The Support at Home program is a new aged care initiative from the Australian Government that will launch on 1 July 2025, replacing the current Home Care Package program. It’s part of a broader reform across the aged care sector, aiming to provide simpler, more consistent, and better-quality home care services for older Australians.
The new Support at Home program brings together services that help older people live independently, safely and with dignity in their own homes. It offers access to clinical care, assistance with everyday living, and support with equipment and home modifications. If you or your loved one already receives a home care package, this new system will allow you to retain your current provider and funding level — and you’ll continue to receive care without interruption.
These changes are part of a national commitment to improve aged care quality, increase transparency and give older people more control and choice in their care arrangements. For more information on the Support at Home program, view the Australian government’s Support at Home program resources or contact our team at (02) 4089 3000 – we’re here to help!
From 1 July 2025, everyone on an existing Home Care Package program will automatically move to the 2025 Support at Home program. This change won’t require a new assessment. If you’re already receiving care, your funding level will stay the same, and you won’t need to change aged care providers.
If you were already receiving an approved home care package, or were waiting as of 12 September 2024, you’ll be protected by the “no worse off” rule. This means your financial contributions will stay the same or decrease.
Your annual budget will be split into four equal parts and provided quarterly. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) if unspent during the quarter.
The new program uses a defined list of services with clear inclusions and exclusions. This helps ensure consistency and fairness. You can still personalise your support within the budget you’re given.Your annual budget will be split into four equal parts and provided quarterly. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) if unspent during the quarter.
Funding for items like handrails, ramps, mobility aids and safety equipment will be separate from your care budget, so you won’t have to save up or reduce other services to access them.
10% of your quarterly budget will go to your provider to support care planning. This applies even if you choose to self-manage.
If your needs change, you may qualify for short-term programs like the Restorative Care Pathway or End-of-Life Pathway, which offer additional funding and support.
If you’re currently receiving in-home care services under the Home Care Package program, there’s no immediate action required — you will automatically transition to the new Support at Home program from 1 July 2025. Your provider will contact you before then to explain any service or agreement updates.
In the meantime:
If you have any questions or need support planning your transition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at (02) 4089 3000.
Do you have any other questions?
At Home Care Assistance Newcastle, we’re here to help you navigate changes to your in-home care services. As a trusted provider of residential aged care in the region, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care services that meet the evolving standards set by the Australian Government.
Let us help you continue to live safely and confidently at home — now and in future. Call us at (02) 4089 3000 to discuss your in-home aged care options with our team.
No, if you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, you’ll automatically transition to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025. You’ll keep the same funding level and your current provider, and your existing unspent funds will carry over. You won’t need a new assessment unless your care needs change. The “no worse off” principle ensures your financial contributions will stay the same or decrease under the new system.
If you have unspent funds from your Home Care Package, these will carry over when you transition to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025. You can continue using these funds for approved services or for assistive technology and home modifications if needed. These funds aren’t time-limited and will only be used once your new quarterly Support at Home budget — including any rollover — has been fully allocated.
If your care needs change after 1 July 2025, you can request a reassessment to move to a higher classification in the Support at Home program. To do this, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or speak directly with your current provider, who can arrange a Support Plan Review on your behalf. If approved, your care budget and service plan will be updated to reflect your new needs.
The Support at Home program includes many in-home aged care services. These fall under clinical care (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy), independence support (e.g., personal care, medication help), and everyday living services (e.g., cleaning, gardening, meal prep). Depending on your assessed needs, you can also access assistive technology, home modifications, restorative care, and end-of-life support.
Most people will pay the same or less under Support at Home. If you were receiving a Home Care Package or assessed as eligible on or before 12 September 2024, the “no worse off” rule applies. Clinical care services remain fully funded, while moderate contributions apply to personal care and equipment. Higher contributions may apply to domestic services, but your provider will explain costs clearly in your service agreement.