Understanding Support at Home
Australia’s aged care system is evolving to provide more flexible care at home. From 1 July 2025, the Support at Home Program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs, streamlining services to better meet individual needs. We know these changes may feel overwhelming, so to help you out, this page will be regularly updated with clear information to help you stay informed about key updates, timelines, and what to expect from the new system.
Latest News:
16 April, 2025
📘 New Resources Available
To help you understand what’s changing from 1 July 2025, the Australian Government has released the Support at Home Program Handbook.
This guide includes:
-
An overview of the new program
-
What types of services will be available
-
How care will be assessed and planned
-
What it means if you’re already on a Home Care Package
It’s a great starting point if you want to learn more about the upcoming changes.
📄 View or download the handbook here (PDF)
Common FAQs
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is a new government initiative launching on 1 July 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. It aims to provide simpler, more flexible, and higher-quality home care services tailored to individual needs.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will continue until at least 30 June 2027, allowing more time for a gradual transition to the new system. During this period, CHSP consumers will receive further guidance on how their services will change.
Why the change to the Support at Home Program?
The Australian Government is introducing the Support at Home program to make home care simpler, fairer, and more flexible. This change will combine multiple programs into one streamlined system, making it easier to navigate. Funding will be based on individual needs rather than fixed package levels, ensuring better support. The program also aims to improve cost transparency and reduce administration fees.
How will the changes affect me if I currently receive a Home Care Package (HCP)?
If you are on an HCP, your services will transition to the Support at Home system from 1 July 2025. The current four package levels will be replaced with a more flexible funding model (of 8 levels), designed to better match individual needs. Your Support at Home funding will align with your current package level, ensuring continuity of care without disruption.
How will these changes affect me if I receive support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
If you receive services under CHSP, there will be no immediate changes – CHSP will continue operating until 30 June 2027. This extended timeline allows a gradual transition to the new Support at Home model. The government is still finalising how CHSP services will be structured under the new system, and we will update you as more details become available.
Will the services I receive change under the Support at Home Program?
Support at Home will introduce service categories. For many consumers, this will result in little or no change to their regular service provision under a Home Care Package.
For ongoing and short-term classifications, funded aged care services are grouped into three categories:
- clinical supports – such as nursing care, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
- independence – such as personal care, social support, respite care, community engagement and transport.
- everyday living – such as domestic assistance, home maintenance and repairs, and meals.
For more details, visit the Support at Home Service List.
How are Assistive Technology & Home Modifications changing under Support at Home ?
From 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will introduce the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, making it easier for older Australians to access the equipment and home modifications they need. Instead of using their care budget to save up for these supports, participants will be assessed and allocated funding based on their needs.
The government has introduced three funding tiers (Low $500, Medium $2,000 & High $15,000) to ensure clients receive the right level of support, with an official Assistive Technology and Home Modifications List outlining approved equipment and modifications. This change aims to provide faster access, greater clarity, and more tailored solutions to help people live safely and independently at home.
If you are eligible for the AT-HM Scheme, after your aged care assessment, you can access up to $15,000 for home modifications and $15,000 (or more with evidence) for assistive technology.
For more details, visit the Support at Home Program.
How will budgets and funding work under the new program?
The Support at Home program introduces eight funding levels, replacing the four Home Care Package (HCP) levels, to better align with individual care needs. Instead of receiving funding as a lump sum annually, budgets will be allocated quarterly, ensuring a more consistent and manageable distribution of funds. This approach provides greater flexibility, allowing for better planning and adjustment of services based on changing needs. Please click here for more information.
Where can I get more information about the Support at Home Program?
You can find updates through My Aged Care (1800 200 422) or by contacting our team on 1300 764 433. This page will also be regularly updated with the latest details to help you stay informed about the changes.
Funding, Contributions and Budgets under Support at Home
How will funding work under Support at Home?
The new Support at Home program introduces 8 funding levels, replacing the current 4 Home Care Package (HCP) levels. The amount of funding you receive will be based on your care needs, assessed through My Aged Care.
There are also 3 short-term funding options available for up to 12 weeks – restorative care, end-of-life care and assistive technology & home modifications (AT-HM).
Quarterly Budgets – What’s Changing?
Your assessment (or current Home Care Package level), will inform a quarterly (3-monthly) budget. This change:
✔ Makes it easier to manage spending.
✔ Allows adjustments if care needs change.
✔ Improves flexibility in how services are used.
How much funding will be available?
