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Support at Home Program Overview: A New Era of Aged Care in Australia
- Shubham Kafle
- May 16, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 11
As Australia’s population ages, the need for quality, accessible, and flexible aged care is growing rapidly. To address the evolving needs of older Australians, the government is introducing the Support at Home Program—a transformative initiative aimed at improving how care services are delivered and managed. Replacing the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), the Support at Home Program is designed to be more straightforward, person-centred, and adaptable to individual needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down what the Support at Home Program is, how it differs from existing programs, who it’s for, and what it means for older Australians, caregivers, and service providers.
Table of Contents
What is the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home Program is an upcoming aged care initiative by the Australian Government set to begin on 1st July 2025. It aims to streamline and unify in-home aged care services under a single framework, offering older Australians more flexibility, transparency, and personal choice. Although the Support at Home Program was initially scheduled to launch earlier, the government has officially delayed its rollout until 1 November 2025, allowing more time for providers and recipients to prepare.
The Support at Home Program will replace three current systems:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)
By integrating these services, the Support at Home Program is designed to make aged care easier to navigate, reduce administrative complexities, and deliver more tailored, flexible support for older Australians living at home.
This reform responds directly to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which highlighted the need for a more consumer-focused system.
Why is the Change Needed?
Under the current model, older Australians face:
Long waitlists for Home Care Packages (some waiting over 6-12 months for services)
Confusing overlap between CHSP and HCP services
Unclear eligibility criteria and funding pathways
Inconsistent pricing across providers
Many older Australians are left wondering what their home care package really includes and how it differs from other options like CHSP. These long wait times can delay critical care for seniors, increasing the risk of hospitalisation or rapid health decline.
The Support at Home Program aims to tackle this by introducing:
A more efficient integrated assessment tool
Immediate access to some support while awaiting full assessment results.
The result? Faster service delivery and reduced delays in receiving essential care.
The Support at Home Program will:
Consolidate funding and services into one plan
Introduce a single assessment process
Enable tailored service planning through 8 flexible support levels
Improve clarity on pricing and participant contributions
By streamlining access and increasing choice, the system better supports independence, safety, and dignity at home.
Primary Objectives of the Support at Home Program
The key goals of the new program are to:
Provide a single point of access to in-home aged care services
Enable individualised support planning
Simplify service assessment and funding models
Promote consumer choice and control
Ensure value for money and quality assurance
Key Features of the Support at Home Program
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this program unique.
1. Individualised Support Plans
Every older Australian eligible for care will receive a personalised support plan tailored to their specific needs. This ensures that care is holistic and focused on maintaining independence and well-being at home.
2. Transparent Pricing
One of the major criticisms of the HCP system is its unclear pricing structure. The new program will feature a standardised pricing list, helping consumers understand exactly what services cost and allowing for better comparison across providers.
3. Streamlined Assessment Process
Instead of separate assessments for CHSP and HCP, the Support at Home Program will use a unified assessment tool to determine a person’s care needs and the level of funding they’re eligible for.
4. Greater Flexibility in Service Delivery
Under the new system, older Australians can mix and match services to suit their lifestyle, from help with meals and cleaning to nursing care and physiotherapy—all under one plan.
5. Choice of Providers
Older people can choose their own providers, compare options, and switch easily if they're unhappy, fostering a more competitive and quality-driven market.
Differences Between Support at Home and Home Care Packages
One of the biggest changes under the Support at Home Program is how care and funding will be structured compared to the older Home Care Packages (HCP) system. While HCP relied on four rigid care levels and varied pricing models, Support at Home is designed to be far more flexible, needs-based, and easier to understand. Below is a side-by-side comparison to help clarify how the two systems differ:
Feature | Home Care Packages (HCP) | Support at Home Program |
Program Structure | Four rigid package levels | Flexible individual support levels |
Assessment | Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) | Centralised, streamlined assessment |
Funding | Fixed package amount | Based on assessed individual needs |
Pricing | Varies by provider | Transparent and standardised |
Service Range | Limited and predefined | Wide and flexible service options |
Switching Providers | Often complex | Easier with consumer control |
Eligibility Criteria & Assessment Process
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria will remain broadly similar to the Home Care Package. Australians aged 65 and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who need support to live independently at home, may qualify for services.
