our Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Support with Confidence
Receiving approval for a Home Care Package in Australia is a big milestone—but it often comes with one major question:
“What happens now?”
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we’ve spent over 25 years guiding older Australians and their families through the aged care system. We understand that once funding is approved, the process can still feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you turn your approval into real, practical support—without stress or confusion.
🔍 Step 1: Understand Your Home Care Package Level
There are four levels of Home Care Packages (HCPs) in Australia, ranging from Level 1 (basic support) to Level 4 (high-level care). Each level provides different amounts of government funding, which is paid directly to the aged care provider you choose.
But here’s the catch:
You can’t use your funds until you activate your package.
To activate it, you’ll need to:
Choose a Home Care Package provider
Sign a care agreement
Finalise your care plan
Until these steps are completed, the funding is essentially “on hold.”
⏳ Step 2: While You’re Waiting – Get Prepared
If you’re still on the national Home Care Package waiting list, you may be eligible for temporary support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
In the meantime, it’s helpful to consider:
What services do you need first?
What kind of provider do you want to work with?
Do you have specific health, safety, or lifestyle goals?
At SSCA, we provide free, no-obligation guidance to help you prepare early, so you can act fast when your package is assigned.
📬 Step 3: Once You Receive the Letter – Time Is Ticking
When your package is officially assigned, you’ll receive a letter from My Aged Care. From that date, you have 56 days to enter into a Home Care Agreement with a provider—or risk losing your funding. You can request a 28-day extension, but the clock starts immediately.
This is where many people get stuck.
Don’t waste time comparing confusing brochures or high admin fees. Let SSCA help you:
Compare aged care providers
Review hidden fees and service quality
Choose the right provider based on your location, needs, and goals
✅ Step 4: Start with the Services That Matter Most
You don’t need to use all your services at once. Most people begin with essentials that support their independence and comfort at home. Popular first services include:
🧼 House cleaning and domestic help
🍽️ Meal preparation or delivery
🚿 Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
🛠️ Home modifications (grab rails, ramps, lighting)
🚗 Transport to appointments or community activities
Your SSCA advisor can help you prioritise services and build a care plan that fits your life.
❤️ Step 5: Choosing the Right Provider Makes All the Difference
Not all providers offer the same value, transparency, or level of care. Choosing the wrong provider can result in:
High admin fees that reduce your available support
Slow or unclear communication
Delays in getting services started
At SSCA, we are 100% independent and don’t take commissions from providers. Our only goal is to help you find a provider you can trust—and our service is completely free to use.
🎯 Don’t Let Your Funding Go to Waste
Your Home Care Package is a powerful tool to help you stay safe, confident, and independent in your own home. But only if it’s activated and used properly.
That’s where SSCA comes in.
👋 Get Free Expert Help from SSCA
📞 Call us on (03) 9123 4560 to speak with a local care advisor
📩 Or request a callback here
Support Services Connect Australia – Helping You Turn Care into Confidence.