Funding is based on eight levels, with higher levels providing more support for complex needs. Below is the indicative budget amount that the government has released.
| Funding Level | Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ~$2,750 | ~$11,000 |
| Level 2 | ~$4,000 | ~$16,000 |
| Level 3 | ~$5,500 | ~$22,000 |
| Level 4 | ~$7,500 | ~$30,000 |
| Level 5 | ~$10,000 | ~$40,000 |
| Level 6 | ~$12,000 | ~$48,000 |
| Level 7 | ~$14,500 | ~$58,000 |
| Level 8 | ~$19,500 | ~$78,000 |
Short-term funding options include:
- Restorative Care – ~$6,000 (may increase to ~$12,000 if eligible).
- End-of-Life Care – ~$25,000 for 12 weeks of intensive support.
- Assistive Technology & Home Modifications – ~$500 increasing to a maximum of ~$15,000.
What happens if I don’t spend my care budget each quarter?
If you don’t spend your budget each quarter, you can carry over unspent funds of $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater). Assistive technology and/or home modifications through the AT-HM Scheme are not budgeted quarterly but provide a funding level that can be accessed for a longer time period.
What about my contributions to my care?
Under Support at Home, you will only pay contributions for the services you receive, rather than a set fee. Your contribution will be based on the type of service, as well as your income and assets, with the Age Pension means test used to determine your contribution percentage.
- Clinical support services (such as nursing and physiotherapy) will be fully funded, meaning you won’t need to contribute.
- Independence services (such as personal care) and assistive technology/home modifications (AT-HM) will require a moderate contribution, as they help keep people safe and independent at home.
- Everyday living services (such as domestic help and gardening) will require a higher contribution, as the government does not typically fund these services.
If you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you will pay lower contributions than other self-funded retirees. The specific amount you pay will depend on your individual financial circumstances and the services you use.
What about the Income Tested Fee (ITF)?
Under the current Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, some clients may be required to pay an income-tested care fee based on their assessable income. This fee is determined by Services Australia and contributes to the cost of their care services.
With the introduction of the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025, the structure of contributions will change. Instead of the existing income-tested care fee, clients will pay contributions directly related to the specific services they receive. These contributions will vary based on the type of service and the client’s financial situation, as assessed by the Age Pension means test.
Importantly, there is a ‘no worse off’ principle in place for existing clients. The “no worse off” principle also applies to your out-of-pocket contribution arrangements if, as of 12 September 2024, you were receiving a package on the National Priority System or assessed as eligible for a package. This means that if you are currently paying an income-tested care fee under the HCP Program, you will not pay more than you currently do when transitioning to the Support at Home program. In some cases, some clients may even pay less.
How HenderCare will support you
What is a Care Partner?
Under the Support at Home program, HenderCare will introduce Care Partners to help our clients manage and coordinate their in-home care. This role is similar to our current Home Care Coordinator but is designed to provide more personalised and proactive support.
Your HenderCare Care Partner will:
- Help plan and coordinate care to ensure services meet your individual needs.
- Monitor and adjust your care plan as needs change.
- Support you in navigating services and advocating for your preferences.
- Provide guidance on available supports and resources.
Our Care Partners will aim to make home care simpler, more responsive, and better tailored to each person’s needs, ensuring they receive the right support to live independently at home.
How will HenderCare apply the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards?
From 1 July 2025, the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will come into effect, focusing on safety, quality, and person-centred care. These updates will reinforce the importance of delivering high-quality, personalised, and respectful care to older Australians.
At HenderCare, we will be applying these strengthened standards by:
- Ensuring care remains personalised: Your services will continue to be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
- Maintaining high-quality support: Our team will understand the strengthened standards to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care.
- Upholding your rights: You will continue to have a say in your care and how it is delivered.
- Focusing on well-being and independence: Services will support not just your daily needs but also your overall health, independence, and connection to the community.
We are dedicated to meeting these strengthened standards and continuing to provide safe, high-quality care that puts you first.
We understand that changes to aged care services can bring questions, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Below are some ways you can stay informed about the Support at Home program.
📞 Call My Aged Care – For official information about the changes, eligibility, and assessments, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au.
🌐 Visit Our Support at Home Information Page – We’ll be regularly updating this page with the latest details about the changes and what they mean for you.
📩 Speak with Our Team – If you have questions about your current services or how things may change, our friendly team is here to help. Call us on 1300 764 433 or email hello@hendercare.com.au.
We’re committed to ensuring you continue to receive the best possible care and support. Thank you for being part of our community – we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.