The new Support at Home program promises a simpler and more equitable system for older Australians seeking to live independently from their home and community for longer. How the changes affect you will depend on your individual circumstances including your care needs, financial situation and where you currently are in your home care journey.
Whether you are currently receiving a Home Care Package, have applied for one, or are thinking of applying, this article provides a helpful summary of how the key changes will affect you.
In previous articles, we’ve talked about the Support at Home program and surrounding reforms starting on 1 July 2025. The Australian Government has announced a delay in the implementation of Support at Home. The start date is now 1 November 2025. Centacare welcomes this decision and the extra time it provides people to better understand the changes, prepare and make informed decisions.
What is the Support at Home program?
From 1 November 2025, Support at Home will replace existing programs such as the Home Care Package program, which helps close to 290,000 older Australians live independently at home. Support at Home aims to address the shortcomings highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, such as long wait times, limited service flexibility and inequitable access to care. It is linked to a new, rights-based Aged Care Act, which also commences from 1 November.
12 September 2024 – why is this date significant?
12 September 2024 is the date that marks the cutoff for certain protections and provisions related to Home Care Packages transitioning to the new program.
| If approved BEFORE 12 September 2024 | If approved AFTER 12 September 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is in this category? |
People in this category include those who, on 12 September 2024, were:
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People in this category include those who are:
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| Funding | If your current Home Care Package is meeting your care needs, you don’t need to be reassessed. You’ll automatically move to a Support at Home classification level that aligns with your current Home Care Package level (or approved level if you’re on the waitlist). If your needs change, you may be reassessed into a new classification with a higher budget. | You’ll be assessed and assigned a classification under the new Support at Home funding model. The new program introduces eight funding classifications, ranging from $11,000 to $78,000 per year. These will replace the existing four Home Care Package levels. |
| Budget | Your annual budget will shift to a quarterly budget from 1 November 2025. | If your funding begins after 1 November 2025, you’ll receive a quarterly budget from the outset. |
| Contribution | Your contributions (basic daily fee and any income-tested care fee) will be the same or lower under Support at Home. For example, if you don’t pay an income-tested fee now, you won’t pay one under the new program. If you do pay a fee now, you’ll transition with discounted contribution arrangements. It’s worth noting that the no worse off principle also applies to those who are re-assessed into a higher Support at Home classification at a later date. | Support at home contributions commence from 1 November 2025. |
| Unspent funds | You can keep any unspent Home Care Package funds you’ve accrued before 1 November 2025. These funds will be transferred to your new Support at Home budget in full. From 1 November 2025, any new unspent funds will be capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget – whichever is greater. | From 1 November 2025, you’ll be able to carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly Support at Home budget – whichever is greater. If you start your package before 1 November 2025 and accrue any unspent funds beforehand, those will transition with you. |
We understand that aged care funding changes can be complex, and many clients have questions about what this means for them. Our experienced Care Partners are here to guide you through each step, whether it’s applying for a reassessment, adjusting your care plan, or accessing supplementary supports you may be eligible for.
While we are still awaiting final details from the government, we want to reassure you that any necessary updates to your agreement, budget, and care plan will be made before the changes take effect. In the meantime, we encourage you to speak with your Care Partner about any concerns or questions. When the time comes, we’ll work with you to ensure your support continues to meet your needs.
Find out more about Centacare Home Care Packages.
PLEASE NOTE:
This page is current as at 20 June 2025. It is summary only and based on publicly available information regarding the new Support at Home program. The government is continuing to release information about Support at Home, and therefore the information in this article is subject to change.