Upcoming Changes to Aged Care: Support at Home Program
Effective Date: 1st November 2025
*We will continue to update this page as the Australian Government releases further information. *
At Belong at Home we are dedicated to helping you stay home, stay connected, and stay in control. If you are currently seeking support, please review our Home Care Package information or contact us.
With the upcoming changes to the current Home Care Packages (HCP) which is transitioning to the Support at Home program starting on 1st November 2025, we want you to know that Belong at Home will be there for you every step of the way. We will help you navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring you continue to receive the compassionate and reliable care you deserve.
Choose Belong at Home and let us support you on your home care journey, ensuring you live comfortably and confidently in the place you love most.
Overview:
The Aged Care Act 2024 will commence from 1st November 2025, introducing the Statement of Rights, Strengthened Quality Standards and New Protections. The Australian Government will also introduce the Support at Home program; a new model designed to streamline and enhance in-home aged care services. This program will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will also transition to this new system, but not before 1st July 2027.
Key Changes:
Expanded Support Levels
The new programme will offer eight levels of support, compared to the current four. This allows for more tailored care based on individual needs.
Quarterly Budgets
Funding will be allocated every three months instead of annually.
Approved Service List
You will have access to services based on your assessed need including:
- Everyday Living Support (e.g., cleaning, gardening, meal preparation).
- Clinical Care (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy)
- Independence Support (e.g., showering, dressing, mobility)
Short-Term Add-On Services
Additional funding will be available for specific needs such as restorative care, assistive technology or home modifications, and end-of-life care.
New Contribution Rules
Services Australia will assess contributions requirements based on when you entered the HCP Program and the fees you currently pay:
If you were allocated, on the National Priority System or assessed as eligible for an HCP before 12 September 2024:
- You will be grandfathered into the new system and won’t be financially worse off.
- If you did not pay an Income Tested Care Fee, you will still have no contributions.
- If you did pay an Income Tested Care Fee, your fees will not exceed the current Income Tested Care Fee. Services Australia will provide details on fees payable.
If you were approved for the HCP program after 12 September 2024:
- Services Australia will assess your income and assets, then send you a letter outlining your fee rate.
- The fees you pay will depend on your individual fee rate, the type of service you receive and the price of those services.
Care Management
Care management will be provided to all clients to promote your overall safety, wellbeing, health and quality of life.
How This Affects You:
Belong at Home will continue to provide you with updates on the progress of the new Act and implementation of Support at Home Program. When the details of the new Act are finalised, and closer to implementation date, we will review your individual circumstances with you and invite you to enter a new Service Agreement aligned with the new Act and program.
Resources from the Australian Government:
Open Letter from Minister for aged care and seniors – The Hon Sam Rae MP
Open letter to aged care providers from the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
- Support at Home Background
- Support at Home Program – A guide for older people in Australia, families and carers
- Support at Home Program – A guide for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and carers
- Support at Home Handbook
Service Lists:
- Services that can be delivered as part of Government funded aged care are detailed in the service lists:
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate these changes and ensure you receive the best possible care.
Belong at Home
Supporting your independence and well-being at home.