Support at Home Program: A Guide for Older Australians, Families and Carers
The Australian Government is reforming aged care to enhance the quality and accessibility of services for older Australians. A central part of these reforms is the Support at Home program, designed to improve in-home aged care and help older people live independently at home for longer. This guide explains the program’s purpose, inclusions, entry process, and what it means for those currently receiving aged care services.
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 offers:
- Eight funding levels with up to $78,000 annually, plus two short-term care pathways.
- Includes short-term supports like the Restorative Care Pathway and End-of-Life Pathway.
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
- Quarterly budgets instead of annual ones for flexible financial planning.
- A transparent service list detailing all available support options.
- Service price caps starting around July 2026, with providers setting prices until then.
Support at Home Inclusions
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
Clinical Care
-
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Continence Care
Independence Support
-
- Help with showering
- Dressing
- Medication
- Transport
Everday Living Support
-
- Cleaning
- Gardening
- Shopping
- Meal Preparation
Support Term Supports
The Support at Home program includes 2 short-term supports designed to assist older Australians in maintaining their independence and quality of life at home.
The Restoritive Care Pathway
The Restorative Care Pathway is designed to help you rebuild strength and independence through allied health services. You can access support for up to 12 weeks, with the option for a 4-week extension, depending on your assessment.
The End of Life Pathway
The End-of-Life Pathway offers enhanced in-home care for individuals with a life expectancy of three months or less, supporting your goal to stay at home as long as possible. Up to $25,000 in funding is available, with services accessible for up to 16 weeks.
Assistive Technology/Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
The Assistive Technology/Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme is a vital part of the Support at Home program, designed to assist older Australians in living independently and safely in their own homes. It provides funding for equipment and modifications based on individual needs, offering three tiers: a low tier ($500 for assistive technology), a medium tier ($2,000 for assistive technology), and a high tier ($15,000 for both assistive technology and home modifications). Additional funding may also be available for specific conditions, such as severe incontinence. By enhancing home accessibility and safety, the AT-HM Scheme supports older individuals in maintaining their comfort and autonomy for as long as possible. To explore the full list of available products and services, visit the Government website.
Support at Home Funding & Fees
The program introduces eight classification levels, replacing the previous four-level system, with budgets allocated quarterly:
Indicative classification budgets*
Support at Home Funding & Fees
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.
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?
To qualify for the Support at Home Program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
Requirement Age
- Generally, applicants must be 65 years or older.
- For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, the eligibility age is 50 years or older.
Support Needs
- The program targets older Australians with complex or intensive care needs that exceed the scope of entry-level support (e.g., what the CHSP provides).
- This includes assistance with daily living activities (e.g., bathing, dressing), clinical care (e.g., nursing services), or support to maintain independence (e.g., mobility aids or home modifications).
Residency
- Applicants must be an Australian residents or hold a permanent visa.
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.
The Support at Home Program aims to support older Australians with more complex needs, helping them stay healthy, active, and connected to their communities while living at home. It builds on the reforms of the new Aged Care Act, focusing on tailored, high-quality care.
For more information or to begin the assessment process, older Australians or their carers can contact the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care or visit their official website 👉 HERE