Support at Home Classifications 2 and 3 (former HCP Level 2) 2026

Key points

• Support at Home Classifications 2 and 3 provide approximately $16,034 and $21,966 per year, the closest equivalents to the former Level 2 Home Care Package
• These classifications suit low-level to moderate care needs
• Cover personal care, domestic help, transport, basic allied health, and social support
• There is no basic daily fee. Contributions are service-based, with a lifetime cap of around $130,000
• You need an assessment under the Single Assessment System through My Aged Care to qualify

History: Before 1 November 2025, this band of care was the Level 2 Home Care Package, which provided about $17,346 per year under the old four-level system. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on that date, and the closest current equivalents are Classifications 2 and 3.

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What are Support at Home Classifications 2 and 3?

Classifications 2 and 3 cover the low-level to moderate care band, the closest equivalent to what was the Level 2 Home Care Package before 1 November 2025. They are designed for older people who need regular help with daily activities but can still manage most aspects of their life independently.

This is where home care starts to feel like real support. Unlike Classification 1, which covers mostly domestic help and transport, these classifications include personal care, meaning help with things like showering, dressing, and managing medications.

Most people in this band are dealing with a combination of age-related slowdown and one or two health conditions. They can still live independently, but doing so safely requires regular assistance.

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How much funding do you get?

Classification 2 provides approximately $16,034 per year and Classification 3 approximately $21,966 per year (figures current as of June 2026).

Under Support at Home, 10% of your budget is deducted for care management, and the remaining 90% is available for direct services. This is more predictable than the old Home Care Package system, where administration and care management fees varied widely between providers.

Confirm current classification budgets at health.gov.au and myagedcare.gov.au.

History: Under the former Level 2 Home Care Package (before 1 November 2025), funding was about $17,346 per year, but providers could charge administration and care management fees of anywhere from 15% to 35%, which left between roughly $11,275 and $14,744 for actual care. The standardised 10% care management deduction under Support at Home is designed to make this more consistent.

Even so, providers still set their own service prices, so it remains worth comparing hourly rates before choosing a provider. Ask about:

• Care management (a standard 10% deduction)
• Hourly rates for each service type
• Any surcharges for weekend or public holiday services

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What services do Classifications 2 and 3 cover?

These classifications cover a broader range of services than Classification 1. Your care plan is tailored to your needs, so you will not use every service on this list.

Personal care

• Help with showering and bathing
• Assistance with dressing and grooming
• Toileting support
• Skin care and basic wound care
• Mobility assistance around the home

Domestic assistance

• Regular house cleaning
• Laundry and ironing
• Bed making and linen changes
• Kitchen and bathroom cleaning

Meal support

• Meal preparation and cooking
• Grocery shopping assistance
• Nutritional guidance
• Meals on Wheels coordination

Transport

• Medical and specialist appointments
• Allied health visits
• Social activities and outings
• Shopping trips

Basic allied health

• Podiatry (foot care)
• Basic physiotherapy
• Dietitian consultations
• Occupational therapy assessments

Medication management

• Medication reminders and prompting
• Help organising medication in Webster packs
• Liaison with pharmacy

Social support

• Companionship visits
• Community group participation
• Outings and activities
• Help staying connected with family

Garden and home

• Garden maintenance
• Minor home maintenance
• Safety checks (smoke alarms, trip hazards)

What these classifications do not typically stretch to:

• Frequent nursing care (wound management, catheter care)
• Complex allied health interventions
• Significant home modifications
• High-cost assistive technology and equipment
• Overnight or live-in care
• Regular respite care

If you need these services regularly, you likely require a higher classification (4 to 8). See our complete Support at Home guide for the full range.

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How many hours per fortnight?

With these classification budgets, after the 10% care management deduction, the hours you receive depend on your provider’s rates and the services you use. Basic support services (cleaning, transport) tend to cost $50 to $65 per hour. Personal care is usually $55 to $75 per hour. Allied health visits can cost $100 to $180 per session.

A typical fortnightly schedule at this band:

This is a realistic picture of care at this band. You get regular, structured support a few times per week, which is enough to keep most people with low-level needs safe and comfortable at home.

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Who are Classifications 2 and 3 for?

This band suits people who:

• Need regular help with personal care (showering, dressing)
• Cannot manage all household tasks independently
• Have one or two chronic conditions that require monitoring
• Need transport to regular appointments
• Are at risk of falls or safety issues at home
• Would benefit from social support and check-ins

Common scenarios for this band:

• An 80-year-old with mild arthritis who needs help showering and keeping the house clean
• A 75-year-old recovering from a hip replacement who needs ongoing support with mobility and daily tasks
• A couple in their late 70s where one partner is becoming the carer for the other and needs respite

If you are managing well with just occasional help (cleaning once a week, transport once a fortnight), Classification 1 might be sufficient. If you need frequent nursing care or complex health management, talk to your assessor about a higher classification.

