Eligibility & How to Apply | Support at Home | RusCare

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Eligibility & How to Apply

Your step-by-step guide to accessing Support at Home services. Learn if you're eligible, understand the assessment process, and discover how to get started with aged care support that helps you live independently at home.

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Am I Eligible?

Support at Home Eligibility Criteria

To access Support at Home, you need to meet the Australian Government's eligibility requirements. The program is designed to help older Australians live independently at home for longer.

Age Requirements

Generally aged 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Living at Home

You're living at home (or planning to return home) and want to remain in your own home with appropriate support services.

Need for Support

You require coordinated services to help with daily activities, clinical care, or maintaining your independence and quality of life.

No Citizenship or Residency Restrictions

There are no specific citizenship or residency requirements for Support at Home. However, services are prioritised for those with the greatest assessed needs. You'll need to undergo a comprehensive aged care assessment to determine your eligibility and appropriate level of support.

The Assessment Process

Understanding Your Aged Care Assessment

A trained aged care assessor will evaluate your needs through the Single Assessment System. This comprehensive assessment determines your eligibility, classification, and the services you can access.

Register with My Aged Care

Contact My Aged Care to register your interest and undergo an initial screening. You'll have a short phone interview to discuss your current situation and needs.

Phone: 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm)
Online: Visit MyAgedCare.gov.au to register
In Person: Speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at Services Australia
Language Support: Translating and Interpreting Service available

In-Home Assessment

A trained assessor will visit your home to conduct a comprehensive face-to-face evaluation of your care needs, living situation, and support requirements.

Assessment takes place at your home at a time convenient for you
Have a family member or friend present for support if you wish
Be honest about all challenges you face in daily life
Prepare a list of questions or concerns beforehand
Discuss your goals and what's important to you

Receive Your Assessment Outcome

After your assessment, you'll receive a Notice of Decision letter and an individual support plan detailing your approved classification and services.

Your classification (1-8) determines your quarterly budget
List of approved services you can access
Approval for short-term supports if applicable (AT-HM, Restorative Care, End-of-Life)
Summary of your aged care needs and goals
Information to share with your chosen provider

Choose Your Service Provider

Once approved, you can choose RusCare or another provider to deliver your Support at Home services. Services can begin immediately - no waiting list!

Contact RusCare: (03) 9793 5955 or reception@ruscare.com.au
Discuss your needs and preferences
Review and sign your service agreement
Develop your personalised care plan together
Start receiving services tailored to your goals

What Assessors Look At

Your assessor will evaluate your daily living needs, health conditions, social support, existing informal care arrangements, physical environment, and overall wellbeing. They'll consider your functional capacity, mobility, cognitive function, and any specific requirements like cultural needs or language preferences. The assessment determines which of the 8 classifications best matches your needs and whether you're eligible for any short-term pathways.

Classifications

Understanding Your Support Classification

Support at Home has 8 ongoing service classifications that determine your quarterly budget and the services you can access. Your classification is assigned based on your assessed needs.

8 Levels of Support

Learn about each classification from basic to maximum support

Quarterly Budgets

Understand funding levels and service costs

Program Overview

Complete guide to Support at Home services

Can I Request a Re-Assessment?

Yes! If your needs change over time, you can request a re-assessment to review your classification. Your provider can help you initiate this process, or you can contact My Aged Care directly. Re-assessments ensure your support level remains appropriate as your circumstances evolve.

Transition Guide

Already Receiving Home Care Packages?

If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), you'll automatically transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Here's what you need to know.

No Worse Off Guarantee

If you were receiving an HCP, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible on or before 12 September 2024, you'll maintain the same or better funding level under Support at Home.

Same or higher funding
Same or lower contributions
Unspent funds carry over

Automatic Transition

Your Home Care Package will automatically convert to a Support at Home classification equivalent to your current HCP level. No new assessment is required unless your needs have changed.

HCP Level 2 → Classification 4
HCP Level 3 → Classification 6
HCP Level 4 → Classification 8

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the assessment process take?

The assessment process typically begins within 2-4 weeks after registration with My Aged Care. The in-home assessment itself usually takes 1-2 hours. You'll receive your assessment outcome letter within a few weeks, and services can begin immediately once you choose a provider.

Can I choose my service provider?

Yes! You have the freedom to choose any approved Support at Home provider, including RusCare. You can also change providers if you're not satisfied with your current services. We encourage you to research providers, ask questions, and select one that best meets your cultural, language, and care preferences.

Is there a waiting list for Support at Home?

No! Unlike the previous Home Care Packages Program, Support at Home does not have a national waiting list. Once you're assessed and approved, you can begin services immediately with your chosen provider. This is a significant improvement designed to ensure timely access to care.

What if my circumstances change after assessment?

If your care needs increase or decrease significantly, you can request a re-assessment at any time. Your provider can help you initiate this process, or you can contact My Aged Care directly. Re-assessments ensure your classification and services remain appropriate for your current needs.

Are there any costs or fees I need to pay?

Contributions vary based on your income, assets, and the type of services you receive. Clinical care (like nursing) is fully government-funded. Services supporting your independence and everyday living may require contributions. Full pensioners typically pay lower rates than self-funded retirees. Use the Support at Home fee estimator at MyAgedCare.gov.au to understand your potential costs.

Is there an age limit to access Support at Home?

There's no maximum age limit. Generally, you need to be 65 years or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). The program is designed to support older Australians regardless of how advanced in age they may be, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and assessed needs.

Need Help?

Get Support with Your Application

We're here to help you every step of the way. Contact us to discuss your eligibility, get assistance with your application, or learn more about Support at Home services.

My Aged Care

The first step to accessing Support at Home is registering with My Aged Care. Their team can answer questions about eligibility and the assessment process.

1800 200 422

MyAgedCare.gov.au

Contact RusCare

Our friendly team can guide you through the application process, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect from Support at Home.

(03) 9793 5955

reception@ruscare.com.au

Need Extra Help? Try These Services

Care Finders: Free service for vulnerable older people who need intensive help accessing aged care. Visit MyAgedCare.gov.au/help-care-finder to find a care finder in your area.

Aged Care Specialist Officers: Book a free face-to-face appointment at Services Australia by calling 1800 227 475.

Advocacy Support: If you have concerns about aged care, call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600 for free, confidential support.

Ready to Get Started?

Take the first step toward accessing Support at Home services. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the eligibility and application process.