What Is the Support at Home Program? What’s Changing in 2025

Please note: The commencement of the new Support at Home program has been deferred by the Australian Government, now scheduled to commence on 1 November 2025. The information is current at time of publication, based on the most recent government updates. Please note that further details or changes may be announced in the coming months, and we’ll continue to keep you informed as new information becomes available.

The way in-home aged care help is provided is changing this year due to reforms made by the Australian Government. A new model known as Support at Home will take the place of the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) program on 1 November, 2025.

Whether you’re receiving care yourself or helping an ageing loved one navigate the system, here’s what you need to know.

New Support At Home Program – What’s Changing?

Support at Home brings together multiple existing programs, including Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC),into a single, simplified program.

The Key Benefits of Support at Home

1. Higher levels of care.

The program will provide access to higher levels of care by increasing the maximum annual amount of funding available for in-home aged care from $61,440 to $78,000.

2. Clinical services will be free for everyone that qualifies.

That includes things like nursing, physiotherapy, wound care, continence management, etc. This is a major shift. Under HCPs, many of these services could eat into your budget – now, they’re fully covered by the government.

3. Fairer costs for everyday services.

You’ll now only contribute to what you actually use, and only for non-clinical supports (e.g., domestic help, shopping assistance, or gardening). This means more transparency – no more blanket fees.

4. Tailored funding.

Instead of being slotted into one of just four HCP levels, you’ll be assessed and placed into one of eight funding tiers, giving more precise support based on your actual needs.

5. Quarterly budgets = easier management.

Your total yearly funds will now be split into four quarterly budgets. Unused funds (up to 10% or $1,000) can roll over to the next quarter; encouraging better planning and use of your care budget.

6. Extra funding for special needs.

Support at Home introduces funding streams for:

a. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM): Up to $15,000 to improve safety and independence.
b. Restorative Care Pathway: Up to 12 weeks of extra allied health support to recover after illness or injury.
c. End-of-Life Pathway: Up to $25,000 to help people live out their final months with dignity at home.

Who Pays What?

The government will continue to fund most of the care costs (about 89% overall) but contribution rates will depend on the type of service you’re receiving and your income and assets.

Here’s a breakdown of contributions:

Note: If you’re already on a home care package and not paying a care fee, you won’t suddenly have to start paying it. A “no worse off” principle will apply to the contributions arrangements for people who, on 12 September 2024, were either receiving a package, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package. You will be no worse off because of the reforms, i.e., you make the same contributions, or lower, than you would have had under Home Care Package (HCP) Program arrangements.

If you do pay an income-tested care fee, your contribution will stay the same or may even reduce. Find out more about contributions by downloading the Support at Home handbook.

What Happens If I’m a Current HCP Client?

If you’re already receiving home care package funding, you don’t have to do anything. Your:

• Provider stays the same
• Care continues uninterrupted
• Funding level stays equivalent, just under the new classification

You’ll only need a reassessment if your needs change or if you’re applying for additional support under new pathways like Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) Scheme or the Restorative Care Pathway.

A Few Things to Remember Once The Support At Home Program Rolls Out

1. You may lose unspent funds: Under the Support at Home program, anything over 10% of your quarterly budget or $1,000, whichever is greater, that goes unused won’t carry forward into the next quarter.

2. Contributions for everyday tasks: Self-funded retirees could see costs for non-essential services like gardening or domestic help, that said, clinical help will remain completely free. Please refer to the ‘Who pays what’ section above.

3. Services are strictly defined: The government will now outline exactly what’s in scope and what’s not, which may mean some grey areas get trimmed.

Final Thoughts

The new Support at Home program is designed to be more personalised, equitable, and focused on independence. For most Australians, especially those receiving clinical care or allied health services, it’s a meaningful and substantial improvement.

Still, it’s essential to understand the differences and plan for your (or your loved one’s) ongoing needs – especially around budgeting and co-contributions.

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

Follow us on: Facebook and LinkedIn

Check out our blog for more informative content