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How to apply

The process is the same for all Support at Home classifications:

1. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au
2. Complete the initial screening (15 to 20 minutes)
3. Have your assessment at home under the Single Assessment System (about 1 hour, using the Integrated Assessment Tool)
4. Receive your approval with your assigned classification
5. Choose a provider when a place is released (you have 56 days, with a possible 28-day extension)
6. Start services after signing your service agreement

Once approved, you are placed in the national priority system. While waiting for a place, ask about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme for interim support.

Not sure which classification you need? Take our free care level quiz to estimate your care needs.

For a detailed guide to the assessment process, read our Support at Home eligibility guide.

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Costs and contributions

There is no basic daily fee under Support at Home. The old basic daily fee and income-tested care fee that applied to Home Care Packages were removed on 1 November 2025.

Instead, your contribution depends on the type of service:

• Clinical care (nursing, allied health): 0% for everyone
• Independence (personal care, assistive technology, home modifications): 5% for full pensioners, rising to 50% for self-funded retirees
• Everyday living (cleaning, meals, transport, social support): 17.5% for full pensioners, rising to 80% for self-funded retirees

From 1 October 2026, personal care moves into clinical care and becomes fully government funded.

Your total contributions are capped over your lifetime at around $130,000 (indexed). The value of your home is not included in the means assessment. For current rates, visit Services Australia.

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Classifications 2 and 3 vs other classifications

For a complete comparison of all eight classifications, read our Support at Home complete guide.

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From Level 2 to Support at Home

Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, the same day the new Aged Care Act 2024 commenced. If you held a Level 2 package, here is how it maps across and what changed.

Level 2 mapping to Support at Home classifications

The former Level 2 Home Care Package (about $17,346 per year) maps to Support at Home Classification 2 or 3, depending on your assessed needs:

The current system is more granular, with 8 classifications instead of 4 levels. This means funding can better match your actual needs.

How the transition worked

If you held a Level 2 package before 1 November 2025:

• You transitioned to Support at Home and the government guaranteed you are “no worse off”
• Future reassessment runs under the Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool, not the old ACAT process
• Your existing provider can continue delivering services under the new system

Key features of Support at Home

1. Service categories

Support at Home groups services into:

• Clinical care: nursing, therapies, medication management, and (from 1 October 2026) personal care, all fully government funded
• Independence: personal care (until 1 October 2026), assistive technology, home modifications
• Everyday living: domestic assistance, meals, transport, social support

From 1 October 2026, personal care (showering, dressing, grooming, non-clinical continence, eating, hygiene, and help self-administering medication) moves into clinical care and becomes fully government funded, with no participant contribution. Until then it sits in independence.

2. Provider choice and flexibility

Under Support at Home, you choose a registered provider, you can switch providers, and unspent funds transfer with you.

3. The fee model changed

The basic daily fee and income-tested care fee were removed. Contributions are now service-based, and a lifetime contribution cap of around $130,000 applies. For most people this is comparable to or lower than the old system.

For detailed information on Support at Home funding, see our guides to classification levels 1-3 and levels 4-6.

What you should do now

If you are applying now: New applicants are assessed under Support at Home and matched to a classification.

If you transitioned from a Level 2 package:

• Continue using your funding as normal
• Watch for any reassessment notices
• Talk to your provider about how your funding maps to the new system

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Real cost examples: what Classifications 2 and 3 buy in 2026

Here are realistic scenarios based on 2026 provider rates. Under Support at Home, 10% of your budget is deducted for care management, leaving 90% for direct services.

Example 1: Classification 2 ($16,034/year)

Annual budget: $16,034 Care management (10%): $1,603 Available for care: $14,431 per year ($1,203 per month)

Typical hourly rates:

• Personal care: $60/hour
• Domestic assistance: $55/hour
• Transport: $50/hour
• Allied health: $120/session

Fortnightly schedule:

• 2 x personal care (shower assistance): 2 hours x $60 = $120
• 1 x domestic cleaning: 2 hours x $55 = $110
• 1 x grocery shopping and meal prep: 1.5 hours x $55 = $82.50
• 1 x transport to medical appointment: 1.5 hours x $50 = $75
• 1 x social outing or companionship: 1 hour x $55 = $55

Fortnightly total: $442.50 Annual cost: $11,505 Budget remaining: $2,926 (for allied health visits, emergencies, or respite)

Example 2: Classification 3 ($21,966/year)

Annual budget: $21,966 Care management (10%): $2,197 Available for care: $19,769 per year ($1,647 per month)

Typical hourly rates:

• Personal care: $65/hour
• Domestic assistance: $58/hour
• Transport: $52/hour
• Allied health: $130/session

Fortnightly schedule:

• 3 x personal care: 3 hours x $65 = $195
• 1 x domestic cleaning: 2 hours x $58 = $116
• 1 x meal prep: 1.5 hours x $58 = $87
• 1 x transport: 1.5 hours x $52 = $78
• 1 x social support: 1 hour x $58 = $58
• 1 x allied health (fortnightly): $130

Fortnightly total: $664 Annual cost: $17,264 Budget remaining: $2,505

The impact of service prices: Even with a standard 10% care management deduction, providers set their own service prices. Comparing hourly rates can mean several more hours of care per year.

