From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will introduce a new aged care model called Support at Home, replacing the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.
This major reform aims to make in-home aged care simpler, more flexible, and better tailored to the needs of older Australians.
Key Features of the New Program:
- Eight Levels of Support: A broader range of support levels (up from four) allows for more personalised care and funding to suit individual needs.
- Quarterly Budgets: Funding will be provided every three months rather than annually, with up to 10% or $1,000 in unspent funds able to carry over to the next quarter.
- Care Partner Support: Every participant will be supported by a care partner – a professional who helps you navigate your services and get the most from your plan.
- Single Provider Model: Rather than juggling multiple organisations, each person will work with one provider who coordinates and delivers all their services.
- Improved Transparency: While providers can continue to set their own prices for now, they must clearly publish their rates, and government price caps will come into effect from July 2026.
- Fair and Structured Pricing: Care management will be capped at 10% of your quarterly budget to ensure more of your funding goes toward direct support.
How Services Will Be Funded
The program also introduces three funding categories to better align with the types of services you receive:
Clinical Supports – such as nursing and allied health.
> Fully covered by government funding.
Independence Supports – such as personal care, transport, or help with mobility.
> Contributions based on income (5–50%).
Everyday Living Supports – such as domestic assistance, meal prep, and gardening.
> Contributions from 17.5% to 80%, depending on financial means.
This structure is designed to ensure funding is equitable, needs-based, and sustainable – while still offering a high level of personalisation and choice.
Transitioning from Home Care Packages
If you’re already on a Home Care Package, your provider will contact you before 1 November 2025 to speak with you about updating your care plan and transition you into the new system. The Government has committed that no one will be worse off – you’ll retain your current level of support, and any unspent package funds will carry over.
How For Care Can Help
At For Care Aged Care, we’re here to guide you through these changes and make sure your transition is smooth, respectful, and empowering. Whether you’re already receiving support, planning ahead, oe looking to switch providers, our team will ensure you understand your options, funding, and entitlements – while delivering the high-quality, relationship-centred care we’re known for.
