Australia’s Aged care system is entering a major period of change. From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the old Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care programs. This shift begins with the new Aged Care Act 2024. The goal of the program is to create a simpler, fairer, and more flexible way for older people to get help at home. It brings early support, stronger restorative care, and improved end-of-life care into one structure. It also gives providers clearer rules about funding, service types and registration. This guide explains the key parts of the program so you can understand what is changing and what it means for service delivery. So keep reading to know more!
What the Support at Home Program Does
The Support at Home program brings several aged care services together so that older Australians can stay in their homes for longer. Instead of separate systems, the program creates one pathway. People receive support based on their assessed needs, not on which program they entered earlier. It also includes a clearer service list, new funding rules and updated provider responsibilities. The focus is on practical care, predictable budgets and safe service delivery.
Key features include:
- A single program replacing Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care
- Eight funding classifications matched to levels of need
- A quarterly budget system
- Clear limits on care management costs
- A separate funding scheme for assistive technology and home modifications
- A new provider registration model
Funding Classifications and Budgets
The old four tier Home Care Package system is being replaced with eight funding classifications. People with basic needs receive a lower level of funded support, whereas People with higher clinical or personal needs receive a higher level. This structure makes the system easier for clients and more predictable for providers.
Budgets will be issued every quarter rather than every year. The goal is to promote timely spending while still allowing some carry over. Care management will have a clear ten percent cap. This means providers need to include care management in their service charges instead of using extra administration fees. Assistive technology and home modifications will not come out of the care budget. They will be assessed separately.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme sits beside the main Support at Home budget. It is designed so clients do not have to reduce their care support to pay for essential items. Funding is assessed by qualified health professionals. This includes occupational therapists who determine which items or changes are needed.
The scheme includes:
- Low level support under five hundred dollars
- Medium level support up to two thousand dollars
- High level support up to fifteen thousand dollars
- Wraparound support to help clients use equipment safely
- Annual allocations with some flexibility for complex needs
Items include walking frames, emergency alarms and hearing aids. Home changes include ramps, rails and other safety features.
Transition for Current Clients
People who already receive Home Care Packages will move into the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. They will not need a new assessment unless their needs change. Their funding level will match their current level. Contribution amounts will stay the same or may decrease as well. Any changes to contributions will be handled by Services Australia.
Providers must offer updated service agreements. These agreements should outline the new fees, contributions and support plans. The aim is to ensure that clients continue receiving care without interruption.
Provider Transition and Responsibilities
Current providers from the Home Care Package and Short Term Restorative Care programs will automatically become Registered Providers. Providers must understand the new requirements, including registration categories, funding classifications and care management rules. They should review the Strengthened Quality Standards and align their internal processes to meet them.
Providers must also update their service details in the Provider Portal. This includes fees, service types and care information. The government has supplied transition guides to support these changes.
Key tasks for providers:
- Review new registration expectations
- Update fees and service details
- Prepare new service agreements
- Communicate changes clearly to clients
- Align processes with the Aged Care Act 2024
What Services Are Included
The Support at Home Service List outlines all available supports. It includes three contribution categories, fourteen service types and forty nine services. These range from basic household help to complex clinical care.
Examples of services include:
- Domestic help
- Personal support
- Nursing care
- Allied health
- Transport
- Hoarding support
- Social connection activities
- Assistive technology and home modifications
The new Provider Registration categories group similar service types, which reduces the workload for providers and keeps service delivery safe.
Conclusion
The Support at Home program is one of the largest updates made to Australia’s aged care system. It aims to bring clarity, flexibility and fairness to home support. It gives older Australians a stronger chance to live safely and independently in their own homes. For providers, the changes mean new funding rules, new service lists and a clearer registration model. Preparing early is the best way to ensure smooth transition and strong service continuity. The more you understand the new structure, the easier it becomes to plan for your clients!
