Support at Home Levels 4-6: Intermediate Care
Andre Smith
Co-founder & CEO
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Key points
- Support at Home classifications 4, 5, and 6 cover intermediate care needs with annual funding of $29,696 to $48,114
- These classifications replaced the old Level 3 Home Care Package ($38,454/year) from November 2025
- Clinical services such as nursing and allied health are fully government-funded with no participant contribution
- Funding is split into quarterly budgets with rollover of up to $1,000 or 10% of your allocation
- Three service categories determine what you pay: clinical (free), independence (5-50%), and everyday living (17.5-80%)
- Reassessment is available if your care needs increase or decrease over time
What Are Levels 4-6?
Support at Home classifications 4, 5, and 6 sit in the middle of Australia’s eight-level aged care system. They are designed for people with moderate to intermediate care needs who require more than basic household help but do not yet need the intensive daily support provided at higher classifications.
If you or a family member need regular nursing visits, ongoing physiotherapy or occupational therapy, help with showering and dressing most days, and some domestic assistance on top, these are the classifications that apply.
Individual Classification Guides
- Classification 4: Moderate Care ($29,696/year)
- Classification 5: Moderate-High Care ($39,697/year)
- Classification 6: High Care Needs ($48,113/year)
Before November 2025, this level of care was covered by the Level 3 Home Care Package, which provided a flat $38,454 per year regardless of individual needs. The new system breaks that single level into three distinct classifications, so your funding more closely matches what you actually require.
For a broader overview of how the entire program works, see our Support at Home Program complete guide.
Funding Breakdown
Each classification comes with a set annual budget, paid in quarterly instalments. The government deducts 10% from each quarterly budget for care management, and the remaining amount goes directly toward your services.
| Classification | Quarterly budget | Annual total | After care management (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | $7,424.10 | $29,696.40 | $26,726.76 |
| 5 | $9,924.35 | $39,697.40 | $35,727.66 |
| 6 | $12,028.58 | $48,114.30 | $43,302.87 |
Source: Australian Government Department of Health
How quarterly budgets work
Your funding arrives in four instalments each year, released in July, October, January, and April. You do not receive the full annual amount up front. This quarterly structure helps with budgeting, but it also means you need to plan your service use across each period.
If you do not use your entire quarterly allocation, unspent funds can roll over to the next quarter. The rollover cap is $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater. For Classification 6, that means you could carry over up to $1,202.86 per quarter. Amounts above the cap are returned to the government.
Care management deduction
The 10% care management deduction covers your provider’s administrative costs. This includes care plan development, coordination of services, regular reviews, and My Aged Care reporting. Some providers may deliver more value from this 10% than others, so it is worth asking what care management activities are included.
Three Service Categories
Under Support at Home, your funding is spent across three service categories. Each category has different rules about what the government pays and what you contribute.
Clinical services
Clinical services include nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, and other allied health services. These are fully funded by the government. You pay nothing for clinical services regardless of your income or assets.
This is one of the most significant features of the new system. If you need regular nursing visits or weekly physiotherapy, the full cost comes from your budget with no personal contribution required.
Independence services
Independence services cover assistive technology, home modifications, and mobility support. Your contribution for these services ranges from 5% to 50% depending on your financial circumstances.
From 1 October 2026, personal care (showering, dressing, grooming, non-clinical continence, eating, hygiene, and help self-administering medication) moves into clinical supports and becomes fully government funded, with no participant contribution. Until 1 October 2026, contributions applied to personal care as an independence service.
Full pension recipients pay the lowest rate (5%), while self-funded retirees without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card pay the highest (50%).
Everyday living services
Everyday living services include domestic assistance, gardening, meal preparation, social support, and transport. These attract the highest contribution rates, ranging from 17.5% to 80% based on your income and assets.
The logic behind this structure is straightforward. Clinical care that directly affects your health and safety attracts zero contributions, and from 1 October 2026 personal care joins clinical supports and is fully government funded. Household tasks that most people would pay for regardless of age attract higher contributions.
| Service category | Examples | Contribution range |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical | Nursing, physiotherapy, OT, podiatry | 0% (fully funded) |
| Independence | Assistive technology, home mods (personal care moves to clinical, fully funded, from 1 Oct 2026) | 5% to 50% |
| Everyday living | Cleaning, gardening, meals, transport | 17.5% to 80% |
Source: My Aged Care
Lifetime contribution cap
Your total contributions across all aged care services are capped at $130,000 (as of November 2025, subject to annual indexation). This protects people who receive care over many years from paying indefinitely.
