The Home Care Package program is changing to Support at Home. Here’s what that means for current recipients.
Support at Home is Coming – What You Need to Know
From 1 November 2025 (delayed from 1 July 2025), the Australian Government will introduce a new aged care program called Support at Home.
This new program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) program. If you already receive a Home Care Package, or are approved for one by 31 October 2025, you don’t need to worry — you’ll automatically move into the new program. There’s no need to reapply or be reassessed unless you wish to.
What’s Changing – and What’s Staying the Same
You’ll still get the same care and services you need, and your current funding level will stay the same.
From November 2025:
- Your budget will be paid every three months instead of monthly.
- You’ll also have access to four new short-term funding options if your care needs change:
- Assistive Technology – For helpful equipment like personal alarms, walkers, or shower chairs.
- Home Modifications – For safety upgrades such as ramps, grab rails, and non-slip flooring.
- Restorative Care – Short-term support to help you recover or regain strength after illness or injury.
- End-of-Life Care – Extra help to stay comfortable at home if you are nearing the end of life.
If you have unspent funds in your current HCP as of 31 October 2025, they will carry over into the new program. However, under Support at Home, future unspent funds will be capped — you can only roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is higher).
Changes to Fees and Budgeting
Some fees will look different under Support at Home:
The Package Management fee will be removed.
Care Management will still be available (help with planning and coordinating your care), but it will be capped at 10% of your budget and only charged when these activities are delivered.
Our service prices will be adjusted slightly to include what was previously covered by the package management fee. The new pricing list is attached with this letter for your reference.
You will continue to receive clear and easy-to-read monthly statements showing exactly how your budget is being used.
Want to See How It Might Affect you?
You can try the Government’s Support at Home Fee Estimator to get an idea of your future fees:
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
If You’re Struggling to Pay
If paying your contribution causes financial stress, you can apply for Financial Hardship Assistance through Services Australia using form SA462.
We can help you with this process. While your application is being assessed, your contributions will be paused.
What Happens Next
You don’t need to take any action right now. In the coming weeks, your Care Partner will contact you to arrange a meeting with you and your support person to review your budget, care plan, and service agreement.
We Are Here to Support You
We know change can be confusing, but please be assured:
- Your services will continue
- Protections are in place for current HCP clients
- We’ll support you every step of the way
If you have questions or want to discuss your situation, please contact your Care Partner or call our team on 1300 122 730.
Additional information is also available at:
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/upcoming-changes-aged-care-funding-how-they-affect-you
Feedback on our services
Below is a summary of what the Department has released about changes for current HCP recipients.
How to stay updated
The Department are still finalising the Support at Home program design, and changes are ongoing.
Direct Care Australia is working through the requirements of the new program as they are announced to help enable a smooth transition for the people we support and their families.
To get the latest updates from the Department of Health and Aged Care about the aged care reforms, including Support at Home, subscribe to the Aged newsletter or visit the Support at Home website.
