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What Is the Support at Home Program?

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s aged care funding program for older Australians who need support to continue living at home. The program launched on 1 November 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program under a single, unified framework administered through My Aged Care.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is being progressively integrated into Support at Home, with full transition scheduled no earlier than 1 July 2027.

To access Support at Home, eligible Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for First Nations peoples) complete a My Aged Care assessment to determine the level of in-home support they require.

The program introduces eight ongoing classification levels (replacing the previous four HCP tiers), a quarterly funding cycle with limited roll-over, separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications funding of up to $15,000, and a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 on means-tested services.

Support At Home Program: At A Glance 🔎

  • Program change: Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages (HCPs) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) on 1 November 2025.
  • CHSP to be phased out: The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
  • Single Provider model: You will now work with single provider to manage all your services rather than “mixing and matching” multiple agencies
  • Funding levels: Eight support classification levels now replace the former four Home Care Package levels.
  • Budget cadence: Funds are paid quarterly. You can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% percent each quarter.
  • Capped Pricing: From the 1 July 2026 capped service pricing will be introduced
  • Short-term pathways: Restorative Care, and End-of-Life Care (Palliative Care at Home), are available as short-term options. These are time-limited programs for attending to your specific, immediate needs.
  • Assistive technology and home modifications: Separate, dedicated funding for AT-HM across three tiers, where the maximum funding amount available is up to $15,000 – and is to be used within twelve months of approval.
  • How to start: If you don’t already receive funding from the government for in-home care services, begin with a My Aged Care assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool, online, by phone, or in person.
  • What you pay: Clinical services are fully funded. Means-based contributions apply to personal and everyday supports, with a lifetime cap of approximately $130,000 on non-clinical costs.

When Does the Support at Home Program Start?  🗓️

The Support at Home (SAH) start date is locked in for 1 November 2025. From this day, the new SAH program officially replaces both the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. 

If you or a loved one are receiving care through either of these services, there’s no need to reapply – you’ll move straight into the new system. This automatic transition is designed to be smooth, with no gap in services or support. You should have received communication from your current provider outlining what these changes mean for you It’s all part of the broader aged care reform timeline, which aims to simplify in-home care and ensure it better matches the real needs of older Australians.

The staggered approach to keep CHSP operational until up to July 2027 gives the sector time to adjust and helps maintain continuity of care for those receiving lower-level supports. Whether you’re a client, a carer, or just trying to understand what’s ahead, this timeline can help you keep track of several upcoming changes.

Aged Care Reform Timeline

2024: Information rollout and transition preparation – 

This year was all about getting ready. The government, providers and advocates were actively preparing older Australians for the Support at Home rollout in 2025. Information sessions, new resources, and direct communication from providers were shared to help people understand what would change, and what they would need to do. It’s the first step in the aged care reform timeline, ensuring no one is left behind during the transition.

1 November 2025: Today marks the official Support at Home start date – 

On this day, the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs will be retired and replaced by the new Support at Home program. Existing clients will be automatically transferred, with no loss of services or need to reapply. It’s a major milestone in the government’s plan to create a simpler, more responsive aged care system.

1 July 2026: Capped Service Pricing – 

From 1 July 2026, most services on the service list will be subject to capped prices. These caps will be determined by the government, which will take into account advice from the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) when setting them.

By July 2027: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is fully transitioned into Support at Home –

While the CHSP remains unchanged for now, it’s next in line. From 1 July 2027 at the earliest, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be absorbed into the Support at Home program. This later phase allows more time to refine the system and to ensure a smoother, coordinated experience for older Australians who rely on lower-level supports. It completes the final leg of the aged care reform timeline, creating one unified system of in-home care.

The following individuals are eligible for Support at Home:

  • Australians aged 65+ years and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+ and over
  • People aged 50 and over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

What’s required to commence Support at Home:

  • Assessors collect the key details needed to recommend suitable services
  • All assessments will use the Single Assessment System with the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) – this plan sets the funding and services you can receive under Support at Home
  • You and your assessor will create a personalised support plan based on your needs and goals

Check your eligibility: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/am-i-eligible

Did you know?

If you already have a Home Care Package, you’re automatically moved to the new Support at Home program with no extra assessment needed. Your current funding level will transfer across, your services will continue while your provider maps them to the new service list, and any unspent Home Care Package funds will carry over. You should have received communication from your current provider outlining what these changes mean for you.

Home Care Packages to Support at Home: What Exactly Has Changed?

Here, let’s take a look at the key differences between the new Support at Home program and Home Care Packages. Read our Support at Home Changes guide for a more in-depth look at the differences between the old Home Care Packages and the new Support at Home program.

