My Aged Care or your assessor before assuming any service is covered. Figures and rules are set by the Australian Government and can change; see health.gov.au and myagedcare.gov.au for the current AT-HM scheme details.
DVA (Veterans)
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Veterans with a Gold or White card may be eligible for community nursing, domestic assistance, and social support services under the Veterans' Home Care program. Check-in call services may be funded as part of a care plan.
Contact DVA: 1800 555 254 (free call)
NDIS
For Australians under 65 with disability
If your family member is under 65 and has a permanent disability, the NDIS may fund daily welfare calls under “Improved Daily Living” or “Increased Social and Community Participation” categories. Discuss with your plan manager.
Contact NDIS: 1800 800 110
How to Apply: Step by Step
Call My Aged Care
Phone 1800 200 422. You can call on behalf of your parent if they give verbal consent. The operator will register them and ask screening questions.
Get Assessed
An assessor will contact your parent (in-home or telehealth). They evaluate physical, cognitive, and social needs. Mention that daily social contact and welfare monitoring is a priority.
Receive Your Letter
You'll receive a letter outlining your approved support level. If you're approved for the AT-HM scheme, the letter sets your funding tier (Low, Medium or High) based on your assessed needs.
Choose a Provider
Select a registered aged care provider who will manage the package. Ask whether a daily check-in call service can be included, and confirm with your assessor that it is an eligible AT-HM item.
Start the Service
Once the provider activates the package, eligible services begin. Timeframes vary by assessment and provider.
Even Without Funding, It's Affordable
Not everyone qualifies for government funding, and the assessment process can take weeks. The good news is that daily check-in services are designed to be affordable without subsidies.
Kindly Call starts from $2 per week — less than a cup of coffee. Our Daily plan ($52/month) works out to $1.71 per day for a warm, personal conversation that keeps your loved one connected and you informed.
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