Services at Each Level
While the exact services you receive depend on your assessed needs and care plan, here is what each classification typically supports.
Classification 4 ($29,696/year)
Classification 4 suits people who need regular but not daily support. After the 10% care management deduction, you have approximately $26,727 per year for services.
Typical services include:
- Nursing visits once or twice per week
- Fortnightly physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- Personal care assistance 3 to 4 times per week
- Weekly domestic help (2 to 3 hours)
- Medication management support
- Basic home modifications (grab rails, non-slip surfaces)
- Occasional transport to medical appointments
At this level, you might receive around 8 to 12 hours of direct support per fortnight, depending on the mix of services and provider pricing.
Classification 5 ($39,697/year)
Classification 5 is for people whose needs are increasing. You may need daily personal care, more frequent nursing, and regular allied health input. After care management, approximately $35,728 is available for services.
Typical services include:
- Nursing visits 2 to 3 times per week
- Weekly allied health sessions (physio, OT, or both)
- Daily personal care assistance
- Regular meal preparation support
- Domestic help twice per week
- Continence management
- Home modifications and assistive technology
- Regular transport assistance
- Short-term respite care for family carers
At Classification 5, expect approximately 12 to 18 hours of support per fortnight. This level allows for a genuinely comprehensive care plan that addresses clinical, personal, and domestic needs together.
Classification 6 ($48,114/year)
Classification 6 is the highest of the intermediate classifications. It suits people with significant care needs who are still able to live at home with the right level of support. After care management, approximately $43,303 is available.
Typical services include:
- Nursing visits 3 to 5 times per week
- Multiple allied health sessions per week
- Twice-daily personal care assistance
- Daily meal preparation
- Regular domestic assistance
- Complex medication management
- Continence management
- Substantial home modifications
- Regular social support and community access
- Planned respite care
- Care coordination across multiple providers
At this level, you could receive 18 to 25 hours of support per fortnight. Classification 6 provides enough funding to manage quite complex care situations at home, including chronic disease management, post-surgical recovery, and progressive conditions.
Old Level 3 HCP Comparison
The old Level 3 Home Care Package provided a flat $38,454 per year. If you were on Level 3, you have been transitioned to one of the three intermediate classifications based on your reassessed needs.
| Feature | Old Level 3 HCP | Classification 4 | Classification 5 | Classification 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual funding | $38,454 | $29,696 | $39,697 | $48,114 |
| Care management | Provider-set (12-45%) | Fixed 10% | Fixed 10% | Fixed 10% |
| Clinical contributions | Included in package | $0 (fully funded) | $0 (fully funded) | $0 (fully funded) |
| Quarterly budgets | No (monthly) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unspent fund rollover | Accumulated in package | Capped quarterly | Capped quarterly | Capped quarterly |
| Waiting time | 6-12 months typical | Based on assessment | Based on assessment | Based on assessment |
Key differences to understand
Care management fees are now capped. Under the old system, providers could charge anywhere from 12% to 45% for administration and care management. Some providers charged over 40%, leaving very little funding for actual care. The new fixed 10% deduction is a significant improvement for most participants.
Clinical services are now free. Previously, nursing and allied health visits were paid from your package budget like any other service. Now, your contribution for clinical services is zero. This means more of your budget goes toward other support.
Funding may be higher or lower. If your needs closely matched old Level 3, you will likely land at Classification 5 ($39,697), which is slightly more than the old amount. If your needs were at the lower end of Level 3, you may be placed at Classification 4 ($29,696). If your needs were at the higher end, Classification 6 ($48,114) provides substantially more funding.
Quarterly budgets replace monthly allocations. Your funding now arrives in larger quarterly instalments rather than monthly. This requires slightly different budgeting but offers more flexibility within each quarter.
For more detail on what Level 3 covered and how the transition works, see our Level 3 Home Care Package guide.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for Support at Home classifications 4 to 6 is determined through the single assessment workforce, which replaced the old ACAT/ACAS assessment teams.
Assessment process
- Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or through the My Aged Care website
- Initial screening to confirm basic eligibility (age 65+, or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Comprehensive assessment by a member of the single assessment workforce, usually conducted in your home
- Classification determination based on the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT), which evaluates your care needs across multiple domains
- Approval and referral to find a provider
What assessors evaluate
The assessment covers your physical health, cognitive function, mobility, daily living activities, social participation, and home environment. The assessor considers what support you already receive from family or other sources and what additional funded support you need to remain safely at home.
