Home Care Packages Explained: What Each Level Actually Gets You in 2026
Over 250,000 Australians currently receive a Home Care Package — government-subsidised support that helps elderly people stay in their own home instead of moving to residential aged care. There are 4 levels, ranging from $10,300 to $59,800 per year. But the system is confusing, the waiting lists are long, and most families don't know what they're entitled to.
This guide explains each level in plain language — what it actually covers, how much you get, what it costs the recipient, how to apply, how long you'll wait, and how to choose a provider that won't eat your package in management fees.
Home Care Packages at a Glance
Australians currently receiving a Home Care Package
Annual government expenditure on Home Care Packages
Average wait for a Level 2 package (varies by state)
Of all packages are Level 2 (low-level care)
The Four HCP Levels
| Level | Annual Funding | Daily Budget | Typical Recipient | Example Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — Basic | $10,300/year | ~$28/day | Independent but needs occasional help with tasks like cleaning or transport | Fortnightly cleaning, monthly transport, basic social support |
| Level 2 — Low | $18,100/year | ~$50/day | Managing mostly independently but needs regular help with daily activities | Weekly cleaning, personal care, allied health visits, meals, transport |
| Level 3 — Intermediate | $39,400/year | ~$108/day | Needs frequent help with daily tasks, may have mild cognitive issues | Daily personal care, nursing visits, equipment, home modifications, case management |
| Level 4 — High | $59,800/year | ~$164/day | High-level care needs, complex health conditions, may otherwise need residential care | 20+ hours/week support, nursing, overnight care, specialised equipment, full case management |
Important: These amounts are the total government subsidy before provider fees. Most providers charge 15–25% in administration and case management fees, which comes out of your package budget. A $18,100 Level 2 package might only deliver $13,500–$15,400 in actual services after fees. Always ask providers for their fee schedule before signing.
What Each Level Actually Covers
Level 1 — Basic Care ($10,300/year)
For people who are mostly independent but need a little help to stay safe at home. Equivalent to about 2–3 hours of support per week.
Typical Services
- ● Fortnightly house cleaning (2 hours)
- ● Monthly transport to medical appointments
- ● Basic garden maintenance (lawn mowing)
- ● Social support (companionship visits)
- ● Meal preparation assistance (weekly)
NOT Typically Covered
- ● Daily personal care
- ● Nursing visits
- ● Major home modifications
- ● Equipment hire
- ● Overnight support
Level 2 — Low-Level Care ($18,100/year)
The most common package level. For people who need regular help with daily activities but aren't at risk of needing residential care soon. About 5–7 hours of support per week.
Typical Services
- ● Weekly house cleaning (2–3 hours)
- ● Personal care assistance (showering, dressing)
- ● Nursing visits (monthly health check)
- ● Allied health (physiotherapy, podiatry)
- ● Transport to appointments (weekly)
- ● Delivered meals (3–5 per week)
- ● Garden maintenance
Can Also Include
- ● Minor home modifications (grab rails)
- ● Continence products
- ● Social group attendance
- ● Emergency personal alarm (pendant)
- ● Assistive technology
- ● Carer respite (limited)
- ● Pharmacy delivery
Level 3 — Intermediate Care ($39,400/year)
For people with complex care needs who require frequent assistance. About 10–15 hours of support per week. Often includes clinical nursing care and allied health.
Typical Services
- ● Daily personal care (morning assistance)
- ● Weekly nursing visits (wound care, medications)
- ● Regular allied health (physio, OT, speech)
- ● Daily meal delivery
- ● Regular transport
- ● House cleaning and laundry
- ● Case management
Also Commonly Included
- ● Home modifications (bathroom conversion, ramps)
- ● Equipment (hospital bed, wheelchair, walker)
- ● Dementia-specific support
- ● Medication management (Webster packs)
- ● Carer respite (up to 63 days/year residential)
- ● Psychology or counselling
- ● Assistive technology and monitoring
Level 4 — High-Level Care ($59,800/year)
The highest level of home support. For people who would otherwise need residential aged care. 20+ hours of support per week. Comprehensive clinical and personal care.
Typical Services
- ● Daily personal care (morning and evening)
- ● Multiple nursing visits per week
- ● Overnight care or sleepover support
- ● Complex wound management
- ● Specialised dementia care
- ● Full meal preparation and delivery
- ● Comprehensive allied health program
Also Commonly Included
- ● Significant home modifications ($10,000+)
- ● Specialised equipment (hoists, electric beds)
- ● Palliative care support
- ● Full case management
- ● Regular carer respite
- ● Continence management program
- ● 24/7 emergency response
How to Apply for a Home Care Package
Call My Aged Care
Phone 1800 200 422 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm, Sat 10am–2pm). A contact centre operator will do an initial screening to determine eligibility. You'll need the person's Medicare number, date of birth, and a description of what help they need.
ACAT/ACAS Assessment
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria) assessor visits the home — usually within 2–6 weeks. The assessment takes 1–2 hours and covers physical health, cognitive function, social situation, current support, and home environment. The assessor recommends a package level.
Approval Letter
You'll receive a letter confirming the approved package level and a referral code. This code is valid for 56 days (you can request an extension). If you disagree with the assessed level, you can request a review through My Aged Care.
Choose a Provider
Search the My Aged Care provider finder (myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider) or ask for recommendations. Compare at least 3 providers on fees, services, and flexibility. You can change providers later if you're not satisfied (14-day notice period).
