What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government subsidy that helps older Australians who need support to live independently at home. The government pays a set amount to an approved provider, who coordinates the services you need.
Packages are available at four levels, from basic support through to high-level care. You must have an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment to be assigned a level.
The four package levels
| Level | Care needs | Annual subsidy (approx.) | Weekly hours (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic | $10,271 | 2–3 hrs/week |
| Level 2 | Low-level | $17,935 | 4–5 hrs/week |
| Level 3 | Intermediate | $39,029 | 9–10 hrs/week |
| Level 4 | High-level | $59,193 | 15–16 hrs/week |
What services are covered?
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Nursing and clinical care
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Transport to appointments
- Social support and companionship
- Allied health (physio, occupational therapy)
- Minor home modifications (grab rails, ramps)
Not covered: Permanent accommodation costs, food and groceries, rent or mortgage payments, entertainment, or services unrelated to care needs.
What does it cost?
| Fee type | Who pays it? | Amount (approx., Level 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic daily fee | Everyone | $11.40/day ($4,161/yr) |
| Income-tested fee | Higher income recipients | Up to $33,309/yr |
| Government subsidy | Government pays provider | $59,193/yr (Level 4) |
Income-tested fee: If your income is above $30,740/year (single), you pay 50% of the excess toward the income-tested fee — subject to annual and lifetime caps.
Wait times
| Level | Typical wait |
|---|---|
| Level 1–2 | 1–6 months |
| Level 3–4 | 6–18 months |
While waiting for your assigned level, you may be offered a lower-level package as an interim measure. Accept it — the budget accumulates even while you wait.
How to apply
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register and request an ACAT assessment.
- Complete the ACAT assessment — an assessor visits your home to evaluate care needs.
- Receive your approval letter with your assigned package level.
- Choose a provider from the My Aged Care find-a-provider tool.
- Sign a home care agreement with your chosen provider and begin services.
Tip: Register with My Aged Care as early as possible — even if care is not needed immediately. Wait times mean early registration leads to earlier access.