For intermediate classifications (4-6), assessors are looking for people who:
- Need regular assistance with personal care activities
- Require ongoing nursing or allied health support
- Have chronic health conditions requiring monitoring
- Experience mobility limitations affecting daily activities
- Cannot maintain their home environment independently
- May have mild to moderate cognitive decline
Important note about the IAT
The Independent Assessment Tool has faced criticism since its introduction. Advocacy services have reported a significant increase in calls from people who believe their assessment underestimated their needs. If you feel your classification does not reflect your actual care requirements, you have the right to request a reassessment. Consider contacting the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600 for support.
Nursing at Home
One of the strongest features of classifications 4 to 6 is access to regular nursing care at home, with no personal contribution required.
What nursing services cover
- Wound care and management. Regular dressing changes, wound monitoring, and infection prevention
- Medication management. Administering medications, Webster pack setup, monitoring for side effects and interactions
- Chronic disease management. Ongoing monitoring of diabetes, heart failure, COPD, and other conditions
- Catheter and stoma care. Insertion, changes, and maintenance
- Post-hospital support. Recovery monitoring, medication changes, wound care after surgery
- Health assessments. Regular vital signs monitoring, fall risk assessment, and nutrition screening
- Palliative symptom management. Pain management and comfort care for progressive conditions
How nursing hours work
Your care plan will specify the frequency and duration of nursing visits based on your assessed needs. At Classification 4, this might be one to two visits per week. At Classification 6, you could receive nursing support most days of the week.
Because nursing is classified as a clinical service, the full cost is covered by the government. Your nursing hours do not reduce your budget for other services in the same way they did under the old system.
Allied Health Access
Allied health services are also classified as clinical support, meaning they are fully funded with no participant contribution.
Available allied health services
- Physiotherapy. Strength and balance programs, falls prevention, mobility improvement, pain management
- Occupational therapy. Home safety assessments, assistive technology recommendations, daily living strategies, home modification planning
- Speech pathology. Swallowing assessments, communication strategies, cognitive-linguistic support
- Podiatry. Foot care, diabetic foot assessments, orthotics
- Dietetics. Nutritional assessments, meal planning for health conditions, weight management
- Social work. Counselling, carer support, service navigation, advance care planning
Making the most of allied health
At classifications 4 to 6, you have enough funding to access multiple allied health disciplines simultaneously. A well-designed care plan might include weekly physiotherapy for strength and balance, fortnightly occupational therapy for home safety and equipment, and monthly podiatry for foot care.
The key is working with your provider to build a care plan that addresses your clinical needs proactively rather than reactively. Regular allied health input can prevent hospital admissions, reduce falls, and maintain your independence for longer.
Co-Contributions Explained
Your personal financial contribution depends on two factors: the category of service you are using and your financial circumstances.
How contributions are calculated
The government uses information from Services Australia (Centrelink) to assess your income and assets. Based on this assessment, you are placed into a contribution tier.
| Financial circumstance | Independence services | Everyday living services |
|---|---|---|
| Full pension recipient | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part pension recipient | Up to 25% | Up to 50% |
| Self-funded retiree (with CSHC) | Up to 25% | Up to 50% |
| Self-funded retiree (no CSHC) | Up to 50% | Up to 80% |
Remember: clinical services (nursing, allied health, and from 1 October 2026 personal care) have a 0% contribution rate for everyone.
Hardship provisions
If your contributions create financial hardship, you can apply for a reduction. The Department of Health considers individual circumstances, and provisions exist to ensure that contributions do not prevent people from accessing the care they need.
What this means in practice
Consider a full pension recipient at Classification 5 ($39,697/year). If they use $15,000 on clinical services (nursing, physio, and from 1 October 2026 personal care), they pay nothing for those. For $12,000 of independence services (assistive technology, home modifications), they contribute 5%, which is $600. For $8,000 of everyday living services (cleaning, meals), they contribute 17.5%, which is $1,400. Total annual contribution: approximately $2,000.
A self-funded retiree without a CSHC at the same classification would pay nothing for clinical services, up to 50% for independence services ($6,000), and up to 80% for everyday living services ($6,400). Total annual contribution: up to approximately $12,400.
The difference is substantial, which is why understanding your contribution tier matters when planning your care. To see how this plays out for your situation, you can estimate your Support at Home budget and contributions based on your classification and financial circumstances.
