Understanding the Support at Home Program: Essential Insights for 2025

The Support at Home program, commencing on 1 July 2025, introduces a holistic approach to in-home aged care in Australia. Designed and implemented by the Australian Federal Government, this initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring older Australians can live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible. The support at home program offers streamlined classifications, equitable pricing, and enhanced focus on personalised support, the new program aims to make aging at home safer and more dignified.

At the heart of these reforms is the Aged Care Act 1997, which provides the legal framework to ensure these changes are grounded in fairness, transparency, and sustainability. The new support at home program represents a key part of the government’s efforts to modernise aged care services in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the growing needs of an aging population.

Why Were the Support at Home Reforms Introduced?

The Support at Home program represents a transformative shift in the aged care sector, addressing significant challenges in the current aged care system while better aligning with the support needs of older Australians.



1. Increasing Demand for In-Home Care

Australia’s population is aging rapidly, and many older individuals seek to remain in their homes rather than move into residential care. By 2035, an estimated 1.4 million Australians will require in-home support.

Why In Home Aged Care This Matters:

• Most older Australians prefer to age in place, maintaining their independence and community ties.
• Home-based care is often more affordable and desirable than residential aged care.
• The current system lacks the flexibility to adapt to older Australian's diverse and evolving needs.

The Aged Care Act enables reforms like the Support at Home program to address these challenges by ensuring a person-centred, adaptable approach to in-home care delivery.



Three Key Changes Under the Support at Home Program

1. Tailored Aged Care Funding with New Classifications and Budgets

The Support at Home program introduces a more refined funding structure, with eight classification levels replacing the four levels under the previous Home Care Packages Program. This ensures that aged care and services align with individual needs, as determined through an aged care assessment.

Key Details:

• Annual Budgets: Funding ranges from $11,000 (Classification 1) to $78,000 (Classification 8), based on care requirements.
• Quarterly Allocation: Budgets are divided into quarterly amounts, giving participants the flexibility to manage their aged care support and services.

Classification Levels and Quarterly Budgets:

1. Level 1: ~$3,000 per quarter (basic support for low care needs).
2. Level 2: ~$4,500 per quarter.
3. Level 3: ~$7,000 per quarter.
4. Level 4: ~$10,500 per quarter.
5. Level 5: ~$13,500 per quarter.
6. Level 6: ~$16,500 per quarter.
7. Level 7: ~$19,500 per quarter.
8. Level 8: ~$22,500 per quarter (comprehensive support for high care needs).



Why This Matters:

• Expanding to eight classifications enables more precise aged care delivery.
• Participants can adjust aged care services within their allocated budget as needs evolve.
• Unspent funds, up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, can roll over, ensuring value for participants.

2. Support for Home Modifications and Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme is a cornerstone of the program, enabling faster and more affordable access to vital aids and home improvements.

Key Features:

• Funding Tiers: Participants can access up to $500 for minor modifications (e.g., grab rails) or $15,000 for extensive changes (e.g., stairlifts).
• A new Assistive Technology Loans Scheme provides quick access to items like wheelchairs or walkers, with a trial already underway in NSW.
• Funding covers allied health consultations to ensure assistive technology's safe and effective use

Why This Matters:

• Modifications like widened doorways and ramps reduce fall risks and promote independence.
• Assistive technology, such as fall detectors, enhances safety and mobility.
• Participants no longer need to save funds from their budgets for modifications or equipment.

3. Focus on Early Interventions and Short-Term Supports

The Support at Home program emphasises preventative care to maintain independence and reduce reliance on long-term services.

Key Features:

• Restorative Care Pathway: Up to 12 weeks of allied health services to help participants regain function after illness or injury.
• End-of-Life Pathway: Provides up to $25,000 in funding for participants with less than three months to live, enabling dignified care at home.
• Upfront Supports: Prioritises early interventions, such as allied health services, assistive technology, and home modifications.



Why This Matters:

• Early interventions help participants maintain physical and mental health, reducing hospitalisations.
• Short-term supports like restorative care focus on rebuilding strength and independence.
• End-of-life supports allow individuals to remain at home with comprehensive care during their final months.

What Happens to Existing Home Care Package Recipients?

For individuals with existing Home Care Packages (HCPs), the transition to the Support at Home program has been designed to ensure minimal disruption and continuity of care. Here’s how it affects them:

1. Seamless Transition to the New Program

• Participants receiving Home Care Packages will automatically transition to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025.
• Their existing funding level will be aligned to one of the eight classifications under the new program, ensuring they continue to receive appropriate support.

2. Preservation of Existing Services

• Recipients will retain access to the same types of services they currently use, including personal care, domestic assistance, and nursing, but with added flexibility to adapt services as their needs evolve.

3. Unspent Funds Are Retained

• Any unspent funds from a participant’s Home Care Package will carry over into the Support at Home program, ensuring they can continue to use these funds for their care needs.

4. Budget Alignment

• Participants’ budgets will be adjusted to fit the new program’s quarterly structure, ensuring smoother fund management.

5. Greater Flexibility

• Under the Support at Home program, participants will have greater flexibility to adjust the mix of support services they receive within their allocated budget, empowering them to tailor their care to their changing needs.

6. Enhanced Focus on Preventative Care

• Existing recipients will gain access to features like Restorative Care Pathways, assistive technology, and home modifications, which may not have been readily available under HCPs.

7. No Worse Off Principle

• To protect current HCP recipients, the Australian Government has implemented a “no worse off” principle, ensuring that contributions under Support at Home will not exceed what they pay under the existing HCP structure.

Summary for Existing HCP Recipients

The transition to the Support at Home program has been carefully planned to protect the interests of existing Home Care Package recipients. They will experience:

• A smooth transfer to the new system.
• Preservation of existing services, with added flexibility.
• Retention of unspent funds.
• Access to new features like assistive technology and early intervention pathways.

This ensures that individuals can continue to receive the care they need without disruption while benefiting from the improvements and expanded new support options offered by the Support at Home program.



Transitioning from CHSP to Support at Home

Many Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) clients are transitioning to higher-level care as places in the Home Care Packages (HCP) program become available. To support this transition, the Australian Government has adopted a phased approach: