From 1 November 2025, Home Care Packages ceased to exist and have been replaced by the Support at Home Program. If someone had an existing Home Care package prior to this time, they will transition into the new Support at Home Program.
Both programs are intended to allow older Australians to continue to live at home with some government assistance. However, Support at Home is structured differently than Home Care Packages and there will be different funding levels, what can be funded, contribution costs and process for accessing each type of service.
Below is a summary of the changes that occurred and what the implications of those changes will mean for participants.
At a glance: Support at Home vs Home Care Packages
| Support at Home (Current) | Home Care Package (Old) | |
| Status | Active from 1 November 2025 | Closed 31 October 2025 |
| Funding levels | 8 classifications | 4 levels |
| Maximum annual funding | ~$78,000 (Classification 8) | ~$59,593 (Level 4) |
| Budget period | Quarterly | Annual |
| Clinical care costs | Fully government-funded | Drawn from your package budget |
| Assessment | Single Assessment System | ACAT or RAS (separate bodies) |
| Fee structure | Capped and regulated | Provider-set; often 20–40% of budget |
1. Funding levels: 4 became 8
There are 8 classifications for Support at Home compared with the previous 4 for Home Care Packages.
One of the biggest shortcomings of the previous system was that there was a large gap in support between Level 2 and Level 3. A number of individuals received excessive or inadequate funding as a result of this lack of a “middle level” within the system.
Support at Home provides more detailed options for assessors to use when matching actual needs with available funding.
Home Care Package levels (now closed):
| Level | Annual funding (approx.) | Care profile |
| Level 1 | $10,271 | Basic needs |
| Level 2 | $18,063 | Low-level needs |
| Level 3 | $39,310 | Intermediate needs |
| Level 4 | $59,593 | High-level needs |
Support at Home classifications (current):
| Classification | Quarterly budget (approx.) | Annualised (approx.) |
| 1 | $3,000 | $12,000 |
| 2 | $4,500 | $18,000 |
| 3 | $6,750 | $27,000 |
| 4 | $9,750 | $39,000 |
| 5 | $12,750 | $51,000 |
| 6 | $15,750 | $63,000 |
| 7 | $18,750 | $75,000 |
| 8 | $19,500 | $78,000 |
Figures are indicative based on Department of Health and Aged Care guidance. Verify current amounts at myagedcare.gov.au.
The total yearly funding for each participant has increased from approximately $59,593 under a Level 4 package to $78,000 under Classification 8. There are now more classifications which means more participants will be able to receive an appropriate amount of funding that is consistent with their needs, instead of being required to round up to the next available package.
What level am I now?
There is not an exact conversion from Home Care Package levels to Support at Home classifications. Your Support at Home classification was based upon your assessed needs as of the date you made the transition into this program, not upon converting directly from your previous package level. As a general guide:
| Previous HCP level | Likely SAH classification |
| Level 1 | Classification 1–2 |
| Level 2 | Classification 2–3 |
| Level 3 | Classification 4–5 |
| Level 4 | Classification 6–7 |
If it appears your classification does not accurately reflect your needs, contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) to ask for a review.
2. Services are now organised into three categories
Under a Home Care Package, all services draw from one funding pool. Therefore, whether it was cleaning, personal care, physiotherapy or nursing, they were all funded in the same manner.
Support At Home treats each type of service separately. Funding is determined based upon the type of service provided. This will determine how much the Government contributes and how much participants have to contribute.
Clinical Care (Nursing, Wound Management, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry): Fully funded by the Government. There is no contribution needed.
Independence Support (Personal Care: showering, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance): Means tested. Depending on income and assets assessed by Services Australia, participants may be required to make a contribution.
Everyday Living (Cleaning, Gardening, Meal Preparation, Social Assistance): The highest co-contribution tier. The Government contributes to a portion of this cost. People who are financially able to contribute more are expected to do so.
One of the main differences in terms of application is that under previous systems there was no distinction made between an allied health treatment session and having someone clean your home. With Clinical Care being fully funded by the Government, your classification budget can now be used towards supporting your independence through personal care and household maintenance.
Your out-of-pocket expenses may also decrease if you require mostly Nursing or Allied Health services. On the other hand, if your needs are primarily domestic assistance, then your contribution rates could increase.
3. The budget is now quarterly, not annual
Under the Home Care Package, your budget was managed on an annual basis. Unspent funds were carried over in your account yearly and some people have accumulated a sizeable balance.
With Support at Home, your budget is reset quarterly. You may only carry forward unused funds up to 10% of the quarterly funding amount or $1000 whichever is greater.
This changes how you plan for care. It’s not a gradual bank balance that you draw down. It is a use it or lose it quarterly allocation. It is also recommended that you work with your care provider at the start of each quarter to schedule services that will maximise your full quarterly allocation.
If you are consistently using less than your full allocation, that could also be indicative to assessors that your classification level may be higher than your actual needs which could lead to a reassessment.
