Why Support at Home?
The current aged care system can be complex and fragmented. Support at Home aims to fix that by:- Combining the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs into one streamlined system.
- Offering more flexibility in how care is funded and delivered.
- Improving access to services, equipment, and home modifications.
What’s New? Here are the key changes you’ll see under Support at Home:
- One Program: No more juggling between HCP and STRC—everything is under one roof.
- Quarterly Budgets: Funding is based on your needs and delivered every three months.
- Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM): Up to $15,000 available for mobility, safety, and communication aids.
- Tailored Support: Eight new funding levels replace the old four-tier system.
- Special Pathways: Includes Restorative Care and End-of-Life support options.
- Fair Contributions: Fees based on income and assets, with protections for existing participants.
Service Categories
Support at Home services are grouped into three easy-to-understand categories:- Clinical Care – Nursing, allied health, nutrition.
- Independence – Personal care, transport, social support.
- Everyday Living – Cleaning, home maintenance, meals.
New Funding Classifications
Here’s a quick look at the new eight levels of support:| Level | Qrtrly Funding* | Annual Funding* | Examples |
| 1 | $2,674 | $10,698 | Light housework, meal delivery |
| 2 | $3,995 | $15,982 | Dressing assistance, medication reminders |
| 3 | $5,480 | $21,920 | Personal care, transport |
| 4 | $7,386 | $29,545 | Daily care, allied health |
| 5 | $9,884 | $39,535 | Nursing, complex coordination |
| 6 | $11,989 | $47,957 | High-level clinical support |
| 7 | $14,531 | $58,122 | Intensive weekly support |
| 8 | $19,427 | $77,709 | End-of-life care |
*Funding figures a are approximate amounts effective from 1 November 2025 and are subject to change in March and September each year in line with indexation.
How does it compare to Home Care packages?
| Feature | HCP | SAH |
| Funding Levels | 4 fixed levels | 8 flexible classifications |
| Budget Type | Annual | Quarterly |
| Assessment | ACAT | Single Assessment System |
| Flexibility | Limited | High – choose services |
| Assistive Tech | Limited | Up to $15,000 available |
| Care Management Fees | Variable | Capped at 10% |
Who’s Affected?
Grandfathered Participants
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Approved before 12 Sept 2024
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Automatically transitioned
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Keep current funding and services
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Protected by “no worse off” guarantee
Transitional Participants
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Approved between 12 Sept 2024 and 31 Oct 2025
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Continue under HCP rules until Nov 2025
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Then move to Support at Home with quarterly budgets
New Participants
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Approved after 1 Nov 2025
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Start directly under Support at Home
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Assessed using the new system