Start Services
Once you've signed with a provider, services can begin within 1–2 weeks. The provider creates a care plan with you, outlining what services will be delivered, when, and by whom. The plan is reviewed every 12 months or when needs change.
Costs & Means Testing
Home Care Packages are government-subsidised but not entirely free. There are two types of fees the recipient may need to pay.
Basic Daily Fee (Everyone)
All HCP recipients pay a basic daily fee of up to $12.48 per day ($4,555/year). This is set at 17.5% of the single basic Age Pension. Your provider cannot charge more than this amount, but they can charge less. Some providers waive it for hardship cases.
Note: This fee is the same for all package levels.
Income-Tested Care Fee (Higher Income)
If the recipient's income is above the full pension amount, Services Australia calculates an additional income-tested care fee. This is capped at $16,511/year and has a lifetime cap of $79,652. Full pensioners and those on very low incomes pay $0.
Services Australia (Centrelink) automatically assesses this when you apply.
Key point: Even with maximum fees, the recipient never pays more than a fraction of the total package cost. A Level 4 package worth $59,800/year would cost the recipient a maximum of ~$21,000/year (basic fee + income-tested fee) — the government covers the rest. For full pensioners, the cost is just the basic daily fee of ~$4,555/year.
Waiting Times by State (Average, 2025–2026)
| State | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 1–3 months | 3–6 months | 6–9 months | 9–12 months |
| VIC | 1–3 months | 3–6 months | 6–12 months | 9–15 months |
| QLD | 1–2 months | 2–5 months | 5–8 months | 8–12 months |
| WA | 1–3 months | 3–6 months | 6–9 months | 9–12 months |
| SA | 1–2 months | 2–4 months | 4–7 months | 6–10 months |
| TAS | 1–2 months | 2–4 months | 3–6 months | 6–9 months |
While you wait: If you're approved for Level 3 or 4 but packages aren't available, you may be offered an interim lower-level package (e.g., Level 2 while waiting for Level 3). Accept it — you still move up when your level becomes available, and you get some support in the meantime.
Choosing a Provider: What to Ask
Your provider manages your package budget and coordinates services. The wrong provider can consume 30%+ of your package in fees, leaving little for actual care. Here's what to compare.
| Question | Good Answer | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| What are your total fees? | 15–20% of package for admin + case management combined | Over 25%, or fees listed separately to disguise total |
| Is there an exit fee? | No exit fee or maximum 14 days' basic daily fee | Large exit fee ($500+) or long lock-in period |
| Can I self-manage services? | Yes — we support self-management and direct hiring | "We prefer to use our own staff exclusively" |
| How often do you review my care plan? | Every 3–6 months, or whenever your needs change | "We do an annual review" |
| What happens to unspent funds? | They accumulate in your package for future use | "Unspent funds are forfeited" (this is illegal) |
| Can I see a monthly statement? | Yes — detailed monthly statements showing all charges | Quarterly statements only, or vague categories |
| What are your after-hours arrangements? | On-call coordinator and emergency response plan | "Call 000 for emergencies" (no after-hours support) |
Interim Support While Waiting for a Package
Waiting months for a Home Care Package doesn't mean going without help. Several services are available immediately or within weeks.
CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme)
Entry-level support for over-65s. Covers cleaning, transport, meals, social groups, and basic personal care. Lower cost, quicker access. Call My Aged Care 1800 200 422.
Usually 2–4 weeksPrivate Home Care
Pay privately for services at $35–$60/hour. No waiting list, full choice of services and timing. Can be expensive but bridges the gap. Some private costs are tax-deductible.
ImmediateRespite Care
Residential respite (up to 63 days/year) or in-home respite for carers. Gives the family a break while the elderly person is safe. Available through My Aged Care.
2–6 weeksState Government Programs
Each state runs additional programs. VIC: Home Renovation Scheme. QLD: Home Assist Secure. NSW: Community Transport. Check your state government website for local options.
Varies by stateHow Daily Calls Complement a Home Care Package
Home Care Packages provide physical support — cleaning, meals, nursing. But they don't cover the hours between visits. A carer comes for 2 hours in the morning; what about the other 22 hours? Daily wellness calls fill that gap.
Between-Visit Monitoring
HCP carers visit for specific hours. A daily phone call checks in during the long stretches between visits — detecting falls, confusion, missed medications, or mood changes that the carer won't see until their next scheduled visit.
Medication Compliance
HCP providers can set up Webster packs and medication reminders, but they can't ensure medications are actually taken on non-visit days. A daily call asks: "Have you taken your medications today?" — a simple prompt that improves compliance by up to 30%.
Family Reporting
HCP providers send periodic care reports. Daily calls give families real-time insight: "Mum sounded confused today" or "Dad said he hasn't been sleeping." This early warning system helps families and providers adjust care before problems escalate.
Key Contacts
| Service | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| My Aged Care | 1800 200 422 | Start the assessment process, find providers, check package status |
| Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) | 1800 700 600 | Free advocacy if you have complaints about your provider or assessment |
| Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission | 1800 951 822 | Report concerns about provider quality or safety |
| Services Australia (Centrelink) | 132 300 | Income assessment, fee calculations, pension queries |
| DVA (Veterans) | 1800 555 254 | Veterans may be eligible for VHC instead of or in addition to HCP |
| Carer Gateway | 1800 422 737 | Support for people caring for elderly family members |
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