The Support at Home (SAH) Program funds a wide range of services designed to help older Australians remain living safely, independently and comfortably at home. Your approved classification and care plan determine which services you can access.
Approved services fall into three main categories: Clinical Supports, Independence Services, and Everyday Living Services.
Clinical Supports
These services address health needs and are fully funded by the government when they form part of your assessed Support Plan.
Examples include:
Nursing care (wound care, medication management, continence care, clinical monitoring)
Allied health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech therapy, dietetics and others when assessed as necessary)
Independence Services
These services support your ability to manage daily activities, maintain mobility and stay socially connected.
Examples include:
Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance)
Respite care to support carers
Transport or escort for essential appointments or health-related activities
Social support or companionship to reduce isolation or help participate in essential community activities
Everyday Living Services
These services help maintain a safe and functional home environment.
Examples include:
Domestic assistance: basic cleaning, laundry, dishes, light housekeeping
Meal preparation or support with delivered meals when this forms part of the Support Plan
Home maintenance or minor repairs when required for safety, accessibility, or essential functioning (for example: replacing a faulty light bulb, repairing a loose step)
Additional Pathways and Short-Term Supports
Eligible members may also access short-term Support at Home pathways:
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme for approved equipment and home modifications
Restorative or Reablement supports to regain or maintain independence after illness, injury or a functional decline
End-of-Life support for those in their final months
These supports require assessment and are time-limited.
Services Not Covered Under Support at Home
Support at Home funding can only be used for services listed in the official SAH Service List and included in your assessed Support Plan.
Services that are for lifestyle, convenience or general household upkeep are not covered.
Examples of excluded services include:
General house deep-cleans or spring cleans
Window cleaning and gutter cleaning
Garden maintenance that is not related to safety or essential access
Taxi fares or private transport for shopping, social outings or personal errands
Cosmetic home improvements, renovations, or discretionary maintenance
Pet care or pet-related expenses
Any service not directly linked to safety, independence, health or essential daily functioning
Important: Exclusions Are Always Exclusions
Under the Support at Home Program, any service listed as an exclusion is always excluded.
This means:
It cannot be purchased using SAH funds
It cannot be reimbursed
It cannot be approved on a case-by-case basis
It cannot be justified using clinical notes, OT assessments, safety concerns or member preference
It remains excluded even if it was funded previously under a Home Care Package
This is one of the biggest changes from the Home Care Package program. Exclusions under SAH are strict and non-negotiable.
Summary
Support at Home funds essential services that enable safe and independent living.
It does not fund general household maintenance, lifestyle services or convenience tasks.
All funded services must meet an assessed need and align with your Support Plan.