4. Three new short-term pathways were added
Support at Home has three Short-Term Pathways that are an addition to your Classification Budget. There was no similar option available under Home Care Packages.
Restorative Care Pathway
The Restorative Care Pathway is designed to provide individuals with an intensive allied health focus over 16 weeks. Funding for this pathway is estimated to be around $6,000-$12,000. The focus of this pathway is to assist individuals recover from a fall, hospitalisation, surgery etc. With the goal of providing individuals with the ability to regain their independence and/or functionality.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Pathway offers funding for both equipment and home modifications which will enable individuals to continue living independently at home. Examples of the type of equipment/modifications include but are not limited to: mobility aids, bathroom grab rails, ramps etc. All of which have been shown to assist in reducing the risk of falls and promote independent living.
In the past, these types of items were funded through the individual’s package funds, therefore competing with all other care services. The AT-HM Pathway allows for equipment/modifications to be separated from the individual’s daily care service funding.
End-of-Life Pathway
The End-Of-Life Pathway will offer up to $25,000 in funding for a period of approximately 12 weeks for individuals wishing to live in their last few months of life. This pathway will fund additional care, equipment and support above what an individual’s classification budget would normally cover. An assessment by a qualified practitioner is required prior to eligibility being established.
5. The assessment process changed
Under the old system, assessment depended on your level of need. The lower level needs were assessed by Regional Assessment Service (RAS) and higher needs were assessed by Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT).
If there were changes in your needs during this period, you may be referred back for another assessment to possibly an entirely different assessor and you would start again from where you left off.
Support at Home has introduced the Single Assessment System as replacement for the above. The new system is designed so that one organisation will assess every level of need including a high level of care. There will be only one referral and only one process with the same organisation continuing to work with you should your needs change in future.
6. Fees are now capped and regulated
Under Home Care Package, Care Providers have been allowed to set their administration and care management fees. The cost typically ranges anywhere from 20% to 40% of the total value of each package, which means on a Level 4 package, $15,000 to $24,000 could go to the Provider before a single service was delivered.
Support at Home has introduced a cap of 10% on Care Management fee and no more Package Management fee. As such, providers can no longer set their own Care Management rates. The pricing model under Support at Home is also required to be transparent and broken down into each itemised component.
7. What didn’t change
A number of things are staying the same and useful to know about:
Existing recipients were automatically transitioned. Every person on a Home Care Package was moved onto Support at Home on 1 November 2025. No reapplication, no forms, no gap in services. The same provider continued, the same services ran.
The “no worse off” principle applies to contributions. If you were not paying an income-tested care fee under your Home Care Package, you won’t be required to pay one under Support at Home, provided you meet the conditions: generally, remaining with the same provider and not requesting a new assessment. This protection applies to what you pay, not to the level of care you receive.
CHSP remains separate for now. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme, which provides entry-level support for people with lower-level needs, is not part of Support at Home yet. It will transition no earlier than July 2027. If someone is on CHSP, the November 2025 changes don’t directly affect them.
My Aged Care is still the starting point. Whether you’re new to the system or reviewing your current situation, myagedcare.gov.au and 1800 200 422 remain the primary entry points for registrations, assessments and queries.
What to do next
If you were already on a Home Care Package: check your transition letter from My Aged Care to confirm your classification number and quarterly budget. If you can’t find it, call 1800 200 422. Then ask your provider for a quarterly care plan so you understand exactly what services are scheduled, what they cost and what your remaining budget is.
If you’re new to aged care: register with My Aged Care online or by phone. A needs assessor will visit you at home. Be honest about what you’re finding difficult; the assessment directly determines your funding classification.
If you’re considering switching providers: you can change providers at any time. Check your service agreement for notice period requirements and confirm with Services Australia that any grandfathered fee protections won’t be affected before you make the move.
Frequently asked questions
Is Support at Home the same as a Home Care Package?
No. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. The structure is different in Support at Home. There are eight classifications instead of four levels, quarterly budgets instead of annual, fully funded clinical care and capped care management fees.
Do I need to reapply?
No. The transition was automatic. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 if you’re not sure what classification you’re on.
Will I pay more?
It depends on your service mix. Clinical care is now fully government-funded, so people who use nursing or allied health may pay less. Domestic services carry the highest co-contribution. Ask your provider for a written breakdown.
What’s the difference between Support at Home and CHSP?
CHSP provides entry-level, occasional support. Support at Home is for people needing regular, coordinated care across multiple services. CHSP stays separate until at least July 2027.
What happens to unspent quarterly funds?
Up to $1,000 or 10 percent of your quarterly budget rolls over, whichever is greater. Everything above that cap is lost. Plan your services at the start of each quarter to avoid waste.
What does Support at Home not cover?
Rent, utility bills, personal holidays, pet care (unless a certified assistance animal), non-prescribed medications, cosmetic home renovations and personal technology devices. When in doubt, check with your provider before purchasing.
