The new Support at Home program – a change for the better

It’s no surprise that most Australians want to stay in their own home as they age. After all, our connection to family, friends and community often depends on it. 

Not only that, staying independent keeps our minds and bodies active – which can prevent things like cognitive decline and feelings of depression or isolation.

But there can be obstacles to this – for example, modifications might be needed to make a home more accessible or physiotherapy may be required to prevent injury. 

It’s with all this in mind that the Australian Government is implementing a new and improved aged care program that promises to be a change for the better. Let’s take a closer look.

What’s changing?

To support more people to stay in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible, the Australian Government is implementing a new program called Support at Home.

From 1 July 2025, Support at Home will replace the existing Home Care Packages program and the Short-Term Restorative Care program.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will also transition to the new program by 1 July 2027.

How will Support at Home improve in-home care?

Quicker access to services

Extra funding in the first two years of the new Support at Home program aims to reduce average wait times to just 3 months.

A better funding model

Eight new classifications for ongoing services will replace the current 4 Home Care Package levels. This will allow support services to better align with participants’ needs.

Two new classifications for short-term services will provide up to 12 weeks of funding for restorative care and end of life care.

Greater clarity on services provided

The program will include a clear list of services available, making it easier to know what is and isn’t on offer. Services are divided into clinical care (e.g. nursing and physiotherapy), support for independence (e.g. personal care, respite, transport and social support), and everyday help (e.g. cleaning, meal delivery and gardening).

A move to quarterly budgets

Funding level amounts will be divided into 4 equal budgets that each cover 3 months of the year. Participants work with their provider to decide how to spend their budget on the services they’re approved for. Plus, they can save up to $1,000 or 10% of their quarterly budget (whichever is higher) to use in future quarters if they have funds left over.

The budgets for each of the 8 ongoing classifications are:

Set price caps

The government will take advice from the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority to set price caps for each service. Support at Home providers will not be able to charge for amounts above these caps.

More supports to remain independent

The new restorative care pathway will extend support from 8 to 12 weeks and more than double the available places. This increased focus on allied health and preventative support will empower more people to stay in their own home for longer.

A separate funding program will also provide easy access to approved assistive technology and home modifications, meaning people no longer need to save their package funds for these supports.

Priority end of life care

Older people with less than 3 months to live who wish to stay at home will get priority access to the program’s highest funding level, providing $25,000 for 12 weeks of extra Home Care services. This is in addition to specialised palliative care services.

What are the contribution rates for Support at Home?

Contribution rates will be a set percentage of each service’s cost, with the government covering the rest. Here’s how it works:

• Clinical services (e.g. nursing and physiotherapy) will be fully funded by the government.
• Independence services (e.g. personal care) will have moderate contribution rates.
• Everyday living services (e.g. cleaning and gardening) will have the highest contribution rates.

Contributions will be based on income and assets. The percentage contribution to the cost of services is shown below.

What if I already have a Home Care Package?

Everyone with a Home Care Package on 30 June 2025 will keep their funding level and any unspent funds under Support at Home. Those on the National Priority System or approved for a package by that date will get a Support at Home budget that matches their current package.

No one will be worse off – so you’ll pay the same or lower contributions than under previous Home Care arrangements if you’re receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System or assessed as eligible for a package as of 12 September 2024.

What should I do now?

The new Support at Home program will not come into effect until 1 July 2025. In the meantime, the steps you take to apply for a Home Care Package remain the same.

Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure the application process is as straightforward as possible: How do I apply for a Home Care Package?

We encourage you to start the process sooner rather than later so that you get access to the services you need when you need them.

And once you have been approved for a Home Care Package, get in touch with us on 13 13 00. Our Care Advisers have the compassion and the knowledge to guide you through the maze and find the Home Care provider that’s just right for you.

Stay in the know

We’ll continue to share updates about the Support at Home program (and more!) as they become available. So, look out for our newsletters in your inbox!