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The Support at Home Program is a government funded home care service that helps older Australians live safely and independently in their own homes through tailored clinical, personal, and everyday support services.
Launched on 1 November 2025, it replaces the old Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care programs as part of Australia’s national aged care reform.
If you or a loved one has questions about the support at home changes and what they mean for you, this guide covers everything an Australian senior needs.
Why the Support at Home Program Was Introduced
The previous system of Home Care Packages sometimes created long waiting lists and complex funding arrangements. The government introduced the Support at Home Program to simplify aged care and improve access to services.
Key goals of the support at home changes include:
- Making aged care services easier to understand
- Providing more flexible funding levels
- Reducing wait times for support
- Helping seniors stay independent longer
- Offering stronger clinical and health support at home
By combining several aged care programs into one system, the government aims to provide better, more consistent home made support for seniors across Australia.
What Does the Support at Home Program Cover?
Support at home is structured across 3 service categories, each with different funding rules:
Clinical Care (Fully Government Funded)
Clinical care services are fully funded by the Australian Government. Seniors do not need to pay any contribution for these services.
This includes:
- Nursing care
- Wound management
- Medication management
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology services
- Other allied health support
Independence Support (Contributions May Apply)
Supported Independent living focuses on helping seniors maintain their daily routines and personal well-being.
Services include:
- Personal care, such as bathing and dressing
- Assistance with mobility
- Transport to appointments
- Social support and community activities
- Short-term respite care
- Home modifications for safety
Everyday Living (Contributions Apply)
Everyday living services help seniors manage practical household tasks that may become difficult with age.
Examples include:
- Cleaning and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Gardening and yard maintenance
- Minor home maintenance
- Assistive technology and equipment
How Much Will You Contribute?
The government covers most of the cost of support at home services, but participants may contribute depending on their financial situation.
| Your Status | Independence Support | Everyday Living |
| Full Pensioner | Up to 5% | Up to 17.5% |
| Part Pensioner | 5% – 50% | 17.5% – 80% |
| Self-Funded Retiree | Up to 50% | Up to 80% |
Notes: Clinical care services remain completely free for all participants. There is also a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 for non-clinical services.
The 8 Support at Home Classifications
The old 4-level Home Care Package system has been replaced with 8 classifications, giving a more accurate match between funding and individual need. Annual budgets range from entry-level support up to $78,106.35 for the most complex care needs.
The 8 Classifications & Budgets
| Classification | Support Level | What It Covers | Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget |
| Classification 1 | Minimal Support | Help with tasks becoming difficult; no significant daily care needs. | $2,682.75 | $10,731.00 |
| Classification 2 | Light Personal Care | Slightly increased help with daily tasks and low-level health support. | $4,008.61 | $16,034.45 |
| Classification 3 | Moderate Support | Several visits per week for personal care, household tasks, and health monitoring. | $5,491.43 | $21,965.70 |
| Classification 4 | High-Frequency Support | More frequent visits; increased personal care and allied health involvement. | $7,424.10 | $29,696.40 |
| Classification 5 | Daily Support & Health Coordination | Managing chronic conditions, regular nursing input, and complex personal care. | $9,924.35 | $39,697.40 |
| Classification 6 | Comprehensive Care | Daily care with significant clinical and allied health services required. | $12,028.58 | $48,114.30 |
| Classification 7 | Intensive Daily Care | Near-daily support, multiple clinical services, and allied health to delay residential care. | $14,537.04 | $58,148.15 |
| Classification 8 | Highest Level of Care | Maximum support for the most complex needs: intensive daily clinical and personal care. | $19,526.59 | $78,106.35 |
Notes: Budgets are allocated quarterly, and you can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly allocation (whichever is greater) into the next quarter. Budget figures are indicative; individual allocations are confirmed through your My Aged Care assessment. Clinical care is fully government-funded regardless of classification.
2 New Short-Term Pathways
Restorative Care Pathway
Access up to 12 weeks of allied health support (with an additional $6,000–$12,000 budget) to help seniors regain independence after a setback such as a fall or hospital discharge.
End-of-Life Pathway
For seniors diagnosed with three months or less to live, this pathway provides up to $25,000 over 12 weeks (with up to 16 weeks to use funds) to support remaining at home. Available even if you’re not currently receiving home made support.
What Happens to Existing Home Care Package Recipients?
If you were approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, the government has introduced a “no worse off” principle.
This means:
- Your contribution costs will remain the same or decrease
- You do not need to reapply
- Your existing services will continue
- Any unspent funds will transfer to the new program
Participants covered under this rule are known as grandfathered participants.
Who Is Eligible for the Support at Home Program?
Eligibility depends on care needs, not income. To qualify, you generally need to:
- Be 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Live at home ( not in residential aged care)
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Need help with daily tasks due to age-related factors
How to Apply for Support at Home
- Register with My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422
- Complete the online eligibility check
- Attend your in-home assessment (1–3 hours)
- Receive your Notice of Decision and Support Plan
- Choose a registered provider within 56 days of funding being assigned
Wait times can vary but typically range between 3 and 6 months, depending on demand.
Need Help Navigating the Support at Home Program?
At Bur-Del, we support Australian seniors like you in navigating aged care services and accessing the right support at home options for your needs.
If you need help understanding eligibility, choosing services, or arranging care, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch with our team today.
FAQs
Can my spouse and I both receive support at home?
Yes. Each person is assessed individually. Couples may also share services such as cleaning or gardening if appropriate.
What if I am still on the Home Care Package waiting list
You will automatically move to the Support at Home Priority System. When a place becomes available, you receive a budget equivalent to your approved Home Care Package level. No new assessment needed.
What happens if my care needs change?
If your needs increase, your provider can arrange a reassessment to move you into a higher classification with more funding.
Can I change providers if I’m unhappy?
Yes. Participants can change providers at any time without exit fees, and unused funds are transferred to the new provider.
When will CHSP transition to Support at Home?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will merge with Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027. Until then, CHSP services continue unchanged.