Home Care PackagesSupport at HomeWhat this means for you
Assessment approachA Single Assessment System (formerly ACAT).The Single Assessment System now uses the Integrated Assessment Tool to map your needs to a classification and plan.One doorway, and one plan. Less duplication and clearer next steps.
Priority after assessmentA National Priority System queue.Priority rating set at assessment: High, medium or standard.Receive care within a timeframe that matches your priority level.
Interim funding if there is a delayNot available.Interim allocation of 60% of your budget may start while awaiting your full funding.Essential help can begin sooner.
Package levels4 package funding levels. 8 classification levels, plus 2 short-term pathways.Extensive support with granular refinement, to ensure more personalised care to better cater to your specific needs.
Budget timingAn annual lump sum.Paid quarterly. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% each quarter.Greater clarity on your funding utilisation and balances.
Maximum annual fundingUp to $63,440 at the highest level.Up to $78,106.04 at the highest classification.Greater allocation to support complex and changing care needs.
Unspent funds at transitionUse within the year.Existing balances carry over under a no-worse-off approach.Your money follows you into the new system.
Provider fees within service pricesCare and package management could be charged up to 35% percent.Care management is capped at 10% of your funding.
Package management is no longer permitted to be charged.		More funding available for you to utilise services rather than administration fees in planning and managing your funding.
What you contributeIncome-tested daily fees may apply.No income test. Means-based contributions apply to Independence and Everyday Living. Clinical care is fully funded.Known limits and hardship pathways protect your budget.
What can be fundedPersonal care, domestic help, nursing, allied health and transport.Defined service list grouped as Clinical Supports, Independence, and Everyday Living.Transparent rules outlining eligible versus ineligible services.
Assistive technology and home changesPaid from your main package budgetA separate stream, with 3 tiers up to $15,000 dollars, to be used within a 12-month period.Essential equipment does not drain day-to-day support budget.
Short-term optionsShort-term restorative care up to 8 weeks.Restorative care generally up to 12 weeks, and an end-of-life pathway with enhanced support.Focused help after illness or in the final months of life available for immediate use.

Why CareAbout?

We’re here to help Australians navigate aged care with confidence, because no one should ever have to face this journey alone. 

We’re not a provider, but we’re here to match you with the right one. With over 900+ providers Australia-wide, finding quality aged care is stressful and overwhelming. That’s why we 1:1 match you with only a trusted, compliant provider from our handpicked panel of only vetted providers – based on your unique needs.

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The Two New Short-Term Care Pathways

The government has introduced two new short-term care options into Support at Home:

The Restorative Care Pathway

If you’ve recently had an illness, injury, or hospital stay, the Restorative Care Pathway offers short-term, focused support to help you recover and regain independence. It’s designed for people who don’t need long-term care, but do need immediate help getting back on their feet.

What to expect:

  • Goal-oriented care: Intensive allied health and nursing for up to 12 weeks (16 weeks in Regional) to improve strength, balance, mobility, and wellbeing.
  • Preventative focus: Restore independence and delay higher levels of care.
  • Common scenarios: After a fall, injury or surgery (e.g. hip replacement).
  • Supports: Physio, OT, exercise physiology, dietetics, speech pathology.
  • Immediate access: Funding allocated on approval.

Funding:

Approximately $6,000 for 6 weeks, increasing to around $12,000 once eligible.

The End-of-Life Pathway

For people with a life-limiting illness, the End-of-Life pathway coordinates specialised support so that you can remain at home with comfort and dignity, supporting you and your family.

What to expect:

  • Enhanced support: Significant time-limited budget (often ~12 weeks) focused on comfort and dignity at home.
  • Comprehensive services: Symptom management plus emotional, social, and spiritual support services.
  • Coordination: Works alongside specialist palliative care.
  • Rapid access: Fast-tracked entry when needs are urgent.
  • Family & carer support: Practical daily help and respite.

Funding:

Approximately $25,000 for 12 weeks.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) gives eligible participants a separate funding stream for assistive technology and home modifications, approved through your assessor. If you have any unspent Home Care Package funds, those must be used first before accessing additional AT–HM funds. See the full list of approved products and services on the Government website.

AT–HM at a glance 🔎

  • Eligible items: Ramps, grab rails, walkers, adjustable beds, communication devices, and hearing/vision technology. Full list here.
  • Access: Via your assessor or provider within a personalised care plan.
  • Use existing funds first: Unspent HCP funds may be redirected to eligible AT–HM purchases.
  • Priority: High/complex needs and rural/remote residents.
  • Reviews: Ensure funding tracks your health, safety, and independence goals.
Assistive Technology Funding TierFunding allocation capTime allocated to expend funding
Low$513.0012 months
Medium$2,05212 months
High$15,390*12 months

*Higher AT amounts may be approved with a valid prescription.

