Home Care Packages — Level 8

Level 8 Home Care Package

Level 8 is the highest care level available under the Support at Home program. It is designed for people with the most complex and intensive care needs — those who require near-residential levels of support but prefer to remain at home.

Annual subsidy

$78,106

Per week (approx)

$1,502

Care hours/week

17–28 hrs

Who is Level 8 for?

Level 8 is for older Australians assessed as having Highest level of care needs. Common situations include:

  • ✓Daily complex clinical nursing across multiple visits
  • ✓Full personal care support and mobility assistance
  • ✓Intensive dementia management or palliative care
  • ✓Specialist allied health and rehabilitation

What services are covered?

Daily complex nursing (multiple visits)
Full personal care and mobility support
Intensive dementia and palliative care
Comprehensive allied health package
Specialist care coordination
Significant home modifications and equipment
Substantial carer support and respite

How to get a Level 8 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 8 compares to other levels

Support at Home program — 2025–26 government subsidy amounts

Level 1 $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 ← you are here$78,106/yr

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

Common questions about Level 8

How much is a Level 8 home care package worth?+
A Level 8 package provides a government subsidy of $78,106 per year (approximately $1,502 per week) in 2025–26 — the highest level available under the Support at Home program.
How many hours does a Level 8 package give per week?+
Most Level 8 recipients receive approximately 17–28 hours of direct care per week, depending on the mix of services and provider management fees. People with intensive clinical needs (daily nursing, allied health) will receive fewer hours than those primarily needing personal care.
What is the difference between a Level 8 package and residential care?+
A Level 8 package allows you to remain in your own home with near-residential levels of support. Residential care provides 24/7 on-site support in a facility setting. Level 8 is suited to people who want to stay home and have a safe, supportive home environment. Residential care may be more appropriate if care needs require overnight support or constant supervision.
Who is eligible for a Level 8 home care package?+
Level 8 is for people with the highest and most complex care needs. Eligibility requires an ACAT assessment documenting intensive nursing, personal care, and allied health needs. It is not granted purely by preference — the assessment must reflect significant clinical complexity.

Ready to find a Level 8 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 8 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.