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How to choose the right provider

Selecting a provider is one of the most important decisions you will make. The wrong provider can mean fewer care hours, poor service quality, and frustration. Here is how to choose wisely.

1. Compare service prices and transparency

What to request:

• Full price list showing hourly rates for each service type
• Sample invoice showing how charges are calculated
• Any additional fees (cancellation, travel, weekend surcharges)

Questions to ask:

• What are your hourly rates for personal care, domestic help, and transport?
• Do you charge travel time separately?
• What happens to my unspent funds?

Red flags:

• Providers who will not provide a written price list
• Vague or evasive answers about costs
• Prices significantly higher than competitors without clear justification

For detailed guidance on provider selection, see our how to choose a home care provider guide.

2. Check service flexibility

Support at Home works best when providers are flexible about scheduling and service types.

Questions to ask:

• Can I adjust my care plan month to month as my needs change?
• How much notice do I need to give to change or cancel a service?
• Do you offer weekend and evening services?
• Can I “bank” hours for larger purchases (like allied health visits)?

Good providers:

• Allow you to customize your care plan
• Respond quickly to changing needs
• Offer flexible scheduling
• Communicate clearly about budget tracking

Poor providers:

• Lock you into rigid schedules
• Charge high cancellation fees
• Take weeks to adjust your care plan

3. Assess staff continuity and quality

Having the same care worker visit regularly builds trust and improves care quality.

Questions to ask:

• Will I have a regular care worker, or will it rotate?
• What qualifications do your care staff have?
• How do you handle staff absences?
• What is your staff turnover rate?

Good providers:

• Assign dedicated care workers
• Introduce backup staff before your regular worker takes leave
• Invest in staff training and development

4. Evaluate communication and support

Questions to ask:

• Who is my main contact person if I have questions?
• How do I track my budget and spending?
• How often will we review my care plan?
• What is your complaints process?

Good providers:

• Assign a dedicated care coordinator
• Provide regular budget statements (monthly or quarterly)
• Conduct care plan reviews every 3 to 6 months
• Respond to calls and emails within 24 hours

5. Use trial periods wisely

Many providers offer a 3-month trial period. Use this time to evaluate:

• Whether the care quality meets your expectations
• If invoices are clear and accurate
• How responsive the provider is to concerns
• Whether you are getting value for money

If you are not satisfied after 3 months, switch providers. Your unspent funds transfer with you, and you are not locked in.

Switching providers

If your current provider is not meeting your needs:

1. Research and contact 2 to 3 alternative providers
2. Compare fees, services, and reviews
3. Give your current provider written notice (usually 14 days)
4. Notify My Aged Care of the change
5. Your funds transfer to the new provider within 14 days

You can switch providers as many times as needed. Do not stay with a poor provider out of loyalty or fear of inconvenience.

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Getting more from your funding

Stack your hours strategically. Instead of spreading your hours thin across 5 days, concentrate services on 2 or 3 days. This reduces travel time charges and gives you more actual care.

Use community programs alongside your funding. Many councils and community organisations offer free or low-cost services like social groups, Meals on Wheels, and transport. These supplement your funded hours.

Review your care plan regularly. Your needs change over time. Review your care plan with your provider every few months to make sure your hours are going where they matter most.

Know when to request reassessment. If you are consistently running out of hours, or if you need services beyond what your classification budget covers (like regular nursing care), contact My Aged Care for a reassessment to a higher classification.

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Frequently asked questions

How much funding do Classifications 2 and 3 provide?

Classification 2 provides approximately $16,034 per year and Classification 3 approximately $21,966 (June 2026). Under Support at Home, 10% is deducted for care management, leaving 90% for direct services. The former Level 2 Home Care Package provided about $17,346 before 1 November 2025.

How many hours per fortnight?

It depends on the services used and your provider’s rates. Basic support costs $50 to $65 per hour and personal care $55 to $75 per hour, so the budget buys more hours when used for lower-cost services.

What is the difference between Classification 1 and Classifications 2 to 3?

Classification 1 (about $10,731/year) covers basic domestic help and transport. Classifications 2 and 3 (about $16,034 and $21,966/year) add regular personal care, medication management, and basic allied health.

Can I get personal care with Classification 2 or 3?

Yes. Personal care, including help with showering, dressing, grooming, and toileting, is covered. From 1 October 2026, personal care becomes fully government funded with no participant contribution.

How long is the wait?

Once approved, you are placed in the national priority system. When a place is released you have 56 days to choose a provider, with a possible 28-day extension. You can access the Commonwealth Home Support Programme for interim services while waiting.

Can I switch providers?

Yes. You can change providers at any time. Your unspent funds transfer to your new provider. Give your current provider the required notice period.

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Resources

• My Aged Care - register and apply for home care
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission - provider quality ratings
• Services Australia: aged care - means assessment and contributions
• Department of Health: Support at Home - official information

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Find a provider

The right provider means more of your budget going to actual care. Carevo connects you with aged care providers so you can compare service prices and offerings before committing.

Get matched with the right provider or call 1800 953 253 for help finding the right fit.