What you can do while waiting for a Support at Home Package

Once you are approved for a Support at Home package, there is often a period before government funding begins. That waiting time can still be used in ways that are practical and helpful.

Being approved for Support at Home means you have been assessed as eligible for funded support. But, it does not mean funding has started yet. Your name sits in a priority system until funds are allocated to your classification level.

Knowing this helps you shift focus from waiting passively to planning actively.

Now, you need to check if you are eligible for entry-level support already. Even while you wait for your full Support at Home funding, you might be able to get access to entry-level community services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). CHSP offers help with cleaning, meals, transport, social activities, and more.

This can be a useful stop-gap that reduces immediate pressure without waiting for a higher level of funding to come through.

You can arrange private services at any time. Many providers (like Leora!) offer hourly or short-term support for daily tasks such as:

Paying privately gives you flexibility and immediate help while government funding is pending. Choose providers accredited under the Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure safety and quality.

Your GP or allied health clinician can sometimes help you access community programs or simple supports while you wait. They can also suggest small home adaptations, such as grab rails or equipment to improve safety, that make daily life easier.

Waiting isn’t just about filling the gap. It’s a chance to clarify what support matters most for you. For example:

Understanding this saves time later and makes discussions with Support at Home providers much more straightforward.

If your circumstances change while you wait, let My Aged Care know. An update may affect your priority or the level of support you need.

It’s also worth checking in periodically about where you are in the queue and whether there are interim options available.

While you wait, simple adjustments can have a real impact:

These steps are not substitutes for funded support, but they make life smoother and safer now rather than later.

The period between approval and funding for Support at Home doesn’t have to be idle or stressful. There are options you can explore right now, from entry-level government services to private supports, community resources and practical planning.

This gives you control, clarity and a solid foundation for when your Support at Home package begins.

While you are waiting for government funding to begin, it can help to talk things through with a provider who understands how Support at Home works in practice.

A good provider can help you make sense of timelines, explain your options clearly, and support you with private or self-managed services while you wait. This can reduce uncertainty and help you feel more prepared when funding is eventually assigned.

Leora works with older Australians and carers across Support at Home, including support while waiting for funding to commence. Our focus is on clear advice, flexible support and helping people stay comfortable and independent at home, without locking them into services they do not need.

If you want to understand your options during the waiting period, or plan ahead for when funding starts, you can learn more by checking out our Support at Home services, or reaching out to our team today for a callback.