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    Important updates to the Support at Home Program: what you need to know

    The Department of Health and Aged Care has released new details about the Support at Home program, which is set to replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) program starting on 1 July 2025.

    This new program aims to create a simpler, more flexible, and person-centred approach to in-home aged care, responding to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

    Key changes you need to know

    • A new classification system: The Support at Home program will introduce a new classification system with eight funding levels, replacing the current four levels under Home Care Packages. This change is designed to provide more tailored and flexible funding for those needing home care.



    • New short-term support pathways: For individuals who need short-term assistance, new funding options will be available:
      • Restorative Care pathway: Up to $12,000 over 12 weeks to support recovery and rehabilitation.
      • End-of-Life pathway: Up to $25,000 over 12 weeks for palliative care and specialised support.
      • Assistive Technology and Home Modifications: New funding options to assist with mobility aids, home adjustments, and essential equipment.
    • Quarterly budgets: Instead of an annual funding model, budgets will now be allocated on a quarterly basis.
      • Budgets will be reviewed periodically to ensure that participants are receiving the right amount of care.
      • Unused funds can be rolled over into the next quarter, but they cannot be banked indefinitely, ensuring care services stay active and aligned with changing needs.
    • Price caps on services: One of the key changes to the program is the introduction of price caps for services, set to begin on 1 July 2026.
      • From 1 July 2025, providers can continue to set their own prices, similar to the current Home Care Packages program.
      • From 1 July 2026, price caps will be introduced to ensure fair pricing and prevent excessive charges.
      • The program will also ban hidden fees, such as entry, exit, or administrative charges, and ensure no participant is financially worse off when transitioning to the new system.
    • Lifetime co-contribution cap: To ensure the affordability of long-term care, the lifetime co-contribution will be capped at $130,000.

    What this means for current Home Care Package clients

    For those already receiving care through the Home Care Packages program, here’s what to expect:

    • Continued care: You will continue receiving care without interruption, as current Home Care Package recipients will gradually transition to the new Support at Home program.
    • Possible funding adjustments: You may be reassessed using the new classification system to ensure that your funding level aligns with your care needs.
    • Indicative budget amounts: Here’s a look at the indicative quarterly and annual budget for Home Care Package recipients transitioning to the new program:


    If you are receiving home care, your provider should be in touch soon to discuss any changes and transition to a new service agreement in preparation for the Program’s full rollout on 1 July 2025.



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    A special thanks to our contributors

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    Caroline Egan

    DCM Media, agedcare101

    Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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    Ian Horswill

    Journalist

    Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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    Lauren Broomham

    Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

    Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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    Jill Donaldson

    Physiotherapist

    Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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    Chris Baynes

    DCM Media, agedcare101

    Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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    Annie Donaldson

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    Caroline Egan

    DCM Media, agedcare101

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    Ian Horswill

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    Lauren Broomham

    Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

    Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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