Choosing a Provider
Your choice of provider affects how much of your funding translates into actual care hours. Under the new system, care management is capped at 10%, which removes the worst of the old fee variations. But providers still differ in important ways.
What to look for
Service range. Does the provider offer the full mix of services you need, including nursing, allied health, personal care, and domestic support? Some providers subcontract certain services, which can affect consistency and coordination.
Local availability. Can the provider deliver services in your area? This matters particularly for allied health and nursing, where travel time affects how much face-to-face care you receive.
Staff quality and continuity. Will you see the same support workers regularly, or will staff rotate? Consistency of care workers makes a real difference, particularly for personal care.
Responsiveness. How quickly can the provider adjust your care plan if your needs change? Can they increase services at short notice if you come home from hospital?
Transparency. Does the provider clearly explain their pricing, what is included in the 10% care management fee, and how your budget is tracking?
Questions to ask potential providers
- What clinical staff do you employ directly versus subcontract?
- How do you handle after-hours or urgent care needs?
- Can I see a sample budget breakdown for my classification level?
- What happens to my services if my regular care worker is unavailable?
- How often will we review my care plan?
- Do you support self-management options?
Carevo connects you with experienced aged care providers across Australia who specialise in intermediate and complex care, drawing on 2,131 providers listed in the directory. Call 1800 953 253 to discuss your classification and find a provider match.
Managing Your Budget
With quarterly budgets and three service categories to balance, managing your funding requires some planning. Here are practical strategies.
Track your spending quarterly
Your provider should give you regular statements showing how your budget is tracking. Review these at least monthly to ensure you are using your allocation effectively. If you are consistently underspending, you may be missing out on services that could improve your quality of life.
Prioritise clinical services
Since clinical services are fully funded with no personal contribution, prioritise getting the nursing and allied health support you need. These services often have the biggest impact on health outcomes and independence, and they cost you nothing out of pocket.
Plan for seasonal changes
Your care needs may fluctuate throughout the year. You might need more support during winter (increased falls risk, respiratory issues) or after a hospital stay. Work with your provider to build flexibility into your care plan so you can increase services when needed without exhausting your budget.
Use the rollover strategically
The quarterly rollover (up to $1,000 or 10%) lets you save a small buffer for unexpected needs. If your quarter is running smoothly, consider whether holding some funds in reserve for the next quarter makes sense. But do not hoard funds, as amounts above the cap are lost.
Review your care plan regularly
Your assessed classification is based on your needs at a point in time. If your health changes, whether improving or declining, request a care plan review with your provider. If a significant change occurs, you may need a reassessment to move to a different classification.
Maximising Your Support
Getting the most from classifications 4 to 6 means being an active participant in your care rather than a passive recipient. Here are tested strategies.
1. Understand your assessment report
Your classification is based on the assessment report generated through the IAT. Ask your assessor to explain the report and which domains drove your classification. If you believe any area was underscored, gather supporting evidence from your GP or specialist and request a reassessment.
2. Build a comprehensive care plan
Work with your provider to create a care plan that addresses all your needs, not just the most obvious ones. Many people focus on personal care and domestic help but underutilise clinical services. A proactive physiotherapy program can prevent falls. Regular nursing monitoring can catch health issues early.
3. Coordinate with your GP
Your GP is a key partner in your care. Share your care plan with them, and ask them to communicate directly with your provider’s nursing team. This coordination can prevent hospital admissions and ensure your care plan reflects your current health status.
4. Know your rights
You have the right to change providers at any time. You have the right to request a reassessment if your needs change. You have the right to see your budget statements and understand how your funding is being spent. If you feel your provider is not delivering adequate care, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can be contacted on 1800 951 822.
5. Consider self-management
Under Support at Home, you may have the option to self-manage some or all of your services. This gives you more control over which workers deliver your care and can sometimes stretch your budget further. Discuss self-management options with your provider.
6. Access short-term pathways
In addition to your ongoing classification, you may be eligible for short-term support pathways. The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications pathway provides up to $15,000 for equipment and modifications. The Restorative Care pathway offers approximately $6,000 for focused allied health programs over 16 weeks. These are separate from your ongoing budget.
7. Plan ahead for reassessment
If your needs are increasing, do not wait until you are in crisis to request a reassessment. Document changes in your condition, keep a diary of tasks you are struggling with, and ask your GP for a supporting letter. Being prepared for the assessment process helps ensure you receive the classification that matches your actual needs.
