Getting started with
Support at Home
We know that navigating the path to getting extra care and support can feel challenging. To make things easier, we’ve outlined six simple steps to help you get started with accessing home care services. Our team is here to assist you at any stage along the way.
Step 2
Register with My Aged Care
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or via their website myagedcare.gov.au
My Aged Care will complete an application to check your eligibility for an assessment, this application can be completed three ways.
- An online application will take around 15 to 20 minutes and you will need your Medicare Card handy to complete the process
- If you would prefer to speak with someone or do not have a Medicare Card the same application process can be completed over the phone.
- If you would prefer to apply in person you can make an appointment at a Services Australia location with an Aged Care Specialist Officer. To make an appointment please call 1800 227 475.
Get assistance from our friendly staff
If you have any questions about how to do this, please call us on 1300 478 776 and a friendly Mercy Health staff member would be happy to assist.
Get assistance from our friendly staff
If you have any questions about how to do this, please call us on 1300 478 776 and a friendly Mercy Health staff member would be happy to assist.
Step 3
Eligibility assessment
Once you have registered with My Aged Care, you will be allocated to an assessment organisation using the Single Assessment System, which replaced RAS and ACAT/ACAS.
Someone from the single assessment team will contact you to arrange a time to complete the assessment. Assessors use the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to evaluate your needs holistically.
Under Support at Home, clients will receive tailored support based on their individual needs as assessment by the Single Assessment System. Clients will be assigned priority ratings during the assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
This process will allow for faster access to services and interim funding if needed.
After the assessment you will receive a notice of decision. Step 4 outlines what will be included in that notice of decision.
Connect with a dedicated care advisor
Through its Care Advisory Service, Mercy Health can connect you with a dedicated care advisor who can assist you in understanding the assessment process and preparing for your assessment.
Connect with a dedicated care advisor
Through its Care Advisory Service, Mercy Health can connect you with a dedicated care advisor who can assist you in understanding the assessment process and preparing for your assessment.
Step 4
Your assessment results
After the assessment, you will receive a letter or email from My Aged Care confirming your eligibility for Support at Home services.
This communication includes:
- Your client classification (e.g. Support at Home Participant, Grandfathered Home Care Package (HCP) Client).
- A summary of your Support Plan.
- Information about your budget allocation across service categories.
- You will receive an access approval.
- A referral code which you will need to provide your provider.
- Instructions on next steps, including choosing a provider.
Under Support at Home, there are 8 classifications, with budgets released quarterly.
| Classification | Quarterly Budget | Approximate annual amount |
| Level 1 | $ 2,750 | $ 11,000 |
| Level 2 | $ 4,000 | $ 16,000 |
| Level 3 | $ 5,550 | $ 22,000 |
| Level 4 | $ 7,500 | $ 30,000 |
| Level 5 | $ 10,000 | $ 40, 000 |
| Level 6 | $ 12,000 | $ 48,000 |
| Level 7 | $ 14,500 | $ 58,000 |
| Level 8 | $ 19,500 | $ 78,000 |
Restorative Care Pathway
The restorative care pathway gives you a budget of around $6,000 for 16 weeks. If your restorative care providers decides you need extra services in the 16 week period, they can apply for up to another $6,000.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)
The assistive technology funding tiers are
| Funding Tier | Amount |
| Low | Under $500 |
| Medium | Up to $2,000 |
| High | Up to $15,000 |
The home modification funding tiers are
| Funding Tier | Amount |
| Low | Under $500 |
| Medium | Up to $2,000 |
| High | Up to $15,000 |
End of life pathway
A total of $25,000 will be available per participant over a 12-week period, with a total of 16 weeks to use the funds.
Get help to understand your letter
These letters can be confusing. If you are unsure about a letter you have received, please give our friendly team a call on 1300 478 776 and someone will be happy to explain everything.
Step 5
How to find the home care provider that is right for you
While waiting for your Support at Home approval, call the Mercy Health Client Enquiry Centre on 1300 478 776 to start the conversation about how our services can fit your individual needs.
Important things to consider when choosing a home care provider:
Get started now
You’ve gathered all the crucial information and we hope will choose Mercy Health as the best provider for your needs. Now, it’s time to take the next step towards exceptional care. Contact us today to commence your Home Care services and experience the support and services you deserve.
Get started now
You’ve gathered all the crucial information and we hope will choose Mercy Health as the best provider for your needs. Now, it’s time to take the next step towards exceptional care. Contact us today to commence your Home Care services and experience the support and services you deserve.
Step 6
Activating your services
When you have been assigned support under Support at Home, we advise that you contact us as soon as possible with your referral code to commence your home care services.
A member of our team will contact you to walk you through step by step of all the relevant details needed to get you on your way to having the care and services you require.
Need more help?
Contact us at any time for assistance with the Support at Home application process or to discuss your care options.
Need more help?
Contact us at any time for assistance with the Support at Home application process or to discuss your care options.