Support at Home
Program Overview
The Support at Home program is Australia’s new in-home aged care model, set to replace the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care programs from 1 July 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
This program aims to help older Australians live independently at home for longer while directly addressing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Key improvements include:
Stronger regulations on aged care providers
Greater access to services, equipment, and home modifications
Reduced wait times for home care
Expanded support levels, including enhanced access to restorative and end-of-life care
For detailed information please refer to the Support At Home – My Aged Care Resources:
Transitioning to Support at Home: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re already receiving care or just beginning the process, this guide breaks down what’s changing, who’s eligible, and how support will be delivered under the new system.
What Changes for Existing HCP Recipients
Existing HCP recipients will transition to Support at Home on 1 July 2025, with no increase in out-of-pocket costs.
Their existing funding level will be maintained under the new system, and reassessments are only required if needs have changed.
Eligibility and Assessment
From July 2025, Support at Home will serve:
- Australians aged 65+
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+
- People aged 50+ who are homeless or at risk
Assessments will be delivered under the new Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). This ensures services are better tailored to the individual’s goals and care needs.
Prioritisation and Wait Times
A new prioritisation system will classify applicants as High, Medium, or Standard priority.
Interim allocations (60% of funding) will be made available if full support is delayed.
The government aims to support up to 1.4 million Australians in aged care by 2035.
Funding and Contributions
Funding will remain need-based, but contribution arrangements will change:
- Clinical care: fully government-funded
- Independence supports: moderate contributions
- Everyday living supports: higher contributions
Contributions are means-tested and vary by financial status:
A lifetime cap of $130,000 on non-clinical care contributions applies across all care types.
Support Levels and Pathways
Support at Home offers eight support classifications, plus two pathways:
Source: Australian Government Department
Pathways:
• Restorative Care Pathway: up to $12,000 for 12 weeks
• End-of-Life Pathway: up to $25,500 for 12 weeks
Service List and Price Caps
Services are grouped into:
- Clinical Care
- Independence
- Everyday Living
Service price caps, set from 1 July 2026, will standardise costs and remove separate administration fees.
Quarterly budgets will allow minor carryovers (up to $1,000 or 10%).
Support at Home Quarterly Budget
Under Support at Home, your annual subsidy amount will be divided into four equal quarterly budgets with each covering three months of the year. If you don’t spend your entire budget within a single quarter, you can move unspent funds of up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) between quarters to meet unplanned needs. Your budget will be held in an account managed by Services Australia.
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM Scheme)
Participants may receive up to $15,000 for assistive technology and home modifications based on assessment.
Funding Cap Duration
$500: 12 months
$2,000: 12 months
$15,000: 12 months
In Summary
Together We Care is actively preparing to transition our clients and teams to the Support at Home model.
We are committed to supporting clients and their families through these changes and will continue to share updates as the program is finalised.
For any queries, please reach out to the Together We Care team.
Experience The ‘Together We Care’ Difference
At Together We Care, we’re not just a service—we’re your partner in aging well. Our experienced team provides compassionate, professional care designed to support your independence while enhancing your quality of life.
Let’s create a care plan that’s right for you. Call us today.
Client FAQs – Support at Home Program Changes
Together We Care is here to guide you every step of the way.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is the Australian Government’s new in-home aged care model. It replaces the current Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care programs from November 2025. Its aim is to help older Australians stay at home longer with better access to services, equipment, and home modifications.
Do I need to do anything as an existing HCP client?
No. You will automatically transition from November 2025 with no increase to your out-of-pocket costs. Your current funding level will continue unless your care needs have changed.
Who is eligible for Support at Home?
You may be eligible if you are:
- 65 years or older
- 50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- 50+ and homeless or at risk of homelessness
Assessments will be done using the new Single Assessment System and Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
Will there still be a waitlist?
Yes, but a new priority system will classify applicants as High, Medium, or Standard priority. If your full package isn’t available immediately, you may receive an interim budget of up to 60% of your approved funding while you wait.
How will fees and contributions work?
- Clinical care is fully government-funded.
- Independence and everyday living supports may require contributions, based on your income.
A lifetime cap of $130,000 applies to non-clinical care contributions.
What levels of support are available?
There are eight support levels ranging from $11,000 to $78,000 per year, plus:
- Restorative Care Pathway: Up to $12,000 for 12 weeks
- End-of-Life Pathway: Up to $25,500 for 12 weeks
What services can I access under the new program?
Services will be grouped into:
- Clinical Care
- Independence Supports
- Everyday Living Supports
A national price cap will standardise costs and remove separate admin fees starting from 1 July 2026.
How will my funding be managed?
Funding is divided into quarterly budgets. You may carry over up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) into the next quarter for unplanned needs. Your budget will be managed by Services Australia.
Will there be help for equipment and home modifications?
Yes. Through the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, clients can access:
- Up to$500, $2,000, or $15,000 per year
- Based on assessment and care needs
What is Together We Care doing to prepare?
We are actively supporting our clients and teams during this transition and will continue to provide updates and personalised guidance.
Still have questions?
📞 Call us on 1300 979 611
📩 Email: hello@togetherwecare.com.au
We’re here to help make this transition smooth and stress-free.