What Does My Support at Home Classification Mean for Mobility Equipment?

Australia’s Support at Home program uses eight ongoing service classifications to determine your budget for aged care services at home, ranging from approximately $10,000 for Classification 1 (low needs) to over $80,000 for Classification 8 (high complex needs) Official annual amount for Classification 8 is $78,106.35 (effective 1 November 2025, indexed annually). Four legacy Home Care Package levels also remain active during the transition period as “transitioned Home Care Package classifications” (for people approved on or before 31 October 2025).

Your classification dictates your total budget, but you control how that money is spent—including on mobility equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, lift chairs, and scooters Mobility equipment is typically accessed through the Support at Home “Equipment and products” service and/or the separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, rather than needing to save up from your ongoing services quarterly budget. The key is matching your equipment priorities to your funding level so you invest in aids that prevent falls, reduce carer hours, and maintain independence without exhausting your annual budget on a single item or buying things you don’t yet need.

Support at Home Classifications Explained: The Eight-Level Framework

The new framework groups needs into three broad bands:

Low needs (Classifications 1–3): Annual budgets typically $10,000–$30,000. You live independently with occasional help for cleaning, shopping, transport, or basic personal care. Mobility challenges are emerging but manageable. Official annual amounts: Classification 1 $10,731; Classification 2 $16,034.45; Classification 3 $21,965.70 (effective 1 November 2025).

Moderate needs (Classifications 4–5): Annual budgets around $30,000–$50,000. You need regular help with daily activities, personal care several times per week, and mobility is becoming a limiting factor in staying home safely. Official annual amounts: Classification 4 $29,696.40; Classification 5 $39,697.40 (effective 1 November 2025).

Complex and high needs (Classifications 6–8): Annual budgets $50,000–$80,000+. You require extensive daily support, sometimes around-the-clock care, and mobility equipment must work alongside nursing, therapy, and complex medical management. Official annual amounts: Classification 6 $48,114.30; Classification 7 $58,148.15; Classification 8 $78,106.35 (effective 1 November 2025).

Four legacy Home Care Package levels also remain active during the transition period as transitioned classifications.

How to Plan Equipment with Aged Care Funding: The Priority System

Many families ask “Mum got her new package—should we buy a scooter or a walker first?” The answer depends on classification and immediate safety risks. Here’s a roadmap:

Priority 1 equipment prevents falls and hospitalisations. For Classifications 1–3, this means a quality four-wheel walker (rollator) with seat and brakes, bathroom grab rails, and a bedside commode if stairs are an issue at night. For Classifications 4–5, add a riser-recliner lift chair to reduce strain getting up, plus a shower chair and potentially a lightweight manual wheelchair for outings. For Classifications 6–8, transfer aids (ceiling hoists, patient lifters, slide sheets) and pressure-care mattresses become essential, alongside wheelchairs that support correct posture for extended sitting. These types of items are examples of what may be available via the Support at Home Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme (subject to eligibility and the AT-HM list).

Priority 2 equipment expands independence and quality of life once safety basics are covered. A mobility scooter for outdoor trips, a height-adjustable bed for easier transfers, or a portable ramp for visiting family all fit here. Mobility equipment and relevant home modifications can be accessed through the AT-HM scheme (subject to eligibility and the AT-HM list).

Good, Better, Best: Equipment Bundles by Classification Band

Low needs (Classifications 1–3)—Starter Walking and Safety Kit:
Good: Basic folding walker, single bathroom rail.
Better: Aluminium rollator with seat, multiple grab rails, raised toilet seat.
Best: Premium rollator, complete bathroom safety package, outdoor mobility scooter for shopping.
(Examples of equipment types that may be available through aged care equipment pathways include mobility aids like walking frames/walkers and wheelchairs. See “Equipment and products” and the AT-HM scheme overview.)

Moderate needs (Classifications 4–5)—Mobility and Comfort Kit:
Good: Sturdy rollator, lift chair (basic model), shower chair.
Better: Lightweight wheelchair, dual-motor lift chair, transfer pole beside bed.
Best: Self-propel wheelchair, premium lift chair, portable ramp, travel scooter.
(For equipment and product categories, see Equipment and products and the AT-HM scheme.)

Complex needs (Classifications 6–8)—Transfer and Pressure-Care Kit:
Good: Manual wheelchair (pressure cushion), slide sheets, over-bed table.
Better: Tilt-recline wheelchair, ceiling hoist, alternating-pressure mattress overlay.
Best: Custom wheelchair, fixed ceiling hoist, full pressure-care mattress, bariatric transfer equipment if needed.
(These are examples of assistive technology and equipment types that may be available through aged care equipment pathways; see the AT-HM scheme overview and the official AT-HM list.)

Using Package Money for a Scooter or Wheelchair: Budget Trade-Offs

A common question: “Can I use my Home Care Package or Support at Home funding for a mobility scooter?” Support at Home participants can access mobility equipment through the aged care equipment pathways, including the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme (subject to eligibility and the AT-HM list). The practical trade-off is still real: committing to higher-cost items can limit what’s available for other supports across the year.

Conversely, over-spending on advanced equipment you don’t yet need leaves you short for the services that keep you safe.

Home Care Package vs Support at Home Funding Levels: Key Differences

If you transitioned from a Home Care Package, your new Support at Home classification is managed as a transitioned Home Care Package classification. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme is expected to transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027. Check your My Aged Care details and funding letter before committing to large purchases.

How Auswaycare Can Help Match Funding to Equipment Needs

Auswaycare provides information on sourcing equipment under Support at Home, including how mobility items may be accessed through the AT-HM scheme and the official AT-HM list. They can also supply quotes for mobility equipment where required for procurement and record-keeping.