Home Modifications Funding TierFunding allocation capTime allocated to expend funding
Low$51312 months
Medium$2,05212 months
High$15,390 (lifetime cap)**12 months (extendable)

**This $15,000 cap is per lifetime, not renewed every 12 months. There’s also a possible extension that this home modifications high funding tier may be extended for a further 12 months to complete complex modifications, providing 24 months in total, upon providing evidence to Services Australia.

Services Available Under Support at Home

Support at Home services are organised into three main categories, each designed to support a different aspect of independent living. Your assessed classification determines which categories you access and how funding is allocated across them. Together, these categories cover the full spectrum of home care needs — from medical support through to help with daily routines. For the complete list of covered services, download the official Support at Home service list.

Clinical Care Support

Clinical Care covers medical and health-related services delivered in your home by qualified professionals. This category is fully government-funded under Support at Home — no participant contribution applies to clinical services. Included supports are: nursing (wound care, medication management, health monitoring), allied health (physiotherapy, occupational therapy), therapeutic services (podiatry, speech pathology), nutrition support (dietary planning and delivery), and care management (coordinating your overall care plan). Clinical Care is the highest-priority category because it directly addresses medical needs that keep you safely at home.

Independence Support

Independence Support helps you maintain mobility, connection, and self-directed living. Unlike Clinical Care, this category requires means-tested participant contributions based on your income and pension status. Included supports are: personal care (bathing, dressing, continence management), social support and community access, therapies for independent living (exercise programs, balance and falls prevention), respite care (short-term support for you and your carer), and transport (to medical appointments and community activities). From October 2026, showering, dressing, and continence care will move to fully-funded status under Clinical Care.

Everyday Living

Everyday Living supports the practical tasks that keep your home functional and comfortable. Like Independence Support, this category applies means-tested contributions. Included supports are: domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, ironing), home maintenance and repairs (safety-related repairs, gardening, minor home upkeep), and meal preparation and delivery (cooked meals brought to your home, or hands-on meal preparation in your kitchen). Everyday Living is designed to reduce the physical strain of household tasks so you can focus energy on the activities you enjoy.

Independence Support

Assistance to keep you moving and independent:

  • Personal care
  • Social support & community
  • Therapies for independent living
  • Respite care
  • Transport

Everyday Living

Everyday Living helps to maintain routines at home:

  • Domestic assistance
  • Home maintenance & repairs
  • Meal preparation & delivery

Support at Home Classifications

Support at Home introduces eight funding classifications ranging from $11,010.01 to $80,137.12 per year to replace the former four Home Care Package levels. The top classification also includes access to two short-term care pathways. Your level is set by assessment, and if you already receive a Home Care Package or are in the National Priority System, your approved HCP funding continues until you’re reassessed into a Support at Home classification.

Support at Home funding levelAnnual fundingQuarterly funding
Level 1$11,010.01$2,752.50
Level 2$16,451.35$4,112.84
Level 3$22,536.81$5,634.20
Level 4$30,468.51$7,617.13
Level 5$40,729.53$10,182.38
Level 6$49,365.27$12,341.32
Level 7$59,660$14,915.00

Level 8		$80,137.12$20,034.28

Already Have A Home Care Package?

When the Support at Home program begins, you’ll automatically transition to a classification that matches your current package level to continue your services without interruption.

Transitioned Home Care Package levelDaily subsidy ratesQuarterly budgetAnnual budget
1$30.88$2,818.04$11,272.15 
2$54.31$4,955.44$19,821.76
3$118.22$10,787.18$43,148.74
4$179.22$16,353.98$65,415.91
Level 3 Home Care Package Breakdown

Making A Choice, Not A Compromise

Ageing should come with dignity and comfort, not anxiety and confusion. And you should never feel forced or rushed to make an important decision, especially one that affects your future.

When you’re racing against a time constraint, with so much out there to decipher – it can often feel lonely, and disempowering. That’s why we’re here: To walk alongside you, to ensure the clarity you need, and ultimately, be the resource for making the right match.

