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Support at Home

What is Support at Home, and who does it affect?

The Support at Home program is Australia’s new in-home aged care system designed to help older Australians live independently and comfortably in their own homes. It will replace the current Home Care Packages program on 1 November 2025. This change will affect around 1.4 million older Australians, including those already receiving care and those who may apply for services in the future.

What are the main changes from the old system?

Here’s how Support at Home will be different:

  • Simpler Assessments: There will be one assessment system for all aged care services, making it easier for you to access the support you need.
  • More Support Levels: Instead of four levels of funding, there will now be eight levels tailored to individual needs—from basic support to high-level care. Funding can go up to $78,000 per year for those with higher needs.
  • Lower Fees: Case management fees will be capped at 10%, and providers can no longer charge package management fees, meaning more of your funding goes directly toward your care.
  • Assistive Technology and Home Modifications: There will be dedicated funding for things like equipment and home improvements:
    • Low: Under $500 (for small items like grab rails).
    • Medium: Up to $2,000 (for items like mobility aids).
    • High: Up to $15,000 (for bigger modifications like bathroom upgrades).
      If your needs exceed $15,000, you can still access additional funding with a prescription from a healthcare professional.
  • Quarterly Budgets: Instead of receiving funding annually, you’ll now get a budget every three months. If you don’t use all your funds, you can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly amount—whichever is higher.
What are the main changes from the old system?

Will I need to contribute toward my services?

If you are approved for aged care services after September 12, 2024, Services Australia may ask you to contribute toward some services based on your income and assets. Here’s how contributions will work:

  • No Contribution: Clinical services like nursing or physiotherapy won’t require any payment from you.
  • Moderate Contribution: Services that help with independence—like personal care or meal preparation—may require a small contribution (5%).
  • Highest Contribution: Everyday living services—like cleaning or gardening—may have a higher contribution rate (17.5%).

If you’re a pensioner, your contributions will generally be lower than those of non-pensioners.

Please find our price schedule for support at Home services here.

Will I need to contribute toward my services?

When will it start, and what should I do?

The Support at Home program begins on November 1, 2025. If you were approved for a Home Care Package after September 12, 2024, check your approval date with My Aged Care. You may need to contribute toward some of your services under the new system.

When will it start, and what should I do?

Will current Home Care Package recipients need reassessment?

If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, there’s good news—you won’t need to be reassessed when transitioning to Support at Home. You’ll keep the same level of funding you currently receive, and any unspent funds from your package will carry over into the new program.

If later reassessments show that you qualify for a higher level of funding under Support at Home, this won’t affect your unspent funds—they’ll remain available until fully used.

Where can I find more information?

If you have questions or want more details:

  • Fronditha Care is running a media campaign about these changes and has a dedicated team ready to help answer your questions.
  • You can also visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website for official updates.
Will current Home Care Package recipients need reassessment?