Moving Between Levels
Your classification is not fixed. If your needs change, you can request a reassessment at any time by contacting My Aged Care.
Moving up (to classifications 7-8)
If your care needs increase significantly, you may qualify for a higher classification. Classifications 7 ($58,148/year) and 8 ($78,106/year) provide funding for intensive daily care, complex clinical needs, and near-residential levels of home-based support. The reassessment process is the same, and you can continue with your existing provider.
Moving down (to classifications 1-3)
If your health improves, perhaps after successful rehabilitation or resolution of a temporary condition, you may be reassessed to a lower classification. This is less common but does happen. For information about the lower classifications, see our Support at Home classification levels 1-3 guide.
Staying at your current level
Most people at classifications 4 to 6 will remain at their classification for an extended period. Your provider should conduct regular care plan reviews (at least every 12 months) to ensure your services still match your needs, even if your classification does not change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Support at Home levels 4-6?
Levels 4, 5, and 6 are the intermediate care classifications under Australia’s Support at Home program. They provide annual funding of $29,696 (level 4), $39,697 (level 5), and $48,114 (level 6) for people with moderate to significant care needs who want to continue living at home.
Who qualifies for levels 4-6?
People with moderate to intermediate care needs who require regular nursing, allied health, and personal care support. An assessment by the single assessment workforce determines your classification based on needs across multiple domains including physical health, cognitive function, mobility, and daily living.
What services are covered at these levels?
Services include regular nursing visits, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, personal care (showering, dressing), medication management, meal preparation, domestic help, transport, home modifications, respite care, and social support. The exact mix depends on your individual care plan.
How do levels 4-6 compare to old Level 3 HCP?
The old Level 3 HCP provided a flat $38,454 per year with provider fees ranging from 12% to 45%. Classifications 4-6 provide $29,696 to $48,114 per year with a fixed 10% care management fee and no contribution for clinical services. Most former Level 3 recipients will find the new system provides comparable or better value.
Can I upgrade from levels 1-3 to 4-6?
Yes. If your needs increase, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a reassessment. If approved for a higher classification, your funding will increase. You can stay with the same provider and your care plan will be updated to reflect the additional funding.
Do I pay for nursing under levels 4-6?
No. Nursing is classified as a clinical service under Support at Home, which means it is fully funded by the government. You pay no contribution for nursing care regardless of your income or assets.
How long does it take to get approved?
Assessment timeframes vary, but the government aims for assessments to occur within weeks of referral rather than the months-long waits that were common under the old system. Once assessed and classified, you can begin services as soon as you select a provider.
Can I change providers?
Yes. You can change your Support at Home provider at any time. Your classification and funding stay with you. Contact My Aged Care to arrange the transfer, and your new provider will set up a fresh care plan with you.
Key Resources
- My Aged Care (1800 200 422) for assessments, provider search, and general enquiries
- Support at Home funding classifications for official government funding information
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) (1800 700 600) for independent advocacy and assessment support
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (1800 951 822) for complaints and quality concerns
Get Connected to the Right Provider
Finding a provider who understands intermediate care needs makes a real difference to your experience. The right provider will coordinate your nursing, allied health, personal care, and domestic support into a seamless care plan that uses your funding effectively. Among families using Carevo, the most-requested supports are personal care, domestic assistance and transport, which line up closely with the services these intermediate classifications fund.
Carevo helps older Australians and their families connect with experienced aged care providers who specialise in classifications 4 to 6. Whether you are transitioning from an old Level 3 package, have just been assessed, or need to change providers, we can help you find the right match.
Call 1800 953 253 to find the right provider for your intermediate care needs through Carevo.
All Support at Home Classifications
| Classification | Annual Funding | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $10,731 | Very low needs, occasional help |
| Level 2 | $16,034 | Low needs, regular weekly help |
| Level 3 | $21,966 | Low-moderate, several visits per week |
| Level 4 | $29,696 | Moderate, daily assistance |
| Level 5 | $39,697 | Moderate-high, multiple daily services |
| Level 6 | $48,114 | High needs, complex care coordination |
| Level 7 | $58,148 | Very high, extensive daily support |
| Level 8 | $78,106 | Highest/complex, alternative to residential |
Related Support at Home Guides
Support at Home on Carevo right now
Updated 2026-06-03Most-requested Support at Home services
Based on 412 aged care and Support at Home inquiries made through Carevo. See the full Support at Home Demand Report.
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