Support At Home: What You Need to Know About the Changes

The Australian Government is making big changes to in-home aged care with the launch of the Support at Home program in July 2025 – to simplify the system, increase funding levels, and improve access to the support older Australians need to live independently at home for longer.

While the details are still emerging,  a lot of uncertainty remains and people naturally have questions about the impact it will have for Australians already receiving Home Care Packages, and those entering the system for the first time.  

Here, we provide a snapshot of the changes to make understanding the changes easier.

1. More funding levels to meet your needs as they change

One of the most significant changes under Support At Home is the introduction of higher funding levels for ongoing care. The new system ensures that as your health and support needs increase, the level of funding grows with you.

Under the Support At Home program, funding for ongoing services is organised into eight classification levels, determined through an aged care assessment:

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

This funding allows you to access a mix of services, including clinical care (e.g., nursing or physiotherapy), personal care (e.g., assistance with showering or dressing), and everyday living tasks (e.g., cleaning, gardening, and meal preparation).

Using Your Funding Effectively

A key feature of Support At Home is that funding is provided on a quarterly basis, and there are rules around carrying over unused funds:

• You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) into the next quarter.
• If you don’t use more than the allowable carry over amount, you risk losing access to those unspent funds.

This “use it or lose it” approach ensures that funding is directed toward immediate care needs and encourages participants to make full use of the services available to them. It also highlights the importance of working closely with your provider to manage your budget and plan services effectively throughout the quarter.

For example, if your quarterly allocation is $7,000 under Level 3, but you only use $5,000 during the quarter, you can carry over $1,000 into the next quarter. However, any remaining unspent funds beyond that $1,000 will not roll over.

2. No one will be worse off

A common concern with any change to aged care services is whether people currently receiving support will lose out. The government has addressed this through a “no worse off” principle:

• If you already have a Home Care Package or are waiting on one (as of 12 September 2024), you will transition to Support At Home with the same or lower financial contributions as you’re paying now.
• You won’t have to worry about paying more or losing access to the care you rely on.

This principle is designed to reassure older Australians and their families that the transition will be smooth and fair.

3. Dedicated funding for assistive technology & home modifications

In the past, accessing funding for assistive technology—like mobility aids, personal alarms, or home modifications—could be a slow and frustrating process. Under Support At Home, the government has introduced a dedicated Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.

Here’s how it works:

• Funding tiers ensure support is provided for needs of all sizes:
  Low level: $500 for small items like handrails or non-slip mats.
  Medium level: $2,000 for equipment such as walkers or mobility aids.
  High level: $15,000 (or more with evidence) for major home modifications like ramps or bathroom upgrades.
• This funding is separate from your quarterly care budget, meaning you won’t have to wait or sacrifice other services to access the equipment and changes you need.

This improvement ensures homes are safer, more accessible, and better suited to support independence.

4. A single assessment simplified assessment pathway

Navigating the aged care system can be overwhelming, particularly when you need support quickly. The new Support At Home program introduces a Single Assessment System to make the process simpler and faster.

Here’s what will change:

• Instead of multiple assessments for different programs, you’ll undergo one assessment through My Aged Care. If approved, you’ll receive a clear support plan with your approved classification level and funding details; a tailored list of services and supports that match your needs.
• If your needs change, you can request a re-assessment at any time.

This streamlined approach makes it easier to access care and ensures that as your circumstances evolve, your support does too.

5. Co-contributions: Addressing concerns about costs

One topic that’s raised some concern is the introduction of co-contributions for certain services under Support At Home. Unlike the current Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), where many services are fully subsidised, the new program requires some financial contributions based on income.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Clinical care services (like nursing or physiotherapy) will remain free.
• Independence services (e.g., personal care or transport) will require a moderate contribution.
• Everyday living services (e.g., gardening or cleaning) will have a higher co-contribution, as these services are not typically fully funded.

Contributions will be assessed based on your income and assets using the Age Pension means test. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will pay less than other self-funded retirees.

While this is a shift, the government’s aim is to ensure the program remains sustainable while continuing to prioritise essential services that keep people safe, independent, and out of residential care.

6. Snapshot of benefits of Support at Home

The Support At Home program brings a range of changes:

• Higher funding levels that scale with your needs to keep you at home longer.
• A “no worse off” principle to ensure fairness for current recipients.
• Dedicated funding for assistive technology and home modifications, improving access to essential aids.
• A streamlined Single Assessment Pathway, making it easier to access funding and services.
• Short-term pathways like Restorative Care and End-of-Life Care to provide timely support.

While co-contributions are a change, the government’s focus remains on providing affordable, flexible care to those who need it.

7. What next?

If you currently receive a Home Care Package or are on the waiting list, there’s no need to worry—your funding and care level will transfer automatically. For others, the process to apply for funding will remain largely the same, beginning with an assessment of your needs. Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 to learn more about eligibility and assessments.

While many remain uncertain about the impact of Support At Home and how it may affect in-home care, there are reasons for optimism. The higher funding levels, dedicated pathways for assistive technology, and simplified access through a single assessment process are all significant steps forward. These improvements aim to ensure that people can receive the right support, in the right way, at the right time—empowering them to live safely and independently at home for longer.