The Support at Home program is Australia’s new aged care program beginning on 1 November 2025, with the commencement of the new Aged Care Act 2024. The Support at Home program consolidates the legacy Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs into a single, less complex, more flexible scheme, to enable older Australians to stay in their own homes for longer.
Support at Home includes earlier entry to supportive care, richer restorative care, and improved support for end-of-life care for individuals, compared to the legacy Home Care Packages Program. The new program ensures personalised care according to each aged care individual’s needs. Eight Funding Classifications are introduced with the new program, ranging from lower amounts for basic household supports; to higher amounts for higher intensity personal and clinical care. There are also six new Registration Categories for Registered Providers.
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Updates for Current Home Care Clients
Individuals receiving Home Care Packages will be automatically transitioned to the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. They will have an equivalent level of Commonwealth funding and will not need to go through reassessment unless their care needs shift significantly.
- Transitioned recipients will have the same or lower contribution amount, with some contribution assessments adjusted through Services Australia from commencement of the new Act.
- Newly updated service agreements with new fees, contributions, and care plans should be offered by service providers to facilitate smooth handovers without care disruption.
Home Care Packages Underlying Support at Home Program Reforms
The older Home Care Packages framework is modifier under Support at Home to feature eight Funding Classifications for aged care individuals as an alternative to the old four-tier system.
- The new strategy takes on quarterly budgets instead of annual, with budget carry-over limits to promote timely spending.
- Funding for care management is reduced to 10% of the budget, incorporated into service charges and eliminating additional administration fees.
- Funding for assistive technology and home modifications is separately assessed, giving more focused assistance to individuals requiring tailored assistance.
Support at Home Program Provider Transition
From 1 November 2025, current Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care providers will shift to providing services under Support at Home. Previously Approved Providers will be deemed as Registered Providers, and so must understand their obligations and features of the new Support at Home Program including registration categories, funding classifications, care management fund pooling, and adherence to the new Aged Care Act and Strengthened Quality Standards.
- Providers should update key information through the Provider Portal, including updated service fees before the commencement date.
- The Government has provided extensive guidance for transitioning to the new scheme, found in their Provider Transition Guide, including information on adapting in-house processes, client communication, and service continuity.
Types of Services Covered under the Support at Home Program
Support at Home provides an extensive scope of in-home and community services, detailed in the Support at Home Service List. The Service List includes:
- 3 participant contribution categories
- 14 service types (each within a contribution category)
- 49 services (each within a service type).
The Provider Registration Categories group similar service types, easing practical burdens on Providers wanting to Register to deliver lower-risk services and profession-specific therapies.
New ‘Universal’ Provider Registration model
A new single provider registration model integrates all aged care program registrations into a single registration per Provider ABN.
- The change is designed to minimise Provider administrative burdens, enhance Commission monitoring abilities, and improve Participant outcomes.
- The CHSP will also transition to the Support at Home Program in 2027.
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications and Funding Categories
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme within the Support at Home program is funded independently of ongoing care services, removing the necessity for clients to sacrifice funds to acquire necessary equipment and home safety adjustments.
- Assistive technology encompasses aids such as walking frames, emergency call alarms, and hearing aids,
- Home modifications include safety modifications such as grab rails and ramps.
The scheme offers three funding levels—low (less than $500), medium (up to $2,000), and high (up to $15,000)—corresponding to the client’s assessed requirements. Only qualified health professionals, such as occupational therapists, carry out assessments to prescribe suitable items and modifications. Funding also includes wraparound support to facilitate safe and effective equipment usage. AT-HM funding is allocated annually, with some gradation for complex needs or progressive conditions. This distinct funding mechanism provides timely access and responsive support for home safety and independence.
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Conclusion
Support at Home is a major reform of Australia’s aged care sector, delivering greater flexibility, accessibility, and customised support to enable older Australians to age at home with sustained independence, dignity and quality of life. The program’s streamlined provider registration model, funding arrangements and service pathways are designed to streamline care delivery; while delivering diverse individual needs from early intervention through to end-of-life care.
FAQs
1. What is the Support At Home Program?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new aged care program to replace Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care, with the aim of streamlining and enhancing in-home care services for senior citizens, enabling them to live at home for longer.
2. When does the new Support At Home Program begin?
The program commences on 1 November 2025, with transition arrangements for ongoing clients and providers to maintain continuity.
3. Who is eligible for Support at Home?
Australians aged 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older, and other citizens on low incomes or at risk of homelessness are eligible to apply.
4. What types of services will the new Support At Home Program provide?
Services are specifically detailed in the Support At Home Service List, and include supports such as domestic and personal assistance, allied health, nursing, transport, hoarding assistance, social support, assistive technology and home modifications; all to meet individual needs.
5. What steps should a Provider take for the new Program?
Providers will need to either apply for Registration or review their Deemed Registration status, familiarise themselves with new program requirements, confirm service delivery information, and notify participants requiring service agreement revisions.
6. How are Participants funded under Support at Home?
Funding is allocated on a tiered basis according to assessed need, and delivered in the form of quarterly budgets incorporating care management charges, in addition to any Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme funding.
7. What are the November 2025 changes to the Support At Home Program?
From November 1, 2025, Support at Home substitutes the old Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. Current Providers and Participants will be automatically transitioned to the new program, ensuring continuity of care.
