Classification 1 Support at Home (formerly Level 1 Home Care Package)

Funded by the Australian Government, Support at Home Classification 1 can help with tasks like housework, cooking, personal care and grocery shopping, helping to make life at home safer and more convenient.

What is a Home Care Package Level 1?

Support at Home Classification 1 (which replaced Level 1 Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025) provides basic support to help with everyday living. It’s designed for those who are still independent and can do most of their daily activities.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides lighter, on-demand assistance, whereas the Classification 1 offers more consistent and tailored care. And because Home Care Packages are flexible, you can choose services from providers such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist that best suit your lifestyle and needs.

Support at Home with Holdsworth

At Holdsworth, we’re here to help you live confidently and comfortably at home with the right level of support. Our personalised care plans are shaped around your goals and preferences, balancing practical help with companionship and wellbeing support. 

With your own dedicated care partner advocating on your behalf, you and your family can be confident you’re getting the most out of your Support at Home Classification 1 funding today, and as your needs change over time. At every turn, we deliver care with compassion, dignity and respect — with your independence and standard of living always our first consideration.

Everything you need to know

Support at Home Classification 1 (which replaced Level 1 Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025) provides a quarterly budget of approximately $2,683 (approximately $10,731 annually), with 10% set aside for care management. This allows you to receive services that best fit your life and requirements. Your individual funding will be decided after you have had an aged care assessment (formerly known as ACAT/ACAS – Aged Care Assessment Team/Service), which is organised via My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Once approved, My Aged Care will confirm your Support at Home Classification 1 amount through your Notice of Decision and support plan. The actual cost depends on your chosen aged care provider and your participant contributions, which are based on your income and assets assessment by Services Australia.

A Support at Home classification is designed to provide you with the right level of care, which can include a little extra help with daily tasks or transport, so you can continue living independently in your own home. Funded by the Australian Government, the Support at Home program supports you with the right services while ensuring your independence and wellbeing remain a top priority.

Depending on your circumstances, your package may include:

Ready to get the support you need while staying independent at home? Talk to our friendly team today about Support at Home and find out how we can tailor your services to your needs.

Click here to book your FREE aged care at home consultation.

A Support at Home Classification 1 is for people with lower-level care needs — often just a helping hand with simple, everyday tasks that make life easier.

Allowable costs with a Level 1 Home Care Package may include:

Excluded costs include:

Assistance with showering, dressing, grooming and daily routines

Everyday living expenses such as rent, mortgage payments or utility bills

Support with cleaning and laundry

Food and groceries (unless they’re part of a prepared meals service)

Social support to keep you connected through activities, outings and companionship

Travel, holidays or other personal lifestyle costs

Meals and nutrition support, including assistance with groceries, meal planning and preparation

Medical items or services already covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Help with transport to appointments, shopping trips and social outings

Major home renovations or modifications that go beyond basic safety or accessibility needs

At Holdsworth, we focus your Support at Home Classification 1 funding on services that directly support your health, safety and independence — so you can live comfortably at home.

Our services also come with no set-up fees and no exit fees.

To qualify for Support at Home, you need to:

  • Be over 65 (or over 50 if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person)
  • Have basic care needs, such as some help with everyday tasks or transport
  • Complete an ACAT/ACAS assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team/Service) through My Aged Care
  • Receive approval confirming your eligibility and package level

Once approved, you can find a Support at Home provider through My Aged Care. When your services are set up, you can choose Holdsworth to manage your care — making sure you get the most from your support funding.

Applying for Support at Home may feel overwhelming at first, but the process is straightforward — and you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how it works:

  1. Start with My Aged Care – Call 1800 200 422 or apply online through My Aged Care to begin your application.
  2. Have an ACAT/ACAS assessment – An assessor will call you at the phone number provided to schedule an assessment. During this assessment, it will be discussed your health, lifestyle and support needs.
  3. Receive your approval – You’ll be notified if you’re eligible for a Classification 1 Support at Home (or another level if your needs are different).
  4. Find a provider – Once approved, you can search for a Support at Home provider through My Aged Care.
  5. Choose your provider – Select a trusted provider like Holdsworth to set up and manage your care.

At Holdsworth, we’re here to make the process smooth and straightforward, guiding you every step of the way. If you’d like help applying — or just want to understand what’s involved — contact our friendly team and we’ll guide you through every step.

With Support at Home, most of your care is funded by the Australian Government. However, there are a few costs you should be aware of:

 

  • Participant contribution – This may apply depending on your income and assets, as assessed by Services Australia. The amount varies based on the type of service you receive (clinical, independence, or everyday living) and your individual financial circumstances. There is no contribution for clinical care services.
  • Income and assets tested contribution – This may apply if Services Australia assesses that you can contribute toward the cost of your care. The amount is based on your income and assets.
  • Care management fee – Under Support at Home, 10% of your quarterly budget is set aside for care management. This covers the coordination and oversight of your services.

With a Level 1 Home Care Package, most of your care is funded by the Australian Government. However, there are a few costs you should be aware of:

  • Basic daily fee – Many providers choose not to charge this, and Holdsworth does not.
  • Income-tested care fee – This may apply if Services Australia assesses that you can contribute toward the cost of your care. The amount is based on your individual income.
  • Care management and package management fees – These are taken from your package funds to cover the coordination and administration of your services. From November 2025, under the new Support at Home program, every provider will charge the same administration fee of 10%, ensuring consistency and transparency across the sector.

The final cost to you will depend on your personal circumstances and service provider. At Holdsworth, we’re committed to keeping fees fair and transparent. There are no set-up fees and no exit fees, so more of your funding goes directly toward your care.

Support at Home has 8 classifications, so you can get the right amount of support as your needs change:

  • Level 1 – A little help now and then with basic tasks around the home
  • Level 2 – Regular support to make daily living easier and safer
  • Level 3 – Extra help with frequent care needs, plus some health services
  • Level 4-8 – Increasing levels of support for more complex needs, helping you stay safe and comfortable at home

From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government introduced the Support At Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages and other aged care programs. The goal is to provide simpler, more flexible services.

If you were receiving a Home Care Package, your care was not affected — your services transitioned smoothly across to Support at Home.

Our team guided clients through the transition, answered questions and ensured care continued without disruption. If you have any questions about how the program works now, we’re here to help.

Why choose Holdsworth?

At Holdsworth, we know that quality care is about feeling supported, respected and connected. With personalised care plans, dedicated care managers and transparent, fair fees, we make sure your  Support at Home funding works for you, every step of the way.

If you’re ready to explore how Support at Home Level 1 funding can make life easier by providing aged care services at home or simply want to talk through your options, reach out to our friendly team today. We’re here to guide you with care and compassion.