Support at Home Program 2026: What Are the New Changes?

Whether or not you are currently being supported by a home care package, you may be aware of some major updates on the horizon for the Australian aged care industry. And, as part of the incoming Aged Care Act on 1 July this year, this includes several changes on the way for home care too. This is part of the Australian Government’s introduction of Support at Home, which will replace the current Home Care Packages Program.

The new program aims to help older Australians live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible by ensuring they are receiving the care and support they require.

As part of the introduction to the new Support At Home program, there will be several slight changes to the way home care services are accessed, including additional support levels and increased access to services, equipment, and home modifications.

So, while the Department of Health and Aged Care is still further finalising the finer details of the program, let’s take a quick look at what we know so far – with a particular focus on what the changes will mean for clients currently being supported by Respect Home Care as well as those interested in finding out more about our services.

Support at Home Program 2026: What has changed for home care?

As of November 2025, the Support at Home program has replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program.

Some of the key aspects that will change:

• There will be more levels of support for those receiving a home care package, including earlier access to restorative care and increased support for end-of-life care.
• The new program will have a defined list of available services for those receiving a home care package, making it easier to understand what is included. For example, there will be three categories, each with its own contribution arrangements. This includes clinical care (nursing support, etc.), independence (help with personal care like showering), and everyday living (household cleaning, gardening, etc.).
• From 1 July 2025, package management fees will be included in the cost of services. There will no longer be separate charges for this. 10% of a client’s budget will automatically be set aside each quarter for care management. This figure has been decided by the Australian government.
• Home Care Managers will focus more on client’s overall wellbeing, working closely with the health and aged care system.
• Additional funding of up to $15,000 will be available for assistive technology and home modifications to help clients stay safe and independent. This will only become available once a client has used up any of their unspent Home Care Package funds.

What does Support at Home mean for those interested in accessing home care?

Once Support at Home begins in July, aged care assessments for those wanting to access a home care package will be undertaken through Australia’s new Single Assessment System. However, just like the current system, as part of the assessment applicants can expect their assessor to determine their level of need and suitability to start receiving a home care package. This includes working with you to construct a support plan based on your health needs and aspirations.

This support plan will be the basis for the funding and services you can receive.

Similar to the current home care package system, the government will continue to pay for an individual’s health-related costs, and funds for services will still be allocated based on an individual’s care needs. However, as part of Support at Home, eligible older Australians with financial means can also expect to contribute more.

If you are not currently accessing a home care package and are interested to know what Support at Home may mean for you, check out the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

What if I am currently receiving a home care package and being supported by Respect Home Care?

Yes, you will continue to receive your home care services through Respect, and from the same carers that you have come to know and appreciate. It will now be called ‘Support at Home’ and there will be a few small changes that we will keep you informed about.

If you already receive a Home Care Package, you don’t need to do anything. You will automatically move to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025. Your care will continue and the amount of funding you receive will stay the same, so there’s no need for reassessment.

Will my services change?

Your services and supports will continue as usual, however some services may change slightly to fit within the new program. If your needs increase, you can ask for a reassessment to move to a higher level of support. If you need another round of restorative care after 1 July 2025, you will need to be reassessed under the new program.

Will the new program cost me more?

If you do not currently pay an income-tested care fee, you will not have to start paying one. The ‘no worse off’ principle also applies to the introduction of Support at Home. This means that even though the names and numbers will all change, if you were receiving a package; were on the National Priority System or assessed to be eligible for a package as of 12 September 2024, you will be no worse off than you were under the HCP program.

If you do pay an income-tested care fee, your contribution will stay the same or may even reduce.

What will happen to any unspent funds in my home care package?

Any unspent funds in your current Home Care Package will carry over into the Support at Home program. You can use these funds for extra support, assistive technology, or home modifications if your quarterly budget runs out.

Your annual funding will now be divided into four equal payments throughout the year. If you don’t use all your funds in a quarter, there will be a new limit of up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is higher) that you can roll over to the next quarter.

Under the Support at Home program, you will now lose any of your budget that you don’t spend over that limit, so it’s important to use up as much as your funds as possible each quarter because you won’t be able to save them up to use in the future.

How can I continue to stay updated?

The Department of Health and Aged Care is still finalising some details of the new program. Respect will continue to be in contact with our current home care clients over the coming months, especially once all the details are confirmed. Additionally, we look forward to sharing more details about Support at Home in upcoming blogs and resources. You can also learn more at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Navigating the Change

Do you have questions about the Support at Home program? Do you need help navigating the upcoming changes? We know this is a big shift, and we’re here to help. Please reach out so we can assist you and your family with your questions, as well as with getting on the national priority system queue (only applicable for new clients) before the changes are here.

Here’s what you can do next:

Email us on gethomecare@respect.com.au

Call us on 1300 144 144 (option 2, then 1)

Book a free Support at Home consultation

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