Understanding the New Support at Home Program
A Guide for Home Care Package Users (Commencing July 2025)
As of July 2025, the Australian Government will introduce a new program called Support at Home, replacing the current Home Care Package system. While the core principles of in-home aged care support remain the same, there will be some significant changes to the structure and allocation of funding.
This article explains the major changes, so you know what to expect from the new Support at Home program.
What’s Changing?
Higher Levels of Care for Complex Needs
There are four funding levels under the current Home Care Package. The highest is currently $61,440 per year.
Under Support at Home, there will be eight funding levels, with the highest level of funding around $78,000.
If you have a Home Care Package already, you will be automatically transferred to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025, with an equivalent budget.
If you have been approved for a Home Care Package, but you’re still waiting to have your funding allocated, there is no need for re-assessment. You will receive a Support at Home budget equivalent to what you were approved for under the Home Care Package, when the funding becomes available.
| Classification (replaces the four HCP ‘levels’) | Proposed Annual Budget |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$78,000 |
Service List and Contributions
Services will be defined under three categories:
- Everyday Living
- Independence, and
- Clinical.
Those who can afford to contribute toward the cost of their services are expected to do so; your contribution amount will depend on your pension status, and whether you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. However, no contribution is required for clinical services. These will be fully Government-funded.
| Category | Services (examples) | Contribution (paid by you) based on your means |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Living | Domestic cleaning, gardening, meal prep, shopping assistance | Highest contribution: 17.5% – 80.0% |
| Independence | Personal care, transport, support to attend social activities and appointments | Moderate contribution: 5.0% – 50.0% |
| Clinical | Nursing services, physiotherapy | No contribution required |
Grandfathering arrangements apply for participant contributions, to ensure that those who pay a lower contribution under the Home Care Package program will not be worse off under Support at Home. It applies to those who were on a Home Care Package, or assessed as eligible, before 12 September 2024, when the Support at Home program was announced.
Budget Arrangements
Your annual package funding will be split into quarterly budgets. If you have unspent funds in your budget at the end of the quarter, a maximum of 10% of your budget or $1000 (whichever is higher) can be rolled over into the next quarter. This can help to cover unplanned needs.
Upfront Funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)
If you need assistive technology or home modifications, you may be given access to upfront funding to make these purchases. It means there will no longer be a need to “save up” your ongoing budget funding to purchase things such as ramps, grab rails, walking frames, or communication equipment.
There are three levels of funding for AT-HM, and you will have 12 months to spend the funds.
- Low: $500 cap
- Medium: $2000 cap
- High: $15000 cap
Wait Times
The Government aims to reduce package funding wait times to three months or less by July 2027. However, they have stated that if wait times exceed expectations, people may be able to access an interim allocation of up to 60% of their budget, with the remainder to follow when the funding becomes available.
Capped Costs
All services will be subject to price caps from July 2026. This means providers will not be able to charge higher than these caps for their services. These prices will include administrative costs, so there will be no need to pay extra administration fees.
Note that 10% of your budget will be held by your Provider to cover Care Management costs. Care Management means you will have a dedicated care partner for:
- Care planning
- Service coordination
- Monitoring, review and evaluation of your services
- Support and education
Your care partner will be trained, and ideally hold qualifications including a Certificate IV in Aged Care.
What Stays the Same?
While the funding structure changes, the core principles of Home Care remain the same:
- Maintaining Independence: Support at Home will continue to empower you to live independently in your own home for as long as possible.
- Choice and Control: You will continue to have a say in the type and level of care you receive.
- Quality Care: The focus on providing high-quality care services remains a priority.
For Care is Here to Help
At For Care, we are committed to providing you with the support you need to navigate the upcoming changes and continue living comfortably in your own home. We can help you understand the new system, connect you with service providers, and assist you in developing a personalised support plan.
For further information or to discuss your individual needs, please don’t hesitate to contact For Care today.
