Support at Home Program: A Guide for Older Australians, Families and Carers
As of 1 November 2025, the Australian aged care landscape has shifted to the Support at Home Program. This reform replaced the old Home Care Packages (HCP) to provide a more flexible, fairer, and faster way for seniors to receive support.
If you are looking for specific providers to start your journey, browse our
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is an Australian Government initiative launching on 1 November 2025 to enhance in-home aged care for older Australians. Replacing the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs, it aims to help individuals live independently at home for longer through tailored services, including clinical care, independence support, and everyday living assistance. The program incorporates short-term supports like the Restorative Care Pathway, End-of-Life Pathway, and Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, offering flexible quarterly budgets and a clear service list to meet diverse needs.
The Support at Home program provides a broad range of services and supports, divided into ongoing services and short-term supports, to meet the needs of older Australians
Support at Home Detailed Funding: The 8 Classification Levels
The most significant change is the move from four “levels” to eight classifications. This allows for a much more precise allocation of funds based on your actual medical and lifestyle needs.
⚠ Note: 10% of your quarterly budget is automatically allocated to Care Management. This fee covers the cost of your care coordinator who manages your schedule, health reviews, and compliance.
If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, you won’t need a reassessment. Under the Support at Home program, you’ll be moved into a classification that matches your current Home Care Package.
Quarterly Budgets and Unspent Funds
Under the Support at Home program, you’ll receive a quarterly budget tailored to fund the care and services that best suit your needs. You can carry over unspent funds each quarter—up to 10% of your budget or $1,000, whichever is greater—offering flexibility to plan and manage your care seamlessly. If you’re transitioning from a Home Care Package, any existing unspent funds will transfer with you to the new program.
Specialised Short-Term Pathways
The new program introduces three “fast-track” pathways that sit outside your regular ongoing budget. This means you don’t have to “save up” your daily funds for big-ticket items or emergencies.
1. Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
This scheme provides upfront funding for equipment that helps you stay safe.
-
Low Tier ($500): For simple aids like walking sticks or shower mats.
-
Medium Tier ($2,000): For wheelchairs, walkers, or adjustable beds.
-
High Tier ($15,000+): For major home modifications like ramps, stairlifts, or bathroom redesigns.
2. Restorative Care Pathway
Designed for those recovering from a hospital stay or a fall. It provides up to $6,000 for an intensive 16-week burst of allied health services (physiotherapy, OT) to help you “get back on your feet.”
3. End-of-Life Pathway
For seniors in their final three months of life who wish to pass away at home. This pathway provides an urgent allocation of up to $25,000 over 12 weeks to cover intensive nursing and palliative support.
Participant contribution
The Support at Home program introduces a cost-sharing model based on income, with a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs (covering both in-home and residential care). Here’s how costs are structured:
Who is Eligible for the Support at Home Program?
Not everyone who needs a bit of help around the house will automatically qualify for the Support at Home Program. Because this program offers higher, coordinated funding (Classifications 1–8), eligibility is based on a combination of age, situation, and assessed care needs.
1. Age Requirements
Under the Aged Care Act 2024, the standard age thresholds for accessing government-funded home care are:
-
General population: 65 years or older.
-
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people: 50 years or older.
-
People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness: 50 years or older.
2. Living Situation and Residency
To access the program, you must:
-
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa.
-
Currently live in Australia and intend to remain living at home (the program cannot be used if you have already moved into permanent residential aged care).
3. Care Needs (The “Why”)
Eligibility isn’t just about age; it’s about your physical or cognitive requirements. You may be eligible if you have:
-
Reduced Mobility: Finding it harder to get around, or experiencing a recent fall.
-
Medical Conditions: A diagnosis (like dementia or heart disease) that makes daily tasks difficult.
-
Change in Support: A family carer is no longer able to provide the same level of help.
-
Recovery Needs: You’ve recently been in the hospital and need temporary help to regain independence.
4. Support at Home vs. CHSP: Which one fits?
The level of help you need determines which program you are eligible for:
-
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) -
Support at Home Program: If your needs are ongoing, complex, or require multiple types of care (e.g., nursing + personal care + cleaning), you are eligible for a Support at Home classification.
5. Existing Participants (Grandfathering)
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) or Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) before 1 November 2025, you are automatically eligible and have been transitioned into the new program. You do not need a new assessment to keep your current level of funding.
