The Support at Home Program, launching on November 1, 2025, is the Australian government’s new initiative replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This program aims to provide a more streamlined, flexible, and needs-based approach to help seniors with varying care requirements remain independent at home for as long as possible. It offers a range of services, including personal care, domestic assistance, nursing care, allied health services, and transport support, tailored to individual needs and funded through the My Aged Care system.
The Support at Home Program introduces changes to how transport services are accessed and funded, building on the strengths of the HCP and CHSP while addressing gaps in service delivery. Below is an overview of how the program supports seniors with transport needs, incorporating updates effective from November 1, 2025.
1. Enhanced Transport Assistance
The Support at Home Program emphasises integrated transport assistance as a core component of service packages. Approved providers can arrange transportation for medical appointments, shopping trips, social activities, or other essential outings. This may involve direct transport services provided by the care provider or coordination with local community transport options, such as rideshare programs or volunteer driver services. Unlike the HCP, the new program offers greater flexibility in allocating funds for transport, allowing seniors to prioritise transport services based on their assessed needs.
2. Expanded Taxi and Transport Subsidies
Seniors with limited income can access enhanced taxi subsidies or transport vouchers under the Support at Home Program. These subsidies cover a portion of the cost for taxis, rideshare services, or other hired transport for medical appointments, essential errands, or community activities. The program introduces a simplified eligibility process, making it easier for seniors to apply for and receive these subsidies through My Aged Care assessments. This change aims to reduce financial barriers and improve access to transport for low-income seniors.
3. Strengthened Community Transport Services
The Support at Home Program strengthens partnerships with community-based transport services across Australia. These services, which include volunteer or paid drivers, assist seniors in traveling to medical appointments, shopping centres, social events, or community gatherings. The program allocates additional funding to expand community transport options, particularly in rural and remote areas where public transport is limited. This ensures seniors in underserved regions have equitable access to transport support.
4. Improved Access to Public Transport
Support at Home providers assist seniors in navigating public transport systems by offering guidance on schedules, routes, and accessibility features. The program includes dedicated support to help seniors access public transport options tailored for older adults or those with mobility challenges, such as low-floor buses or accessible train stations. Many public transport networks continue to offer seniors discounts or free travel for eligible individuals, and Support at Home coordinators can help seniors apply for these benefits.
5. Transport for Social and Community Engagement
Recognising the importance of social connections for seniors’ mental and emotional well-being, the Support at Home Program prioritises transport for social and cultural activities. Providers can arrange transport to community events, social clubs, or family visits, helping seniors stay connected and combat isolation. The program’s flexible funding model allows seniors to allocate a portion of their budget to social transport, ensuring they can participate in activities that enhance their quality of life.
6. Specialised Transport for Mobility-Impaired Seniors
For seniors with significant mobility challenges, the Support at Home Program facilitates access to specialised transport services, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles or services designed for individuals with medical conditions requiring assistance. Providers work with seniors to identify and coordinate these services, ensuring safe and reliable transport for medical appointments, social outings, or other essential activities. The program introduces improved coordination with disability transport providers to enhance accessibility.
Key Changes from Home Care Packages (HCP) and CHSP
- Unified Program Structure: The Support at Home Program replaces both HCP and CHSP, consolidating transport support into a single, needs-based framework. This eliminates the need for separate referral codes for CHSP transport services.
- Flexible Funding: Unlike HCP, which had fixed package levels, the new program allows seniors to allocate funds more flexibly based on their assessed needs, giving greater control over how much is spent on transport versus other services.
- Simplified Assessments: The My Aged Care assessment process has been streamlined to better identify transport needs, ensuring seniors receive appropriate support without navigating multiple programs.
- Increased Rural Support: Additional funding is allocated to expand community transport services in rural and remote areas, addressing gaps previously seen in HCP and CHSP.
- Enhanced Coordination: Providers under the Support at Home Program are required to offer comprehensive case management, including coordinating transport with external services, to ensure seamless access.
❓ FAQ: Support at Home Program and Transport for Seniors
How can the Support at Home Program help with transport for seniors?
The program offers transport assistance for medical appointments, shopping, social activities, and more. Providers can arrange direct transport, coordinate with community services, or facilitate access to public transport. It also includes subsidies for taxis or rideshares and specialised transport for mobility-impaired seniors, with flexible funding to prioritise transport based on individual needs.
Are there specific transport options for seniors with mobility issues under the Support at Home Program?
Yes, the program facilitates access to specialised transport, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles or services for seniors with medical conditions requiring assistance. Providers coordinate with disability transport services to ensure safe and reliable transport for medical, social, or essential activities.
How do seniors access taxi subsidies or transport vouchers through the Support at Home Program?
Seniors with limited income can apply for taxi subsidies or transport vouchers through a simplified eligibility process during their My Aged Care assessment. These subsidies help cover costs for taxis, rideshares, or other hired transport for medical appointments, errands, or community activities.
Can the Support at Home Program help seniors in rural or remote areas with transport?
Yes, the program allocates additional funding to expand community transport services in rural and remote areas. This includes volunteer or paid driver services to assist seniors with travel to appointments, shopping, or social events, addressing the limited public transport options in these regions.
How do I apply for transport support under the Support at Home Program?
Starting November 1, 2025, contact My Aged Care for an assessment to determine your eligibility and support needs. Discuss your transport requirements with the assessor to ensure your plan includes appropriate services, such as community transport, subsidies, or specialised vehicles. Visit the My Aged Care website or helpline for more details.
Accessing Transport Support
To access transport services under the Support at Home Program, seniors should contact My Aged Care for an assessment starting November 1, 2025. The assessment will determine eligibility and the level of support needed, including transport. Seniors can discuss their transport requirements with their assessor to ensure their plan includes appropriate services, such as community transport, subsidies, or specialised vehicles.
For more information, visit the My Aged Care website or contact their helpline to learn about the Support at Home Program and how it can assist with transport needs, or visit our providers who offer Transport for seniors 👉 HERE
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