FAQs

Support at Home will begin on 1 July 2025, replacing the Home Care Package (HCP) and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. 

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) continue for the time being, but will be replaced and join the Support at Home program no earlier than 1 July 2027. Those who receive CHSP funding and services will continue with their current program before transitioning to Support at Home at a later date. 

This staged approach gives providers time to adjust their business operations to cater to the new program. 

No, you do not need to take any action.  Your HCP funding and services will continue uninterrupted. However, from 1 July 2025, you will begin to receive a quarterly budget, which will replace the monthly arrangement. The quarterly budget amount will be the equivalent to your current HCP level.  

This is a common term used in Aged Care referring to current Home Care Package recipients and the provisions that enable a person to continue to have their circumstances assessed under the ‘old rules‘, so they are not disadvantaged. 

No. Existing unspent funds that HCP clients have accumulated will be preserved and you can access these when you have fully utilised your quarterly budget. Any funds accrued under the Home Care Package Program are not subject to quarterly rollover limits. 

If your care needs change and you believe you require a higher HCP level with additional funding for in-home care, you will need to undergo a reassessment. If you are approved for a higher package level and budget, it will be aligned with one of the new Support at Home classifications and you will transition fully into the SAH program. 

The government is instilling a no worse off principle to ensure certainty  and consistency for people already in the Aged Care system. The no worse off principle will apply to people already receiving a package, or on the waiting list on 12 September 2024. This will mean: 

• When Support at Home begins on 1 July, current HCP clients will retain their same level of funding and any unspent funds 

• Those on the National Priority waitlist who are waiting for their funding to begin, will retain their same level of funding 

• Existing HCP clients that do not pay an ITF (Income-Tested care Fee contribution), will continue to make no contributions for the remainder of their time in SAH 

• Existing HCP clients that do pay an ITF will transition into SAH with special discounted arrangements if it is deemed they will be impacted financially under the new co-contribution arrangements 

• HCP recipients will share in the new SAH benefits, such as capped pricing, removal of Package Management fee and Case Management fee. 

If you have registered with My Aged Care and have been moved to a waiting list for an assessment, you will remain on the waiting list and retain your position.  When you are notified of your assessment appointment you will undertake your assessment using the SAH single assessment process. 

Following your assessment, if you are approved for in-home care, you will begin your program under the new Support at Home system. 

If you have had an assessment and were added to the National Priority System on/after 12 September 2024, you will retain your position on the list.  Once your funding is approved, you will transition to Support at Home, along with your approved funding level. You will not need to undertake another assessment.  

Following your assessment and pending your eligibility, you will receive a Support Plan and Notice of Decision. This will include your funding classification. 

There are 8 Support at Home funding classifications ranging from $11,000 at Level 1, up to $78,000 annually at Level 8.   

With 8 classification levels, allocation of funding can better target the aged care needs of participants, with the ability to be re-assessed into higher levels as their needs change. 

Under the new Support at Home program, the Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) Scheme provides funding across three tiers, based on individual needs. Each tier offers specific financial support for necessary modifications and technology to enhance safety and independence at home. Funding is capped at levels of $500, $2000 and $15,000.  AT-HM Scheme can cover support categories ie. self-care, mobility, communication. 

For all funding tiers, expenditure must be used within 12 months and funding cannot accrue over time.    

In addition to the 8 funding classes for Support at Home, there are 2 short-term care pathways -Restorative Care Pathway and the End-of-Life Pathway. 

• Restorative Care Pathway helps people to regain function and improve independence, after a set-back impacts their everyday activities.
  
  Clients receive a budget for $6k (or up to $12k if needed) for a 12 week episode. Examples of Restorative Care are sessions with an exercise physiologist, nutritional advisory services, educational program on home risks.
    
• End-of-Life Pathway funds provide access to additional services in the last 3 months of life so people can remain at home. A total of $25,000 will be available per eligible participant over a 3 month period, with a total of 16 weeks to use the funds to provide additional flexibility. 

Budget quarters are: 

• July to September 

• October to December 

• January to March 

• April to June 

Under Support at Home you will receive a quarterly statement (every 3 months) in line with your budget. 