Let’s CareAbout You

How Support at Home Changes May Affect You

Your experience differs slightly depending on when your Home Care Package was approved:

Grandfathered Participants
In My Aged Care system before 12 Sept 2024 (approved or assigned HCP)		Transitional Participants
Approved for HCP between 12 Sept 2024 – 31 Oct 2025		New Participants
Assessed and entering after Nov 2025
FundingContinue under existing Home Care Package funding arrangements.Start with the approved Home Care Package funding amount.Move to the new eight-tier classification funding model.
ContributionsNo contributions required if not already contributing to care or support costs.Contributions required on Independence and Everyday Living services. No contributions on Clinical Supports.Contributions required on Independence and Everyday Living services. No contributions on Clinical Supports.

Quarterly Budgets & Unspent Funds

Under Support at Home, you’ll receive a quarterly budget to use for the care and services that best meet your needs. Each quarter, you can carry over up to 10% of your quarterly budget or $1,000 (whichever is greater). If you are an existing Home Care Package customer, your current unspent funds will transition with you.

Participant Contribution

Support at Home directs government funding to services that keep you healthy at home. You contribute toward everyday items and services you have typically managed yourself. Your percentage depends on income and the type of service. Read our full Support at Home Contributions guide.

Service CategoryService TypesFull PensionerPart PensionerSelf-Funded Retiree
Clinical SupportNursing care, Occupational therapy, Allied heath, Nutrition, Care management, Restorative care management0%0%0%
Independence ServicesPersonal care, Social support and
community engagement, Therapeutic services, Transport, Assistive technology and
home modifications		5%5–50%50%
Everyday Living ServicesDomestic assistance, Meals, Home maintenance and repairs17.5%17.5–80%80%

Support at Home Capped Care Management

There’s a lifetime cap of $130,000 on participant contributions for non-clinical services. That cap protects self-funded retirees and higher contributors from open-ended costs. It also supports long-term planning if your support needs increase over time.

Try Our Support at Home Contributions Calculator

You can use our Support at Home Contributions Calculator to quickly see what your personal contribution may look like based on your income, assets, and care needs. This gives you an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs so you can better understand how the new program applies to your situation.

1
About You
2
Your Money
3
Approval Date
4
Your Package
5
Your Rates

Tell us about yourself

This helps us calculate your contribution rates accurately

Your financial situation

This information helps calculate your contribution rates

What you’ll need

Your income for aged care is assessed the same way as for Age Pension. This includes income from superannuation and government payments (unlike taxable income). You may want to have your financial statements, super statements, or tax returns handy.

Your Financial Details

Include: Superannuation income streams, rental income (net), business income (net), overseas pensions, DVA payments (except disability), work income, compensation payments Don’t include: Age Pension, interest from bank accounts (we’ll calculate deemed income automatically), DVA disability payments, pharmaceutical allowance, rent assistance
Include: Bank accounts, term deposits, bonds, debentures, shares (listed & unlisted), managed investments, cash holdings, superannuation balance (if over Age Pension age and NOT receiving income stream) Note: We use ‘deeming’ – your assets are assumed to earn a set rate regardless of actual returns. Don’t include interest earned.
Include: Superannuation balance (if receiving an income stream – record the balance here AND income above), investment properties, vehicles, boats, caravans, collections (stamps, art, antiques), household contents (market value), overseas assets, trust/company interests Don’t include: Your family home (if you’re a homeowner), retirement village entry contributions
Include: Personal loans (over listed assets), mortgages (over investment properties or other assets), any other loans/encumbrances over financial or other assets Don’t include: Credit card debt, loans for someone else’s benefit, mortgage on family home (already excluded from assets)

When were you approved for services?

This helps us show you the right package options

Why does this matter?

Different aged care programs became available at different times. Your approval date determines which package types you’re eligible for.

What type of aged care package do you have?

The type of package affects your contribution rates

Package Options

Choose the one that matches your current package.

careabout-level-4-home-care-packages-hero

Your Independent Guide to Aged Care

Since our foundation in 2014, we’ve helped over 135,000+ families throughout Australia to find just that – quality aged care.

We were established by two founders in the same boat as too many Australians: Looking for quality care for their loved ones – and no idea where to begin.

We built CareAbout as a free solution to help people navigate the system and find the right aged care support they deserve and need.

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Need Help With Support at Home?

Switching to Support at Home is a big change, but you’re not alone. If you’re unsure or wanting to explore your available options, please contact our friendly team here at CareAbout or call 13 13 00 . We offer free, 1:1 personalised advice to help you navigate these changes and find the right care for you. 

“Support at Home is the biggest change to home care in Australia in over a decade. For families, the most important thing is to understand your classification level, what funding it provides, and how to choose a provider who will deliver genuine value. The system is new, but the principle is the same — you deserve care that fits your needs, not the other way around.”

— Calum Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer, CareAbout

10+ years in Australian aged care | Helping senior Australians navigate the aged care system

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