To be eligible, individuals must:
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have functional limitations that impact their ability to perform daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, shopping, cooking, mobility, or medication management
Be living at home (not in residential aged care) and want to remain in their own home
Require ongoing or short-term support based on health, safety, or social vulnerabilities
Assessments will also consider:
Chronic conditions or disabilities
Cognitive decline (e.g., dementia)
Risk of falls, isolation, or malnutrition
Social support availability
Eligibility isn’t just about age—it’s about need. If you or your loved one is struggling with day-to-day living, you may qualify for tailored support under this program.
Assessment Process
When the Support at Home program begins, three groups of Australians will be eligible:
People over the age of 65
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50
People over the age of 50 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Assessments for care will occur through Australia’s new Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). Introduced in July 2024, the IAT enables assessors to gather essential information and deliver more tailored, accurate recommendations.
Types of Services Available
The Support at Home Program will cover a broad range of services, including personal care, domestic assistance, and nursing support. A detailed overview of the full range can be found in this simplified guide to the Support at Home service list.
Category | Sample Services |
Showering, grooming, dressing, continence support, medication reminders | |
House cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal prep | |
Lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, smoke alarm checks, minor repairs | |
Social visits, group activities, transport to medical appointments | |
Grab rails, ramps, personal alarms, mobility aids, home modifications |
Services are tailored to individual needs following an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment.
Support at Home Levels Explained
The old HCP model offered 4 levels of care. The new Support at Home Program provides
8 support levels, making care more personalised. Here’s how they break down:
Level 1: Occasional help (e.g., a cleaning visit every few weeks)
Level 2–3: Low-level support like weekly domestic help or transport
Level 4–5: Moderate needs, e.g., personal care a few times a week
Level 6–7: High support such as daily assistance with hygiene, mobility
Level 8: Intensive care, including clinical nursing and therapy services
Tip: Clinical services (like nursing or physiotherapy) are offered based on clinical need and sit outside these levels.
This granular model allows for finer adjustments based on real-life care needs and ensures a smoother progression as care needs change.
Transparent Pricing & Contributions
Under the Support at Home Program, pricing is government-regulated to ensure fairness and predictability. Here's a general guide:
Service Type | Govt. Subsidy | Participant Pays |
Clinical Care | 100% | $0 |
Personal Care | 80-90% | 10-20% |
Domestic Help | 75-85% | 15-25% |
Social Support | 80% | 20% |
Equipment | 100% for essentials | $0 |
Example: A $15/hour personal care service may be subsidised by $12, with a $3 co-payment.
Consumer Protections
The Support at Home Program introduces strong consumer protections to ensure that individuals receiving care are treated fairly, charged appropriately, and empowered to make informed choices. These safeguards are designed to create a consistent experience for all users, regardless of their provider.
No hidden or exit fees
Standardised pricing across providers
Right to dispute unauthorised charges
These safeguards ensure transparency and protect older Australians from overcharging.
Additional Resources about ‘Support at Home’
Fact Sheet on Support at Home: This fact sheet offers a concise overview of the Support at Home program starting on 1 July 2025, including participant contributions: Support at Home Fact Sheet.
Government Resources and Webinars: Explore general information about the Support at Home program, details on upcoming webinars, and more: Support at Home Program Overview.
Our Guide to Upcoming Changes: For a detailed explanation of the upcoming changes to in-home aged care and how they may impact you, visit our blog: Upcoming Changes to In-Home Aged Care: What You Need to Know.
Real Stories from Our Clients
The upcoming Support at Home program is designed to provide tailored and accessible care services to older Australians.
At My Companionship, we understand how crucial compassionate and professional support is to improve the quality of life for our clients. But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our clients have to say:
“I have found the staff of MC to be kind, courteous, and always willing to help wherever and whenever they can. I always feel so much better when they are around and look forward to my Companionship days.”– Beryl Howard
“My Companionship has provided me with my best experience far in aged care. The support workers have changed my life. They even help me take care of my dogs!”– J.L. Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the Support at Home Program start?
The program is scheduled to begin on 1st July 2025.
2. What happens to existing HCP or CHSP recipients?
Existing clients will be transitioned into the new program. The government is working to ensure a smooth transfer without interruption to services.
3. Will I need to reapply?
If you are already receiving aged care services, you won’t need to reapply. However, you may undergo a new assessment to determine the appropriate level of support under the new system.
4. Can I still choose my provider?
Yes! One of the main features of the program is consumer choice—you can select and switch providers based on your preferences.
Our team is dedicated to offering the care and support you need to live independently and confidently. With the introduction of the Support at Home program, we are excited to continue delivering these personalized services under the new framework.
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