If you are a current HCP recipient, you will continue to receive a monthly statement, even though your budget comes quarterly.  It is likely that you will also receive a quarterly statement (in addition to your monthly statement) that will assist you with reconciling your HCP spend. 

When undergoing the Support at Home Assessment, an applicants income and assets will also be assessed (Aged Pension means test) to determine their ability to financially contribute to their care.  Taking this into consideration, the contribution rate will depend on the supports and services a client receives.  

Clinical Supports category will not attract any contribution (eg. nursing, physiotherapy).  The Government will fund all clinical care. 

Independence service category (eg personal care) will attract a moderate contribution, including products and equipment under the AT-HM Scheme.  This will vary depending on a clients means. 

Everyday living category will attract the highest level of participant contribution (eg. domestic services and gardening), and the amount of contribution will also depend on an individuals financial means. 

Full pensioners will generally pay lower contributions compared to self-funded retirees.  

Existing HCP recipients that do not pay an income-tested care fee (ITF) will continue to make no contributions for the remainder of their time in Support at Home. Existing HCP care recipients that do pay income-tested care fees will transition into Support at Home with special discounted contribution arrangements under the No Worse Off policy. 

See Co-Contributions section in page above.

The changes to Home Care Packages are a result of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The goal is to create a fairer, more responsive system that improves wait times and access to care, allowing more people to live independently at home. There is an added focus on early intervention and goal-orientated support. These changes reflect the needs and feedback of older Australians, care providers, and industry stakeholders. 

For more information see Support at Home price guidance for consumers – Community Care Review 

• Higher levels of care for those with complex needs who require more help to remain at home. 

• Increased annual funding and higher funding levels (for example the maximum annual funding level is increasing from current level of $61, 440 to $78,000 annually). 

• Capped service prices and removal of separate administrative fees (eg. program management and case management fees). 

• Reduced wait times targeting a 3 months maximum wait by July 2027. 

• Better access to preventative support through upfront funding of up to $15,000 for the Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) Scheme —funds that can be used for items like mobility aids and home adjustments without impacting the care budget. 

• Short Term Support to help older people improve or maintain their independence without the need of ongoing services. 

• An improved Restorative Care Pathway, providing hospital-to-home transition support for 8–12 weeks. 

• Access to a new End-of-Life Pathway that provides up to $25,000 in the final 3 months, supporting people to pass away at home with dignity. 

Apply for an assessment by visiting My Aged Care and follow the prompts, or call 1800 200 422. 

1. If your application is successful, you will be referred for an assessment. Assessments are done in person, at your own home. 
2. After your assessment for the Support at Home program, you will receive a notice of decision that will notify you of your eligibility. This will include a summary of care needs, funding classification level, goals, and/or approval for short term supports e.g. assistive technology, restorative support. 
3. You will be placed on the SAH Priority System waiting list. 
4. Once approved to receive your finding allocation, you can move forward in beginning services with a SAH service provider.  

SAH providers assist you to access the care, support and service delivery you need according to your approved support plan. They provide expertise in the aged care system and can ensure you receive quality support, your safety and any risks are always considered in delivery of support and they remain responsible for keeping up to date with government changes, regulations and standards.  

SAH providers can directly provide personal and clinical care and assist you in managing your Support at Home program through the services of a care partner (formerly known as a Case Manager). 

Talk with Prestige Inhome Care, let us work with you to develop an individual support plan that best suits your needs. 

A SAH provider will allocate you a Care Partner. Your Care Partner will work with you to help you decide what services you receive and how they will be delivered.  

Providers and care partners will:  

• Identify needs and develop care plans  

• Plan and coordinate services  

• Monitor, review and evaluate services and care plan outcomes 

• Evaluate your budget and monitor expenditure 

• Make referrals and transfers to other providers 

• Provide support & education on navigating the aged care system  

• If you are eligible, they will be responsible for sourcing any required assistive technology or home modifications through the AT-HM Scheme 

Providers are responsible for ensuring your needs are met and your quarterly budget is used effectively and responsibly.