No need for reassessment – Current HCP recipients will transition to Support at Home at their existing service level.
Budget stays the same – Recipients will receive a budget aligned with their current HCP level.
Flexibility in service choice – Clients can adjust their mix of approved services anytime with their provider.
No change for those on the waiting list – People waiting for an HCP will be automatically moved into Support at Home once a place is available.
Support at Home will have eight budget levels instead of the four Home Care Package levels. However, existing recipients will be allocated a budget that aligns with their current package level:
Each client will have one main provider responsible for arranging services within their budget.
Existing Home Care Package providers will automatically transition into the new program and can continue supporting their clients.
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme – Funding for approved equipment and home modifications without needing to save up from personal budgets.
Restorative Care Pathway – Short-term (up to 12 weeks) allied health support to help regain function and independence.
End-of-Life Pathway – Additional in-home care for clients with less than 3 months to live (up to $25,000 in funding over 16 weeks).
The government will continue funding aged care, but clients will contribute based on service type:
No cost for clinical services (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy).
Moderate contributions for personal care and assistive equipment.
Higher contributions for everyday services (e.g., cleaning, gardening).
The amount a client pays will depend on their age pension status, with full pensioners paying the least.
If you were receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System, or already assessed as eligible for a package as of 12 September 2024, a “no worse off” rule applies. This means:
You will not pay more in fees than you would have under the old HCP program.
Even if you are later re-assessed into a higher Support at Home level, your contributions will stay the same or be lower than they would have been under HCP.
This ensures fairness and protects existing HCP recipients from unexpected cost increases.
If you were receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) and had unspent funds as of 30 June 2025, you will keep these funds for use under the new Support at Home program.
Provider-Held Client Portion – These are funds held by your provider on your behalf. Providers can decide how to manage these funds, including returning them to you.
Commonwealth Portion – These funds may be held by the government, your provider, or both.
You can use these funds to:
This ensures that any remaining HCP funds continue to support your care needs under the new system.
Existing Home Care Package recipients will move to Support at Home automatically with their current budget and service level.
No reassessment needed unless care needs change.
More flexibility and improved access to short-term supports.
Providers will remain the same, ensuring continuity of care.
