December 15, 2025
Community Participation
What Is the Support at Home Priority System?
Understanding the Support at Home Model
If you’ve recently completed your aged care assessment, you’re probably wondering:
“How long will it take before I get my support?”
Under the new Support at Home program, timing is guided by something called the Support at Home Priority System. It might sound technical at first, but don’t worry we’ll break it down in a simple, friendly way.
And yes, Abled Care and Nursing Services is right here with you at every step.
Why the Support at Home Priority System Exists
Because many older Australians apply for government-funded support, the system needs a fair way to decide who receives help first.
The Support at Home Priority System makes sure people who need care urgently don’t slip through the cracks. It ensures support is allocated fairly, consistently, and transparently something Abled Care and Nursing Services always advocates for.
How Your Priority Level Is Decided
Your priority level is determined during your aged care assessment.
During this time, the team looks at:
Your health needs
Mobility challenges
Living situation
How well you’re managing daily activities
Risks such as falls, isolation, or sudden health decline
After reviewing everything, you’ll be placed in a priority group. And yes, your assessor will explain it in simple terms, just like the team at Abled Care and Nursing Services does when supporting you through the process.
4. Understanding the Four Priority Groups
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✔ Immediate
For people who require urgent support right away.
✔ High
For people who need help soon and may be at risk without extra care.
✔ Medium
For those managing for now but who will benefit from timely support.
✔ Standard
For individuals with stable needs and lower urgency.
Each level gives you clarity about what to expect next and Abled Care and Nursing Services ensures you’re never left guessing.
What Happens After Your Assessment
Once your priority level is confirmed, you enter the national funding queue.
And here’s the key part:
This isn’t a first come, first served list.
Instead, priority and available funding decide when your support begins.
When your funding becomes available:
You receive a letter of approval
You get a referral code
You have about 56 days to choose a provider and activate your services
This is where it helps to already have someone in mind and yes, many families reach out to Abled Care and Nursing Services early so they’re prepared.
If you’re receiving short-term care (like restorative programs), you can usually continue it while waiting.
How the System Supports You
The Support at Home Priority System offers something essential:
fairness and clarity.
You’ll know:
Why your place in the queue looks the way it does
What to expect in the coming weeks
When you can move ahead with choosing a provider
And once you receive your funding, you get full choice and control. You can partner with a provider who understands your needs, values your goals, and helps you stay safe and independent just like Abled Care and Nursing Services does for every client.
How Abled Care and Nursing Services Helps You Navigate the System
Understanding the Support at Home Priority System can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling health concerns or caring for a loved one. That’s exactly why many families choose Abled Care and Nursing Services to guide them.
We help you with:
Understanding your priority level
What your funding timeline may look like
How to use your referral code
Choosing supports aligned with your goals
Getting your services started smoothly
We keep things simple, clear, and supportive ensuring you have confidence at every stage.
Final Thoughts
The Support at Home Priority System is designed to get help to the people who need it most quickly, fairly, and transparently. And while the process can involve a few steps, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Whether you’re just starting the journey or waiting for your funding to be released, Abled Care and Nursing Services is here to make the experience smoother, kinder, and more empowering.
