The Home Care Package Waitlist Explained
Home care package waiting times explained: how the Support at Home queue and priority levels work, plus what to do while you wait.
Why there is a waitlist at all
How the priority system works
Roughly how long people wait
Interim funding can help you start sooner
What to do while you wait
Protecting your place and your priority
Lining up a provider early
Frequently asked questions
How long is the wait for home care?
It depends on your priority. Urgent needs are often funded within about a month, while standard-priority requests can wait many months. In 2026 more than 100,000 people were in the queue at once, and the full journey to services starting could take a year or more.
Does everyone wait the same amount of time?
No. The queue is based on need, not order of application. You are placed into an urgent, high, medium or standard priority category. Someone assessed after you can be funded first if their situation is more urgent than yours.
Can I get any help before my full funding arrives?
Often yes. Interim funding can release part of your approved budget early to start key services. You can also use the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, private care, or carer supports to bridge the gap while you wait for your full place.
What if my health gets worse while I wait?
Tell My Aged Care straight away. A significant decline — a fall, hospital stay, or loss of a carer — can lift your priority or trigger a reassessment, which may bring your funding forward. Keep notes of any changes to support the request.