Support at Home Classification 8

From 1 July 2026, Support at Home Classification 8 provides about $20,000 a quarter, or about $80,100 a year, in Australian Government funding. The exact amounts are $20,034.28 a quarter and $80,137.12 a year. Classification 8 receives the highest level of funding under the program, to reflect complex or intensive needs. The Government indexes these amounts each July, so they change from year to year.

Each quarter, 10% of your budget is set aside for care management. That leaves about $18,000 a quarter for your services.

Support at Home provides funding on a quarterly basis. The Australian Government sets your quarterly budget based on your assessment through the Single Assessment System. You can carry over unspent funds into the next quarter, up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is higher. This gives you flexibility to adjust your supports as your needs change throughout the year.

Your annual budget is the total of your four quarterly allocations. Although Support at Home is managed quarterly, knowing your approximate annual amount helps you plan, explore options and coordinate services more effectively.

People assessed at Classification 8 often need coordinated support across several areas of daily life. Your services are selected from three Support at Home categories: clinical care, independence supports and everyday living. The exact arrangement depends on your needs, goals and preferences.

Clinical care

These are professional health services delivered in your home. They help you manage medical needs without unnecessary hospital visits, and they focus on treatment, recovery and ongoing wellbeing.

• Nursing and wound care
• Allied health, such as physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy and dietetics
• Medication management
• Monitoring of chronic conditions
• Personal care, such as showering, dressing and grooming

Independence supports

These are practical supports that make daily living safer and give you confidence at home.

• Transport services for older people
• Social activities for older people, including group programs and outings
• Companionship and community connection programs
• Respite for carers, giving them time to rest or attend to their own needs

Everyday living

These are services that go beyond the basics. They help you maintain comfort and quality of life, ease the load on carers and keep you part of your community.

• Domestic assistance, such as cleaning and laundry
• Shopping assistance for older people and meal delivery

Your assessment and care plan guide the specific services you receive, so your support matches your lifestyle and goals.

You can use your Classification 8 budget for services, supports and equipment that relate directly to your assessed needs and personal goals. Every item or service must be reasonable, necessary and consistent with Government guidelines for safe and appropriate use of funding.
Your budget cannot be used for day-to-day living expenses such as rent, groceries, utilities or insurance. It also cannot be used for purchases unrelated to ageing, mobility or functional needs, entertainment, lifestyle, beauty or cosmetic costs, holidays, travel or accommodation, or services already covered by Medicare, the PBS or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

If Holdsworth supports you, your Care Partner will help you understand what is covered, what may need supporting documents and what falls outside the rules. Our role is to guide you clearly so you can use your funding with confidence and stay within your approved budget.

You may be eligible for Classification 8 if you have more intensive needs that require the highest level of ongoing support at home. To access these services, you must:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements for Support at Home, including age. My Aged Care can confirm whether you are eligible.
2. Have been assessed through the Government’s Single Assessment System.
3. Have needs that require higher levels of in-home care or ongoing clinical support.
If your circumstances change, your classification can be reviewed. Holdsworth can guide you through the reassessment process and help you prepare.

Getting started with Support at Home is simple, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Here are the key steps:

1. Contact My Aged Care at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 to request an assessment.
2. Have your assessment with a trained assessor, who decides your classification.
3. Choose your provider. Holdsworth helps you set up your funding, design your care plan and connect you with the right services.

If you need help navigating My Aged Care or understanding your options, our friendly team can provide guidance and local support. Reach out to us on 1300 882 962 for personalised advice.

Under Support at Home, the Australian Government funds a significant portion of your services. Your contribution depends on your income and on the type of support you receive. The Government sets these contributions, not Holdsworth. Here is how they work:

• Clinical care is fully funded by the Australian Government.
• Independence supports may need a contribution of up to 50%.
• Everyday living services may need a contribution of up to 80%.

Each quarter, 10% of your budget is also set aside for care management. Your Care Partner can help explain how these contributions work and make sure you understand any costs before services begin. Holdsworth is committed to clear, transparent pricing, so you always know what to expect.

There are eight classifications under the Support at Home program, each reflecting different care needs. Classifications 1 and 2 offer light support, with occasional help for simple daily tasks and staying socially connected. Read more about Classification 1 and Classification 2.

Classifications 3 and 4 offer moderate support, with regular assistance with personal care, domestic tasks and community access. Read more about Classification 3 and Classification 4.

Classification 5 offers mid-upper support, with a balanced mix of health care, home help and social connection. Classifications 6 and 7 offer higher support, with frequent or intensive services that often include ongoing clinical care. Classification 8 offers very high or complex support, with comprehensive, tailored assistance for people with advanced needs.

Explore the full list on our Support at Home Program page.