How Much Is a Level 4 Home Care Package? (2026 Classification Equivalent)
How Much Is a Level 4 Home Care Package? (2026 Classification Equivalent)
The short answer: the old Level 4 Home Care Package no longer exists. It was replaced on 1 November 2025 by Support at Home, which uses eight classifications instead of four levels. The closest equivalent to a Level 4 is Classification 7, with a quarterly budget of approximately $15,318 (~$61,272 annually).
But that headline number doesn't tell the full story of what families actually receive and pay.
Level 4 to Classification 7 Mapping
The old Level 4 package was valued at roughly $56,000 per year and was designed for people with high-level care needs. Under the new system:
| Old Level | Annual Value | New Classification | Quarterly Budget | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | ~$36,000 | Classification 5 | ~$10,193 | ~$40,772 |
| Level 3–4 gap | — | Classification 6 | ~$12,758 | ~$51,032 |
| Level 4 | ~$56,000 | Classification 7 | ~$15,318 | ~$61,272 |
| Above Level 4 | — | Classification 8 | ~$20,034 | ~$80,136 |
The new system actually provides slightly more funding than the old Level 4, plus an additional Classification 8 for people with needs that previously exceeded the Level 4 cap.
What the Budget Actually Covers
From the Classification 7 quarterly budget of ~$15,318:
Mandatory deduction: 10% care management fee = ~$1,532. This covers care planning, reviews, provider coordination, and My Aged Care reporting.
Net usable budget: ~$13,786 per quarter for direct services.
At typical provider rates, that translates to approximately:
- 3 hours of personal care per week (showering, dressing) at $100/hr = $3,900/quarter
- 1 hour of nursing per week at $150/hr = $1,950/quarter
- 2 hours of domestic assistance per week at $95/hr = $2,470/quarter
- 1 hour of allied health fortnightly at $150/hr = $975/quarter
- Respite care, 4 hours monthly at $100/hr = $1,200/quarter
- Total: $10,495 | Remaining buffer: $3,291
That buffer sits comfortably above the rollover cap ($1,532 at 10% of the quarterly budget), meaning some of it would be forfeited at quarter-end unless used.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
The government funds the budget, but families contribute a percentage of non-clinical services based on financial means:
| Financial Status | Personal Care (Independence) | Cleaning/Meals (Everyday Living) | Nursing/Allied Health (Clinical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full pensioner | 5% (~$5/hr) | 17.5% (~$17/hr) | 0% |
| Part pensioner | 5–50% (tapered) | 17.5–80% (tapered) | 0% |
| Self-funded retiree | 50% (~$50/hr) | 80% (~$76/hr) | 0% |
For a self-funded retiree receiving the service mix above, quarterly out-of-pocket costs would be roughly $3,926 — a significant expense that the headline budget figure obscures.
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Is Classification 7 the Right Level?
Classification 7 is for high-complexity needs: daily personal care, regular clinical oversight, high falls risk, complex medication management, and behavioural or cognitive challenges that require structured support.
If a parent needs less (weekly rather than daily personal care, no clinical nursing), Classification 4 or 5 may be more appropriate. If they need overnight support or are at immediate risk of residential placement without intensive home care, Classification 8 provides a higher budget.
The classification is determined by the Single Assessment System assessment, not by family preference. Families who believe the assigned classification is too low have 28 days from the Notice of Decision to request an internal review with supporting medical evidence.
For budget planning worksheets, provider comparison scorecards, and assessment preparation tools across all classification levels, see the Australia Home Care Guide.
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