Home Care Packages — Level 1

Level 1 Home Care Package

Level 1 is designed for older Australians who are mostly independent but need occasional help with a few tasks — typically personal care or light domestic assistance a couple of times a week.

Annual subsidy

$10,731

Per week (approx)

$206

Care hours/week

2–3 hrs

Who is Level 1 for?

Level 1 is for older Australians assessed as having Basic care needs. Common situations include:

  • ✓Help with showering or dressing once or twice a week
  • ✓Light domestic assistance — vacuuming, mopping
  • ✓Transport to medical appointments
  • ✓Social support and community access

What services are covered?

Personal care assistance
Domestic help (cleaning, laundry)
Shopping assistance or delivery
Transport and social outings
Medication reminders
Basic home maintenance (minor tasks)

How to get a Level 1 home care package

The same process applies to all levels — assessment first, then matched to a provider.

1

Contact My Aged Care

Call 1800 200 422 or apply online. A phone screen determines next steps.

2

ACAT assessment

A trained assessor visits your home to understand your needs and recommend an appropriate level.

3

Join the queue

Once approved, you're placed on the national queue. You may be offered interim Commonwealth support while waiting.

4

Choose a provider

When your package is assigned, you choose an approved provider. WithSally can help you find and compare the best fit.

How Level 1 compares to other levels

Support at Home program — 2025–26 government subsidy amounts

Level 1 ← you are here$10,731/yr
Level 2 $18,063/yr
Level 3 $39,310/yr
Level 4 $59,594/yr
Level 5 $64,754/yr
Level 6 $70,179/yr
Level 7 $74,495/yr
Level 8 $78,106/yr

Subsidy amounts are government contributions. Additional fees (basic daily fee, income-tested care fee) may apply.

Common questions about Level 1

How much is a Level 1 home care package worth?+
A Level 1 package provides a government subsidy of $10,731 per year (approximately $206 per week) in 2025–26. Your approved provider manages this budget on your behalf. You may also be required to pay a basic daily fee and, if applicable, an income-tested care fee.
How many hours of care does a Level 1 package give me?+
It depends on your provider's hourly rates and management fees, but most people with a Level 1 package receive approximately 2–3 hours of direct care per week. Management fees (typically 15–30% of the package) reduce the amount available for direct services.
Who is eligible for a Level 1 home care package?+
Level 1 is for older Australians with basic care needs. Eligibility requires an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment through My Aged Care. You must be assessed as needing some support to remain living at home but not requiring intensive or complex care.
Can I upgrade from Level 1 to a higher level?+
Yes. If your needs increase, you can request a reassessment through My Aged Care. You'll need a new ACAT assessment, and if approved at a higher level, you'll be placed on the national queue for that level. Upgrades are not automatic — you must request one.

Ready to find a Level 1 provider?

WithSally is a free matching service. We help you compare approved providers, understand your options, and connect with a provider that fits your Level 1 needs.

Get matched — it's free →

No cost to families. No obligation.

General information only. Package subsidy amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your approved provider or My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Estimated care hours are illustrative only and depend on provider management fees and hourly rates. WithSally is an independent referral service and is not affiliated with the Australian Government or My Aged Care.