Assessment Process
Eligibility is determined through the Single Assessment System, which began on 1 July 2024. This system uses the Integrated Assessment Tool to assess an individual’s health, mobility, and support requirements. After the assessment:
- Eligible individuals receive an individual support plan detailing their care needs, approved services, and budget.
- The process ensures a person-centred approach, prioritising the rights and preferences of older Australians.
Transition for Existing Recipients
- Individuals currently receiving a Home Care Package or on the National Priority System waiting list will automatically transition to the Support at Home Program on 1 November 2025, without needing a new assessment (unless their needs change).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about the Support at Home Program
1. 🏠 What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is a new Australian Government initiative designed to help older Australians live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Starting on 1 November 2025, it replaces the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. It offers a flexible range of services—like personal care, nursing, and home modifications—tailored to your needs, so you can stay safe, healthy, and connected to your community.
2. ❓ Who is eligible for the Support at Home Program?
You may be eligible if:
-
You’re aged 65 or older (or 50 and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
-
You need help with daily tasks due to age-related challenges.
-
Your needs are assessed through the Single Assessment System.
If you’re already using a Home Care Package or waiting on the National Prioritisation System, you’ll automatically transition to this program without a new assessment. New applicants will need to apply through My Aged Care.
3. 👩⚕️ What services are covered under the Support at Home Program?
The program provides a variety of services to support your independence, including:
-
Clinical care: Nursing, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy.
-
Personal care: Assistance with showering, dressing, or grooming.
-
Domestic help: Cleaning, laundry, or meal preparation.
-
Social support: Help staying connected with friends or community activities.
-
Home modifications: Safety upgrades like ramps or grab rails.
-
Assistive technology: Equipment to make daily life easier.
-
Restorative care: Short-term support (up to 12 weeks) to regain strength.
-
End-of-life care: Extra support if you’re in your final months.
Your specific services depend on your assessed needs.
4. 📋 How do I apply for the Support at Home Program?
Getting started is straightforward:
1. Contact My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 or visit their website.
2. Get assessed: An assessor will meet with you to understand your needs.
3. Receive a plan: If eligible, you’ll get a funding level and budget.
4. Pick a provider: Choose an approved provider to deliver your services.
If you’re already on a Home Care Package, you’ll transition automatically on 1 November 2025—no extra steps needed unless your needs change.
5. 💰 How much does the Support at Home Program cost?
The cost varies based on your income, assets, and the services you need. Here’s how it works:
-
The government covers most of the cost through subsidies.
-
You might pay a contribution for some services, like cleaning or personal care, depending on your financial assessment.
-
Clinical care (e.g., nursing) is usually free, while everyday living services (e.g., gardening) may cost more.
For a detailed break down on costings click 👉 Here
If you’re transitioning from a Home Care Package, your contribution won’t increase under the new program. Contact My Aged Care for a personalised estimate.
6. ✅ Can I choose my own service providers?
Yes! You have the freedom to select from a list of approved providers. If you’re happy with your current provider, you can stick with them. Not satisfied? You can switch by notifying your provider and coordinating with My Aged Care. This flexibility ensures you get care that suits you.
7. 🔄 What happens if my needs change?
The program adapts to your situation. If your health or needs shift:
-
Request a reassessment through My Aged Care.
-
If your needs increase, you might qualify for more support.
-
If you improve, your funding level could adjust downward.
For temporary changes—like recovering from surgery—the Restorative Care Pathway offers up to 12 weeks of intensive help to get you back on track.
8. 🧓 How does the Support at Home Program differ from other aged care services?
This program stands out because:
-
It’s all-in-one: It merges Home Care Packages, STRC, and eventually the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) into a single system.
-
More tailored: With 8 funding levels (instead of 4), it matches your exact needs.
-
Independence-focused: It prioritizes early help and restorative care to keep you at home longer.
-
End-of-life option: Extra support is available if you’re nearing the end of life.
-
Budget flexibility: You can carry over up to $1,000 (or 10% of your quarterly budget) to the next quarter.
Unlike residential aged care, it’s for those who can live at home with support. Compared to CHSP, it offers more comprehensive care for higher needs.
Conclusion
Navigating the transition to the Support at Home Program is a significant step toward maintaining your independence. By understanding your eligibility, knowing the eight funding classifications, and being prepared for your assessment, you are taking control of your future care.
At Aged Care Made Easy, we are here to simplify the process. Use our